History
We looked forward to retirement to become part of the hospitality business with a bed and breakfast and found instead this great historic home in Sharpsburg that is perfect as a guest house. The house was built in 1856 and was owned by the same Chesapeake and Ohio Canal boating family for more than 100 years. We have made few changes to the original house and out buildings other than to add modern heating and cooling and a new metal roof. We added the deck at the back door and have planted trees as a living fence between our yard and the neighbor's. We have had visitors from many states, Canada, and a few European countries (Wales, Denmark, Belgium). We do not use credit cards because we want to keep our rates as affordable as we can. Guests usually pay with personal check; sometimes cash is the medium. We offer a continental breakfast, usually juice, bagels, cream cheese, jellies, coffee, teas, and oatmeal, that guests can enjoy as they see fit at the time that suits them.
Specialties
The Antietam Guest House is a vacation rental offering the whole house to one party at a time. We are one block off Main Street, so the location is quiet yet convenient to the town's business area, which consists of a restaurant (Bender's Tavern), Nutter's Ice Cream, a bank, Town Hall, the Sharpsburg Historical Society, and the public library. Our guests may check out material from the library on our card. We accept one-night stays, important to those who are riding the C&O Canal Towpath. Families have gathered to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, and reunions. The 1/2 acre backyard lends itself to group events, cookouts, and just relaxing on the deck with coffee in the morning or with wine in the evening. Last week we watched a new-born calf get to its feet for the first time. Visitors with interest in the Civil War visit the Antietam Battlefield, Gettysburg, and Harpers Ferry. Sharpsburg hosts Memorial Day and September 17 remembrance events: our house is a perfect homebase.