From my first exposure to the Bischwind through the internet, I was immediately intrigued. The house and grounds are gorgeous, resembling a Bavarian village or fairy tale castle. Like you are doing right now, I read reviews from other guests and they were overwhelmingly positive. In particular, praise was high for innkeeper, Billie English.
Having now come back from a weekend getaway at the Bischwind to celebrate my wife's birthday, I can say without reservation, the Bischwind and Billie deserve all the positive accolades they've received and then some. Our stay was sheer perfection in every sense of the word. The room was beautifully adorned and comfortable, as was the bathroom, blending modern amenities with Victorian grandeur. Our bathroom was original to the house and included an oversized soaking tub, which was outfitted with a shower assembly that allowed for handheld use of the nozzle, or a sliding mount that adjusted the height of the shower stream. With the nozzle mounted at its peak, I felt as if I was showering under a waterfall, similar to the one visible from our bedroom window.
Our room was equipped with a queen bed, two lounge chairs, customizable HVAC system, flat screen TV with HDMI connections, DVD player, and corner fireplace. Throughout the inn, there were many common areas accessible to guests, inside and out. High-back leather chairs and side chairs at game tables could be found in the large lounge at the bottom of the dual staircase, a Steinway grand piano was surrounded by vintage chairs in a formal ballroom, the main dining room was large enough for two traditional tables, an upstairs sitting room and kitchen were available in the north wing, and the main kitchen was gigantic, allowing for a table and chairs that were perfect for a group of people.
Outside on the veranda, overlooking the well-maintained flower gardens that surrounded the Bischwind's inground pool, the view was spectacular. The rolling lawn seems to go on and on, framed by the Pocono mountains in the distance, leading to Bear Creek Lake and the waterfall at the Bear Creek dam. On both mornings of our stay, breakfast was served out there at individual tables. We were entertained by butterflies, chipmunks, squirrels, geese, deer, and birds of several variety. They all roamed the property at will, though keeping their distance from guests.
Breakfast was served in four courses, beginning with fresh fruit and juice. Carafes of coffee were also provided, or tea was prepared to order from an available variety. Next was the entrée of eggs prepared any way you like, or a specialty cooked up by Billie. I strongly recommend the quiche Loraine. Along with the entrée came breakfast meats and delicious, seasoned potatoes. A bread course was then served. Breakfast concluded with a coffee cake, lemon our first day and chocolate the next.
As beautiful as the inn was and delicious as the breakfasts proved to be, by and far, the greatest part of the Bischwind is its innkeeper, Billie. Billie was raised at the Bischwind, prior to her parents converting it to a B&B, and the home has been in her family for over 50 years. Her personal touches abound and she is the heart of this historic home, which hosted two American Presidents, in the early 20th century. From restaurant recommendation to great conversations, Billie fits the mold as the quintessential innkeeper.
If you're on the fence about visiting, take my advice and do it. The pictures truly do not do the Bischwind justice, nor can they impart the warm, welcoming feeling that permeates its walls. I can't begin to imagine the time, money, and effort that goes in to the maintenance and upkeep of this historic treasure, let alone all of Billie's duties as the sole innkeeper. Yet, she does it with a smile and is always available to her guests. read more
