I run a cozy little bed and breakfast in Grantville, PA, just off old Route 22. We serve home-cooked breakfasts and host guests in a restored 1845 farmhouse. The B&B has three rooms upstairs and one downstairs, so we can accommodate up to eight guests when the whole house is rented. Every room is designed to make you feel at home—warm, comfortable, and filled with thoughtful touches, including artwork that tells a story.

The idea wasn’t something I dreamed about for years—it just felt right at the time. About 30 years ago, I stayed at a bed and breakfast and something about it stuck with me. I thought, "Maybe I could do this one day." When my husband and I found this house, it pulled us in with its history and charm. We renovated it with the help of a good friend, preserving its original features while making it cozy and functional for guests. We don’t live here, but we live just down the street.

Renovating the house was a big one. It was a bigger project than we imagined. We reworked layouts, added bathrooms, reused old materials like fireplace wood to create a new mantle... it was all a labor of love. Like most innkeepers, we don’t live here. That separation helps us stay refreshed—it’s one of the reasons we’ve lasted longer than the average B&B owners, who typically bow out after 7 or 8 years.

Oh, naming it was so hard! We went through all sorts of ideas—The Tavern House, The Mansion House—but nothing quite fit. One morning, I woke up and thought, "What if I named it The Red Umbrella Bed & Breakfast?" I’d always admired the red umbrella paintings by Liz Hess, a well-known artist in Lancaster. She has a beautiful gallery on Gallery Row, and her art just spoke to me—so vibrant and warm.

Even though I didn’t know her, I worked up the courage to go to her gallery and ask if I could name the B&B after her iconic work. I walked in... then chickened out and walked right back out! But I finally went back in, and to my surprise, Liz was there—and she said yes. Now, every room features at least one of her red umbrella paintings. It’s become a signature part of the experience.

I love meeting people and hearing their stories. We’ve had guests from all over the world. There’s something really special about sitting around the breakfast table with strangers who feel like friends by the end of the meal. I also love helping people feel welcomed—some guests want to talk, some just want quiet. Either way, I want them to feel at home.

Hospitality. History. Honesty. I also really value beauty in everyday life—whether that’s through art, a good story, or just a well-set breakfast table. And I try to give back where I can. I've done mission work in Ukraine and support causes like Hope for Ukraine and the Salvation Army.

The township made it tricky in the beginning—there were zoning hurdles we had to work through. And of course, COVID. We stayed open, but we didn’t make any money that year. Thankfully, we bounced back strong and had over 100 straight days of guests the following year. That showed me there’s real interest in meaningful, local experiences like this.

Take it one step at a time. Don’t let the big picture overwhelm you. Also, you can’t plan every detail—sometimes, you just have to start and let things come together. Trust yourself. You’ll know what you need when the time comes.

“Be warm. Be welcome. Be home.” It’s embroidered right here and kind of sums up the whole vibe of this place.

Yes, I’ve participated in several mission trips, including one to Ukraine in 1996. I’ve always tried to support nonprofits that are close to my heart—especially those that help families in crisis or promote peace and healing.

Well, I kind of want to be Mary Poppins! I even met her at Disney World, and it was such a sweet moment. I love tea, whimsical things, and the idea of bringing just a little magic to people’s lives.

My granddaughter is four and pretends that the B&B is hers! She makes lists for breakfast, greets invisible guests, and plays “innkeeper” whenever she’s here. I tell her, “When you’re 18, this place is all yours.”