The Adams were never going to have a B&B. Never thought it was really possible.
“Well, it started as a pipe dream…” Erica, the Owner of Osceola Mill House, began with a dreamy look in her eyes. Many people have that dream. They look into their future and see the vision of a quaint B&B life and swoon. But for Erica and Christopher Adams it was much more than a dream for themselves. When discussing how Osceola just fell into their laps after a happenstance post from their realtor, a quiet confidence made her voice stronger, “We went into it more as a mission field…where people are plopped on your door step instead of you going out.”
I arrived at Osceola on a sunny fall morning, the leaves just beginning to make their colorful descent. Greeted by some of the cutest kittens in the world, one tiny black kitten led me along the path straight to the door. After knocking, I was greeted by a very friendly hello and ushered past the victorian living room into the dining room for breakfast and a tete a tete. Erica showed me their tea bar and I was able to pick my own loose leaf tea for that morning. I used the opportunity to mix earl grey and lavender and sat down for a homemade (and delicious looking) breakfast.
Osceola Mill House B&B is a long standing B&B in the Lancaster Area. Nestled in the rolling hills of Gordonville and just a few minutes from Kitchen Kettle Village, many visitors to our little corner of the world have stayed and loved the Osceola. A historic property, Jacob and Elizabeth Ludwig built the Mill House Mansion in 1766 as their family home. Built from local limestone in the Georgian style, the house still displays its original mantels, woodwork, and a grand Gathering Room with a walk-in hearth and ovens. Legend says that after completing the mansion, Church Elders told Jacob it was too lavish for a Mennonite—he refused to tear it down and chose to leave the Church instead. Staying here is staying in a piece of history, where each corner tells the story of the years gone past.
Erica and Christopher are serious about preserving and continuing both the historic significance of the house and the bar of B&B service set before them. Erica’s heart for service is what makes this little B&B stand out. “Whatever situation they’re in, we can be a place that’s a respite and peaceful and calm…They can truly get away.” With 6 Guest Rooms (with Suite options available) and 1 Private Cottage, there is plenty of space to watch your worries melt away. Come down each morning to a home made breakfast – straight from the kitchen. Or spend a lazy afternoon reading, inside or outside, in one of their many lounging areas – each with its own character.
Speaking of character, “Wow, we have people who are jokesters, people that take a little bit longer to chip through the surface. But ultimately I love finding something in each of them that is unique and that I can relate to in some way. I love relating to people and finding out how much more alike we are than different, because in this world, everything is focused on division. And I think we’re much more alike.”
…”because in this world, everything is focused on division. And I think we’re much more alike.”
Erica Adams, Owner of Osceola Mill House B&B
And that’s really the magic of staying at a B&B. The adventure, not just of the area, but of meeting people from a different world than yours. Finding that we are much more alike than we are different. And having B&B owners who see and facilitate that adventure is all the better.
Finishing up our delightful cuppa, the room was full of wistful conversations about past guests. Hearing both the happy and sad situations that have walked through the halls. Celebrating anniversaries, a romantic weekend away, or even a last trip before passing on to the next life. Hearing the stories of people who visit really never gets old. And what does Erica think about her guests? “I hope that they feel at home. I hope they feel cared for and that this is some place they can truly just get away from all of the chaos of whatever their world is.”
She and Christopher are here to stay. Have you met them yet? I suggest Breakfast.
Find the Osceola Mill House B&B Website Here or download our Guide to Lancaster B&B’s to learn more about the Osceola Mill House B&B and cut 2 hours down on your research time.
