We were looking for a home to rent, with our dog, for a week while we were visiting Lancaster County. We were attending a nearby concert and planning some historic sightseeing. This cottage exceeded our expectations more than we could have imagined.
After corresponding with the very accommodating hosts and owners, Pete and Carol, everything was in place. Upon arrival we drove down a long driveway, past some farm buildings and found the cottage around the corner and were very excited. Inside we found fresh baked scones (delicious each morning with coffee), fresh eggs, a bouquet of fresh flowers, and dog bowls and treats.
Pete and Carol have lovingly restored the 19th century cottage, including modern conveniences that blend in beautifully. It was quite warm and the indoor AC was a life saver, if you weren’t sitting on the front porch with a breeze. The most amazing surprise that was recently added was a large screened porch connected to bbq deck. It had a high table and chairs, lights, and a ceiling fan over, wait for it, a large hanging bed suspended to the ceiling!! I spent much time resting or reading there and when there was a thunderstorm the rain was very soothing.
The large front lawn is completely fenced in. To the left is a field and hill where you can see donkeys grazing, emus, and chickens and roosters, who were quite amusing. Once on top of the driveway we saw the cows coming home!
Columbia was a perfect location for many sightseeing options close by, from Amish life, an historic train ride, part of the Mason-Dixon line, the Susquehanna River, and my favorite the Susanna Wright house where she hosted some of the day’s most famous thinkers, including Benjamin Franklin. The house is one of the most historically accurate buildings from that time.
Pete and Carol were very cool and interesting to talk with and learn some history about the cottage and surrounding country. We felt like friends by the time we left. But they also gave you all the privacy you needed. Thank you Carol and Pete and Bella for sharing your home and farm with us! Next Lancaster trip we know where we will be staying.
Best Wishes,
Deb, Brian and Junior
Philadelphia, PA