Rick & Annelies(55)

Annelies and I ran a boutique hotel in Arnhem for 25 years. The pandemic forced us to think about what we really wanted. Vermont had always attracted us: the fall foliage, the ski resorts, the local food culture. Through a hospitality broker we found a historic B&B in Stowe -- eight rooms, a barn and two hectares of forest. The purchase price was $780,000. With our E-2 Treaty Investor visa the investment more than qualified.

The E-2 process with an existing business was relatively straightforward. Our attorney prepared a business plan proving our 25 years of experience, making financial projections and demonstrating we would create employment. We employ two full-timers and three seasonal workers. USCIS approval came in four months. Total legal costs: $7,500. An investment that pays for itself when you consider a flawed application can cost you years.

Vermont is a microcosm of America. The state has only 640,000 residents -- fewer than Amsterdam. Everyone knows everyone. The local community embraced us quickly, partly because we provide employment in a region where it's scarce. The "buy local" culture is strong: our B&B serves breakfast with eggs from the neighbor, maple syrup from the farm down the road and bread from the local baker. That resonates with guests seeking authenticity.

The financial reality of a B&B in New England is seasonal. October (leaf peeping) and December-March (ski season) are our peak months. Summer is quiet. Our annual revenue is $320,000, of which about $80,000 remains after expenses. Not rich, but enough to live comfortably. Vermont has a relatively high state income tax (up to 8.75%) but no sales tax -- unique in the US. Property tax on our B&B is $12,000 per year, which is high but funds local schools and roads.

The biggest shock was health insurance. As self-employed entrepreneurs we buy our insurance on the Vermont Health Connect marketplace. Our Silver plan for two people costs $1,480 per month -- nearly $18,000 per year. The deductible is $3,500 per person. In the Netherlands we paid €280 per month together for basic insurance. The difference is staggering. We've learned to max out an HSA and fully utilize preventive care (which is free under the ACA).

After three years Stowe feels like home. The four seasons are spectacular -- the fall foliage really is as beautiful as in the photos, winters are picturesque and summers are mild. We miss Dutch gezelligheid and proximity to family. But the space, nature and freedom to run our own business are priceless. Our advice: a B&B in New England is a beautiful life choice, but don't expect to get rich. Seasonality, healthcare costs and property taxes eat into your margin. Maintain a buffer and a realistic business plan.