Kaylee Rex August 29, 2019
From the sidewalk on York Street in Gettysburg, The Brafferton Inn looks like a charming townhouse, but open the antique door and you will be transported into colonial times. It's unbelievable how much space, history and beauty that The Brafferton Inn has to offer.
In 1786, Michael Hoke built the townhome that is now known as The Brafferton Inn. The home built before the town was even there, making it the oldest deeded house in Gettysburg. As years and owners went by, additions were made onto the home such as a carriage house and meat market. The home became known as the Codori House, named after the Codori family who lived there for over a century during the mid-1800s and 1900s. In 1986, the Codori House became The Brafferton Inn when Mary Ellen and James Agard bought the property. The name "Brafferton" actually comes from the dark blue color that is painted throughout the house.
About 20 years and a few owners later, The Hodges – Joan, her son Brian and his wife AmyBeth – bought The Brafferton in 2005. When the Hodges started looking for an inn to purchase, they were originally looking for somewhere in New England. Brian's uncle, a reenactor, suggested Gettysburg because it had everything they were looking for: affordability, a downtown scene, and history. After looking at 70 other locations, The Brafferton stood out to the Hodges as the one.
Brian, who has spent his entire career in the hospitality and restaurant industry, handles the business and breakfast side of The Brafferton. Unlike most B&Bs, The Brafferton's breakfast has made-to-order entrees including dishes like Amish breakfast casserole and raspberry French toast. Joan decorates the Inn, tends to the garden, and bakes her famous pastries for guests. AmyBeth fills in wherever else is needed. Together, AmyBeth and Brian have three children who will soon be able to start helping around the Inn when they get a little older.
Brian spends seven days a week at The Brafferton. "Owning an inn is not a job, it's a lifestyle," he says. Brian and AmyBeth used to live on the property but decided to move when they started their family. Joan continues to live on-site at The Brafferton. The Hodges' favorite part of running the Inn is the opportunity to meet people. It isn't unusual for guests to come from Australia or the United Kingdom. The Hodges' passion for connecting with people shows through the care and kindness that they extend to each visitor that enters the Inn.
The Brafferton has 18 rooms all decorated uniquely. In the original part of the 1786 house, the rooms are decorated in a colonial style with dark woods and quilts. The Battle Room has a historical artifact right in the mantle. During the Battle of Gettysburg, a bullet shot through the window and into the mantle above the fireplace where it remains today. Throughout the rest of the Inn, the styles of the rooms range from Victorian to Shabby Chic to Industrial. The Brafferton's unique set up offers guests lots of options. Guests can choose to stay right on the edge of the bustling historic district or in a room steps away from the peaceful garden lovingly tended by Joan.
Since the Battle of Gettysburg had one of the highest casualty rates from the Civil War, the town and surrounding National Military Park is thought to be haunted. All over town, visitors will find ghost tours and locations rumored to be haunted. Many guests at the Brafferton have claimed to have experienced some paranormal activity during their stays. Jiggling doorknobs, coat hangers moving in closets, and even ghost horses have been seen. However, Brian, who spends a lot of time at the Inn, has never had such an experience. "I don't buy it," he says. You will just have to see for yourself.
Did you enter the Summer Bucket List Challenge for the chance to win a two-night Gettysburg Getaway? A two-night stay at The Brafferton Inn is just the beginning of the historical fun someone will win. Find out more about how to enter here. But hurry, the challenge ends on September 1, 2019.
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Kaylee Rex | Guest Blogger
Kaylee Rex is a recent graduate of Millersville University where she studied Communications and Journalism. Outside the office, she enjoys photography, the outdoors and music.