Meet the Owners and Innkeepers of Heart of the Village
Historic Heart of the Village entered a new chapter under new ownership in 2026.
Alex Nalbach and Marc Vincent, and John and Donia Black bring their shared passions for Vermont history, hospitality, design, and community to this storybook Shelburne bed and breakfast.
Owners of Heart of the Village since 2026, your friendly and welcoming hosts are delighted to share the inn experience with you. Thoughtful, detail-oriented, quality-conscious, yet approachable and unpretentious, they are passionate and knowledgeable about this special corner of New England, and eager to make your stay with us unique and memorable.
Alex & Marc
Lifelong travelers themselves, Alex Nalbach and his husband Marc Vincent retired to Shelburne, Vermont in 2016, after professorships in world history and art history. They fell instantly in love with the town and the state: the spectacular natural beauty, four-season activities, storied architecture, sustainable small producers, and vibrant cultural offerings.
A passionate collector of antiques, and a sucker for anything with a good theme, Alex has poured his own heart into refurbishing Heart of the Village, while Marc has perfected his recipes for the sweet treats on offer each day. They have also devoted their time and resources to local libraries, theatre companies, museums, animal sanctuaries, orchestras, and the Green Mountain Club (which maintains the scenic Long Trail). If you have questions about what makes Vermont so special, don't hesitate to ask!
John & Donia
Having both grown up in Vermont, John and Donia have always felt a strong connection to the people, places, and communities that make the state special. Today, they call Chittenden County home, where life with their three children, dog, and bunny keeps things full and lively. They love to travel and experience new places, but coming home to Vermont always reminds them just how special it is.
Their shared appreciation for beautiful architecture, memorable spaces, and a great theme made the opportunity to partner with close friends Alex and Marc an easy yes. Together, they saw something special in Heart of the Village: a chance to showcase the very best of Vermont through hospitality, history, and community in the heart of Shelburne Village. For John and Donia, it is also an opportunity to give back to a community and state that have given them so much.