The Story Behind Kismet Properties Vermont
For as long as I can remember, the Mad River Valley has felt like home.
When I was little, my family rented vacation homes here every school break. I still remember those stays—one place even rang a bell each morning to call guests down for breakfast. I remember thinking, I want to do this someday—create a place that feels warm, easy, and taken care of.
By the time I was four, I was a Sugarbear at Sugarbush Ski School, and in 1986 my dad bought what was then a rough hunting camp. Over time, it became the center of our family—a place we kept coming back to.
After my father passed, I felt a pull to take care of the property and carry his work forward. At the same time, I realized how much of my kids’ day-to-day I was missing. Stepping into this work felt like both a risk and a necessity. It gave me a way to stay close to the place that mattered most to us and be more present with my family.
It’s been a full family effort ever since.
My husband, Tony—born and raised here in the Mad River Valley—handles the bigger projects and teaches me what I don’t know yet. Our three kids, Lucci, Vita, and Evalina (our “Italian triplets”) are usually nearby—sometimes deep in the woods, sometimes helping plant, carry, sweep, or fill nail holes. And during the week, I’m here—cleaning, repairing, restocking, tending the gardens, and working through whatever needs attention next.
We try to keep things simple but thoughtful. The goal is to take care of the details so you don’t have to think about them.
Beyond the property, we stay closely tied to the community—shopping local, supporting small businesses, and contributing where we can. This place only works because of the people and the valley around it.
Every part of Kismet has been shaped by time, effort, and a lot of hands. It’s a place we care about, and one we’re glad to share.
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Daisy Scarzello
Owner, Kismet Properties Vermont
Want the backstory of how we brought this place back to life? → Restoring Kismet