A Historic Get Away in the Heart of Wayne County's Amish Community.
Built in 1866 as New Garden Academy, this building was renovated to serve as a community center and as the Meeting became more Pastoral in structure, it later was renovated to include living quarters for the Pastor and his/her family. It is a four bedroom home with sleeping space for eight. Additional toddler beds are available. It has a modern eat-in kitchen, dining room, living room, central heat and a/c, direcTv, wifi, laundry room, A book collection of Indiana Authors, outdoor recreation equipment and is furnished in antiques which are available for purchase. The home is adjacent to the 1858 Quaker Meeting House and is situated on five acres of wooded land that is perfect for campfires, croquet, volleyball, wading in Fountain Creek, or just relaxing to the sights and sounds of horse-drawn buggies passing by.
The Amish community located here consists of 152 families living and working alongside their "English" counterparts. Many have cottage industries that include cabinetry, furniture making, nurseries, dry goods, produce, etc. A feature of the Amish community is Fountain Acres, a bulk food store including a fresh deli, bakery and local produce. It is definitely worth the trip, but just a note, you can't experience Fountain Acres in five minutes so plan to spend some time so you won't be wondering what you missed.
Local history with a national impact is abundant in this area, 1 mile north is the Levi Coffin House where noted Quaker Abolitionist Levi and his wife Catherine aided slaves on their way north to freedom. The Levi Coffin House is open to the public for tours. Earlham College, home to Quaker Archives is located in Richmond which is five miles to the south. Additional points of interest include The Wayne County Museum, The Huddleston House, The Historic Depot District in Richmond, The Gaar House, The Gennet Mansion, these are just a few, more information can be provided by the Wayne County Tourism Bureau.
The Parsonage is available for overnight stays at a rate of $120/night. Check in time is typically 4PM and checkout is 11AM although depending on the calendar other arrangements are usually available.
The photos below are of the interior of the Guest Home, furnishings may change as most of the antiques are for sale, in that event replacements are made with similiar items. (For example the tv in the livingroom is now a flat screen in an oak armoir, dining room set has been replaced but still seats as many guests, etc.)
The Amish community located here consists of 152 families living and working alongside their "English" counterparts. Many have cottage industries that include cabinetry, furniture making, nurseries, dry goods, produce, etc. A feature of the Amish community is Fountain Acres, a bulk food store including a fresh deli, bakery and local produce. It is definitely worth the trip, but just a note, you can't experience Fountain Acres in five minutes so plan to spend some time so you won't be wondering what you missed.
Local history with a national impact is abundant in this area, 1 mile north is the Levi Coffin House where noted Quaker Abolitionist Levi and his wife Catherine aided slaves on their way north to freedom. The Levi Coffin House is open to the public for tours. Earlham College, home to Quaker Archives is located in Richmond which is five miles to the south. Additional points of interest include The Wayne County Museum, The Huddleston House, The Historic Depot District in Richmond, The Gaar House, The Gennet Mansion, these are just a few, more information can be provided by the Wayne County Tourism Bureau.
The Parsonage is available for overnight stays at a rate of $120/night. Check in time is typically 4PM and checkout is 11AM although depending on the calendar other arrangements are usually available.
The photos below are of the interior of the Guest Home, furnishings may change as most of the antiques are for sale, in that event replacements are made with similiar items. (For example the tv in the livingroom is now a flat screen in an oak armoir, dining room set has been replaced but still seats as many guests, etc.)
