My cousin and I had a Groupon for Bella Vista bed and breakfast, and we were charmed with the place as soon as we pulled into the parking area. Aaron was there to greet us as we walked in the door. He wasn't quite finished getting towels in the room, so we gladly waited downstairs. I knew there was a resident cat in the house, whose name is Oliver, and it didn't take me long to find him and make friends with him.
It only took Aaron five or so minutes to finish preparing our room, and he even carried my cousin's two bags upstairs for her...he offered to carry mine also, but since I had just one, I was fine. He showed us where everything was located and left us to get settled.
There are two sitting areas downstairs for guests to use, we enjoyed relaxing in the one with the leather recliners... Oliver sought out my attention, so I obliged.
Aaron was in the kitchen getting his own dinner and watching TV, so we didn't want to bother him.
The following morning the both of us got downstairs about 8:20am, there was no coffee made at that time, so we just hung out in the other sitting area... Aaron showed up about 8:30am and let us know breakfast was between 8:30-9am. Coffee was soon brewed and red raspberries, granola, and yogurt was soon on the table. We chatted with Aaron as he got breakfast for us, which consisted of eggs, fried potatoes, and toast, which all were excellent. Aaron sat at the table with us and talked to us (revealing some very personal information, my cousin and I are great listeners so we let him talk, sometimes one needs a neutral listener....some may be put off by such information, but we did not mind).
There was another couple staying our second evening at Bella Vista, but we didn't get the chance to see them in the morning because we had to leave at 7:30am (I had to work that evening and had a 3.5 hour drive home). Aaron was up when we left, and said goodbye to us.
Even Oliver was on the back porch as we drive around the house to leave, as if to say goodbye also.
Yes the house is in need of cosmetic repair, but that's the charm of a place dating back to 1895...it's not going to be perfect.
There are only four things which prevented a "five star" rating... first a simple sign in each guestroom stating that breakfast will be between 8:30 and 9 would keep some people from getting upset if they are downstairs at 8am. Second in the floral room, the AC unit's "off switch" doesn't work, and you have to unplug it in the middle of the night if you get too cold. Third, please consider placing enough towels and wash cloths in the guestroom for one's entire stay (we found where they're stored and had to help ourselves, I feel funny going through areas to find what I need). Fourth, in the bathroom of the floral room, the sink had no stopper, a ring or earring could easily get down the drain, maybe a rubber or wire mesh stopper would be a good idea.
I don't get to Lancaster county PA as often as I can these days, but I would stay here again.
Aaron, best of luck with dealing with the things you told my cousin and myself about at breakfast that morning... remember things have their ways of working out, and it's just a matter of time until the tide turns in your favor. read more