Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast

Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast is found in Beaver, Pennsylvania, in a residential area at the city's edge. It is within driving distance from the Ohio River and the Beaver River, both prominent attractions for water recreation. The property covers a 12-acre area and features horse enclosures, gardens, and four guestrooms inside a house originally built in 1786. Its first owner was John Strawbridge, an officer in the Continental Army under George Washington. The business's website indicates the house retains an aspect of its 1700s country design through its decor while adapting a modern appearance. According to Anne Mayerich, the owner, her cooking is one of the most unique aspects of the bed and breakfast. 

About

Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast is located in Beaver, Pennsylvania, in a residential area by the Beaver River and the Ohio River. The house is on the edge of the city, a few miles from downtown. Much of the immediate surroundings—besides the houses—consist of trees, grass, woodlands, and trails for recreation.

The bed and breakfast is comprised of a single building, although a cottage at the back serves as the permanent residence of horses belonging to the property's caretakers. It offers four rooms, each on the house's second floor. They offer some resemblance to a colonial-style atmosphere with wooden furniture and flowers on rugs and bedspreads. In addition to offering private bathrooms, TV, and Internet access, the guestrooms range in their unique features and bed sizes. Miriam's Room and Elizabeth's Room are outfitted with a queen bed each, and both have access to individual private verandas. Bessie's Room comes with two twin beds, and the Master Suite provides a king bed, a fireplace, and a couch.

There are two dining rooms that serve as common areas on the first floor of the establishment for guests to use. They offer seating areas, dining tables, a piano, and late-1700s country decorations. The outdoor space is a 12-acre farm with grass, flower gardens, and fields. A small water garden with fish is included in the backyard, and horses and chickens can also be found throughout the property.

A full breakfast is served each morning at Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast. According to Anne, the property owner, breakfast may include quiches, french toast, varied meats and fruits, eggs, or pastries. Visitors are asked what time they prefer to eat, although Anne says typical times are 8:00, 8:30, and 9:00 AM. Breakfast is typically served in one of the two dining rooms, depending on group sizes and if all occupants are in the same group. Finally, Anne strives to accommodate any dietary restrictions or food allergies guests might have.

Visitors can explore several attractions near Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast. Anne explains that her bed and breakfast is 35 minutes from Pittsburg and 20 minutes north or west of Amish communities. Kayaking is common since Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast is near the Ohio River and the Beaver River. Bradys Run Park is another popular attraction; it has walking and biking trails and a lake for fishing and swimming. It also includes a recreational area and mountains to explore. Anne further notes that several horseback trails can be found throughout Beaver, and some of her guests bring their horses to Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast as Anne accommodates horses. Among the several dining locations near the bed and breakfast, Anne recommends visitors eat at Grand Valley Inn, Wooden Angel Restaurant, Mario's Dockside Grille, and Biba. Occupants may ask Anne for additional ideas as well.

Culture

Anne, the owner of Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast, says many of her visitors tell her that they feel they have arrived at a "second home" when staying at her property. Additionally, she describes the house as a place that is reminiscent of England or a "country" environment, yet the city and other attractions are a few minutes away. Anne feels that the house has contributed much to the success of her business, saying, "there's a great feel to it." She also hosts a few small events, such as baby showers and bridal showers in the spring. Anne has hosted a few weddings in the past as well.

Regarding guest reviews, Anne says many of them comment on the food. As such, one visitor said, "My sister had her bridal shower here and it was lovely. The food was delicious and the decor was perfect. Lovely antiques all around. Just gorgeous. The rooms are spacious and neat. The grounds are the best part. The view is fantastic from the porch." Another guest wrote, "Our stay at Felicity Farms was delightful. The room was very nice, the view from our balcony was beautiful, the property was so picturesque, the history of the home was intriguing, the food was delicious and Anne is a great host!"

Visitors are asked not to open outside gates at Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast to prevent animals from being set loose. Children and dogs are allowed. However, dogs cannot sleep in guests' beds and must accompany their owners at all times rather than being left alone at the property. Dogs also must be "house-broken."

Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast is open year-round, although operating times depend on the necessities of Anne and her staff. Anne recounts a few other operational details, explaining that most visitors find out about her business from word-of-mouth engagement or her website. She does not expect a specific demographic of occupants as she claims to have a large variety and receives many repeat guests yearly.

History

The house which serves as Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast was constructed in 1786 by John Strawbridge, an officer in the Continental Army under General George Washington. Strawbridge acquired the property after the newly formed United States government signed treaties with Native Americans granting land access. He owned the house until subsequent owners passed the property down and renovated it as time passed. After 1905, Gertrude Barrett, the owner at the time, had the original house moved from its original site to the hill where it is now. More renovations in the following years have resulted in what is now Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast.

Anne Mayerich, the current owner of Felicity Farms Bed & Breakfast, acquired the property in 1997 when she saw it was available for purchase. At the time, she had been working in the airline industry but decided she wanted a place to own horses and cook. Her favorite part of her job is meeting the people that visit her bed and breakfast.