When visiting the state’s most historic cities and towns you can fully immerse yourself in Pennsylvania’s past by staying at one of these Airbnb historic homes.
1. Amish Country Colonial
Reedsville
Surrounded by Amish farms and nestled on its own acre of land, the Amish Country Colonial offers the perfect peaceful and bucolic escape. This gorgeous stone replica of Chadds Ford’s historic home, the 1725 John Chads House, has sheep, horses, and ponies grazing by the house. While incorporating many authentic touches that nod to the early 1700s design of the home, this two bedroom, historic Airbnb comes complete with all the modern amenities including a full kitchen, laundry, and two bathrooms. Relax in the private backyard with scenic views of the surrounding countryside during the day; then be sure to step outside after dark to admire the star-filled night sky.
2. Buffalo Bill’s "The Silence of the Lambs" House
Perryopolis
More than three decades ago, movie goers were fascinated and possibly scared out of their wits by the character “Buffalo Bill” in the award-winning film, Silence of the Lambs. The 1910 Queen Anne Victorian-style home where many of the film’s iconic scenes were shot is now yours to book! The four-bedroom Buffalo Bill’s "The Silence of the Lambs" House is filled with the quintessential charm of a beautiful Victorian home, but with some notable additions including a 65" HDTV and DVD player (perfect for watching the movie) and an interactive “Silence of the Lambs” set in the basement. When not recreating the film’s iconic scenes, explore nearby Ohiopyle State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.
3. Church Home
Burnham
With its soaring ceilings, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and unique architecture, an “illuminating” stay awaits at the Church Home. This 120-year-old, former Presbyterian church has been renovated into a modern home that can sleep up to 12 guests and features a modern kitchen, two bathrooms, and all the modern amenities. Just a 30-minute drive from Penn State University, this Airbnb offers a truly unique lodging experience. Be sure to ring the church bell when you arrive to let the small town know you are visiting!
4. Log House on Main
Belleville
Located in the heart of Big Valley, the Log House on Main is one of the oldest homes in the area, offering an “old home cabin feel” with all of the modern conveniences. This two bedroom, one bath home has been completely restructured and renovated and features a modern kitchen and central air conditioning and heating. Unwind by the fire pit and outdoor patio or relax indoors by the beautiful stone fireplace. The home is just a stone’s throw from Greenwood Furnace State Park, The Standing Stone Trail, and great trout streams and is just 30 miles from Penn State.
5. 1941 Restored Vintage Caboose
Lock Haven
All aboard the 1941 Restored Vintage Caboose! This unique and historic Airbnb has been refurbished to the caboose’s original condition and retrofitted with a shower, flush toilet, sinks, dinette, microwave, and central air. You will simply love this blast from the past! With a set of bunk beds and one bath, this cozy caboose provides accommodations for two. If you want to keep your adventure going full steam ahead, explore the nearby Bald Eagle Valley Trail, perfect for hiking and biking.
6. William A. Thomas Suite at The Gamble Mill
Bellefonte
Make your next getaway a “sweet” one with a stay at the William A. Thomas Suite located in the historic Gamble Mill. While a grist mill operated on the site for more than 150 years dating back to 1786, the current building is 130+ years young. Remodeled and revitalized with a bit of modern flair including a fully equipped, open-space kitchen, the suite showcases the building’s beautiful original brick and exposed beams and can accommodate up to seven guests in the three bedroom, two bathroom suite. Guests have full access to the mill’s amenities including the Creekside Restaurant and The Republic cocktail bar.
7. The Bank House
Marietta
Originally built as a community bank in 1910, the Old Maytown Bank has been transformed into a lovely, unique, romantic destination. Retaining many of the old bank’s distinctive features, The Bank House offers an enchanting stay in this lovely small town. Kick up your feet in the former bank lobby turned living room, check out the mini museum in the former bank vault, and relax in the upstairs sitting area with your favorite book and person. Right off the sitting area, pass through a beautiful mahogany archway to the charming and light and airy bedroom. During your stay, explore historic Marietta and discover delicious culinary experiences.
