A new place to stay

Becky Bennett, owner of the new Copper Roof B&B in Pennsdale that opened in March 2010.
PENNSDALE – Muncy Township has added a new business to its growing economic structure. Since its opening in March 2010, the Copper Roof Bed and Breakfast has welcomed over 40 guests and visitors.
The original framework can be seen with the front porch and dates back over 100 years according to owner, Becky Bennett, who purchased the property with her husband, Leroy in May 2009. The property was originally intended to be used as a rental investment, but the Bennetts decided to make it their permanent home after they went through a remodeling phase in October of 2009. “We decided to add a 3,000 sq. ft. addition and maintain the old character of the house,” said Becky. Months of planning and detail was put into the addition, matching the siding and retaining much of the old woodwork, windows and moldings. The couple decided to share their new home with others by adding 5 guest rooms and 4 bathrooms.
Both Becky and Leroy are Montoursville natives and graduates of Montoursville High School in 1964. They purchased the property from Tom Springman. Not much history is known at the time about the property other than it was once owned by the Johnson sisters. “We are looking to get more history and would welcome any information,” she said. The original part of the building has three guest rooms, one with a full bath and two that share a spacious bath upstairs. They have access to a sitting area downstairs with fireplace or a relaxing moment on the front sitting porch. They kept the original wood, doors and hardware with this part of the home.
Becky likes to cook and prepares a full breakfast every morning and serves it on a custom made Amish table that envelops the warm dining room with its country charm and seats up to 20 diners. One of her specialties is french toast stuffed with berries, melon balls and cream cheese served with hot tea.
Some of her guests have come from afar – from Canada to Long Island to Florida. “This month has been one of our busiest,” she said.”We just had a pastoral candidate from North Carolina stay with us and another couple just called to spend their 60th wedding anniversary here,” she explained.
Arriving guests are greeted through the back where there is ample parking amidst a patio with fountain, a lush garden, gazebo, deck and a welcome alcove with tantalizing refreshments.
All rooms have flat screen TV’s, DVD players, WiFi, DSL hook-up, not to mention plush robes, extra blankets and pillows.
Every bed is adorned with hand made Amish quilts that are one of a kind and purchased by Becky at auctions in Washingtonville. She then matched the fabrics by sewing custom window coverings to accent each room. For eight years before the B&B, she would design and make custom wedding gowns. Leroy is a leader mechanic at PP&L. “But we wanted to do this for years,” said Bennett. “We just couldn’t find a place we really liked until now.”
The gas industry has also given the Bennetts some business. “We had two welders stay here for a month until they found a place to rent,” Bennett replied. They really enjoy sharing Lycoming County’s local history and culture. They have a brochures and information about Pennsylvania Wilds and belong to the Williamsport-Lycoming Visitors Bureau. They offer special rates for large groups and corporations. For more information visit their website at www.copperroofbb.com or call 546-6377.