Charterhouse of the Transfiguration
The Charterhouse of the Transfiguration, located on Mt. Equinox in Sandgate, Vermont, is the sole Carthusian monastery in North America. Founded in 1960 and completed in 1970, it replaced earlier Carthusian foundations in Vermont. The monastery is situated on a significant land donation and was designed by Victor Christ-Janer & Associates, utilizing Vermont granite.
Key Facts
- ›It is the only Carthusian monastery in North America.
- ›Founded in 1960 and completed in 1970.
- ›Located on Mt. Equinox in Sandgate, Vermont.
- ›Sits on a 7,000-acre property donated by Joseph George Davidson.
- ›Designed by Victor Christ-Janer & Associates.
- ›Constructed from Vermont granite blocks.

Modern
Vermont Granite Construction
Fr. Thomas Verner Moore, Joseph George Davidson
About Charterhouse of the Transfiguration
The Charterhouse of the Transfiguration stands as the sole Carthusian monastery in North America, nestled on Mt. Equinox in Sandgate, Vermont. Its establishment in 1960, under the impetus of Fr. Thomas Verner Moore, marked a new chapter for the Carthusian order in the United States, with construction concluding in 1970. This modern foundation succeeded earlier Carthusian endeavors in Vermont, specifically the monastery at Sky Farm and Grace Farm near Whitingham, which Fr. Thomas had initiated in 1950.
The monastery's significant presence on Mt. Equinox is bolstered by its expansive 7,000-acre property, a generous donation from Joseph George Davidson, a retired executive with the Union Carbide Corporation. The architectural vision for the charterhouse was realized by Victor Christ-Janer & Associates, a firm from New Canaan, Connecticut. The buildings are characterized by their robust construction using Vermont granite blocks, reflecting a design that is both enduring and harmoniously integrated with its natural surroundings.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration located?
The Charterhouse of the Transfiguration is situated on Mt. Equinox in Sandgate, Vermont. This location makes it the only Carthusian monastery in North America.
When was the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration founded?
The monastery was founded in 1960 and its construction was completed in 1970. It was established under the initiative of Fr. Thomas Verner Moore.
What is the size of the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration property?
The monastery occupies a substantial 7,000-acre property. This land was generously donated by Joseph George Davidson, a retired executive from Union Carbide Corporation.
Who designed the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration?
The architectural design for the charterhouse was undertaken by Victor Christ-Janer & Associates, a firm based in New Canaan, Connecticut. The monastery's construction features Vermont granite blocks.
Did the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration replace an older monastery?
Yes, the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration superseded an earlier monastery known as the Charterhouse of Our Lady of Bethlehem. This previous foundation was located at Sky Farm and Grace Farm near Whitingham, Vermont, and was established by Fr. Thomas Verner Moore in 1950.
Related Monasteries

Abbey of New Clairvaux
The Abbey of New Clairvaux is a rural Trappist monastery established in 1955 by monks seeking a California foundation. Known for its austere contemplative life and the reconstruction of an 800-year-old Spanish chapter house, the abbey also cultivates prunes, walnuts, and grapes, and produces wine and Trappist-style beers. The community is part of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance.
Mount Saviour Monastery
Mount Saviour Monastery is a historic farm and monastery campus situated near Pine City, New York, recognized as part of a national historic district. Founded in 1950, it operates a working farm that has been in continuous use since 1865. The monastery is owned by the Benedictine Foundation of New York State and has also served as a point of origin for other monastic communities, notably the Monastery of Christ in the Desert.
Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery
Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located in Redwood Valley, California, belonging to the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in the 1980s, its primary focus is teaching Buddhist ethics and meditation as a path to ending suffering. The monastery, meaning 'fearless mountain,' has grown to encompass 280 acres of mountainous forest land and has developed significant infrastructure, including monastic huts, a Dhamma Hall, and a reception hall.