8. Thaddeus Stevens Log Home
Gettysburg
Experience life in a centuries’ old log cabin with a stay at the Thaddeus Stevens Log Home. Offering three cozy bedrooms, one and a half baths, and all the modern conveniences, this historic log home was built in 1790 and features the cabin’s original wood floors, walls, and beams, and characteristic low ceilings and doorways. Once the home of statesman and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, the log cabin had a front seat view of the Confederate army marching down West Middle Street during the Battle of Gettysburg. Today, the cabin provides a quieter experience and easy access to Gettysburg’s charming and historic downtown.
9. The Sears House
West Chester
Built by Oliver Baldwin in 1922, this quaint and charming, Craftsman style, Sears, Roebuck and Co. mail-order bungalow is located in a beautiful neighborhood filled with historic homes and buildings dating back to colonial times. Located next door to the Marshalton Inn, The Four Dogs Tavern, and other nearby area gems, The Sears House features two-bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and all the modern amenities. The house’s location is perfect for outdoor explorations of the ChesLen and Stroud Preserves and Longwood Gardens, as well as a short drive from bustling downtown West Chester.
10. The Architect’s Suite at Lynn Hall
Port Allegany
Throughout the mid-20th century, noted Pennsylvania architect Raymond Viner Hall designed 122 private homes largely based on the Usonian concept of incorporating wood, stone, and other materials native to each home’s local area. Book a stay at the one bedroom, one bath The Architect’s Suite at Lynn Hall to experience his work firsthand. Carved out of the mountainside overlooking the Allegheny River, this unique and historic property has a kitchenette and includes Ray Viner Hall’s original architectural studio. The solarium is decorated with original renderings and items that would be found in his studio. Relax by the beautiful and unique fireplace and enjoy scenic views from the window-filled home.
Need more room? The nearby The Cottage at Lynn Hall offers two bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen, an outdoor fireplace, gas grill, and even more historical finds. Perched on the mountainside and overlooking the valley, the cottage is just a short walk from the stone quarry that time and nature has transformed into a wooded grotto. Enjoy panoramic views from the window-filled cottage and its three terraces.
11. The Penn Cottage
Wynnewood
Originally built as a courthouse in 1695 by Robert Owens and visited by both William Penn and George Washington, The Penn Cottage is brimming with history and charm. Now a lovely five-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, this enchanting and historic home offers a peaceful respite, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped acre of land. One of the oldest residences in the area, the cottage has been updated with all the modern amenities including a full kitchen, laundry, air conditioning, and covered back patio overlooking the private backyard. SEPTA stations are nearby for quick jaunts into Philadelphia, with Suburban Square, King of Prussia Mall, and the area’s museums, colleges, and universities also nearby.
12. Historic Civil War Farmhouse
Gettysburg
Rumor has it friendly ghosts of days long past inhabit the Historic Civil War Farmhouse that was pressed into service as a field hospital immediately after the Battle of Gettysburg. While the upstairs bedrooms are your private domain during your stay, you’ll be sharing the downstairs kitchen and living areas with your Airbnb host and her large dog and five cats. Relax and envision the past on the large deck that overlooks 100 acres of land, packed with hiking and biking trails .Just four miles from the center of town, the farmhouse is an easy drive to Gettysburg’s battlefields, local attractions, and must-try restaurants.
13. The Mansion In The Pines
Myerstown
While not quite on the scale of a European castle, the nearly 8,000 square foot, 18-room, 8 bedroom The Mansion In The Pines offers castle-like accommodations for you and your extended family, complete with a tower and ballroom. Built in the 1860s by Isaac S. Long, the mansion is brimming with history and believed to have once been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Offering all the modern amenities including a chef’s kitchen, 55" HDTV with Roku and Apple TV, and a stationary bike and treadmill for those so inclined, the mansion is located on 2.4 secluded acres guaranteeing a peaceful getaway.
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