In 2021, Marvelwood completed a meaningful transformation of one of its most historic campus buildings, Skiff House, originally built in the early 1800s and once home to Peter Skiff, who lived there until his passing at age 102 in 1927. For many years after Marvelwood relocated to Kent from its original campus in Cornwall, the house served as the residence of the Head of School. But with the enthusiastic support of the Board of Trustees and a vision for creating an inviting gateway to campus, Head of School Blythe Everett P’14, ’16 repurposed the building to house Marvelwood’s Admission and Advancement offices.
The renovation was made possible through the generosity of a group of alumni from the 1960s, led by donor John Sargent ’64 and his wife, Susan. At their request, the building was named in honor of former English teachers Edwin and Ann Sundt, who made a lasting impression on students during their time at Marvelwood from 1963 to 1967.
“The Sundts were beloved teachers of English during their four-year tenure at Marvelwood, and this group of 17 alumni donors chose to honor their legacy by creating a space that would welcome prospective students to the Marvelwood family and continue to serve them as alumni in the years well beyond their graduation,” said longtime faculty member Glenn Sanchez P’18, ’19.
Since its reopening as the Sundt House, the building has been a warm and welcoming hub for Marvelwood’s Admission and Advancement teams, a place where prospective families begin their Marvelwood journey and where alumni return to reconnect. With cozy lounges, a reception area, a full kitchen, a sunny porch, a stone patio and a large shaded backyard, the house also serves as a venue for a wide variety of school events. Its versatile spaces offer an ideal setting for gatherings of all sizes, including adviser-advisee dinners, Enrichment Learning Saturdays, class agent senior brunch, winter ice skating, Chinese New Year celebrations, and receptions at each Family Weekend.
During Homecoming last fall, Sundt House hosted the dedication of its library in honor of Ray Ronshaugen, a longtime employee of Marvelwood in its earliest years and founder of the school’s Community Service program. Alumni, family, and friends enjoyed exploring the newly updated library, which now features year-round displays of photos, memorabilia, and yearbooks, welcoming alumni from every decade and both campuses to revisit their Marvelwood memories when they stop by for a visit to Skiff Mountain.
The interview room has also been thoughtfully transformed into a peaceful, inviting space, thanks to a vision brought to life by George Bard ‘71. He was inspired by his own experience of finding Marvelwood during a pivotal moment in his life. “For me,” George shared, “Marvelwood represented a glimmer of hope as my family and I navigated the hazy path to a school that would be the perfect fit for me. That road may be winding and challenging, but for those lucky enough to follow it to Marvelwood’s door, they will discover a warm and welcoming community built upon a belief in the transformative power and joy of learning, where dedicated teachers and cherished friends will join them on a shared journey to success.”
Whether through these recent improvements, meaningful tributes, or community gatherings, Sundt House continues to evolve while honoring the spirit of connection it was created to foster.
Looking Ahead
With the start of a new year, a newly commissioned portrait of Ann and Edwin Sundt, painted by Ed Martinez P'16, was installed in the main hallway. This portrait takes its place alongside those of Marvelwood's former heads of schools, further honoring the legacy of two educators who shaped the school’s early years and whose influence continues to resonate. The faculty have always been the heart of our school.
Next on the horizon is a redesign of the lobby space to reflect the vibrant life of today’s Marvelwood student. Plans include curated photo displays and a digital monitor, which has also been recently installed, to give prospective families and visiting alumni a glimpse into the dynamic, joyful experience of living and learning on Skiff Mountain.
With plans underway to further enhance the experience for students, alumni, and campus guests alike, Sundt House stands as a proud symbol of Marvelwood’s commitment to honoring its past while building toward the future.
We want to hear from you!
Did you know Edwin and Ann Sundt? Have a memory of the Skiff House or of a recent visit to the Sundt House? We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos. Email us at advancement@marvelwood.org and help us preserve the history and heart of this special place.
