Old Hoosier House Bed and Breakfast


The Old Hoosier House Bed and Breakfast located near Knightstown, Indiana presented itself a vivid portrayal of 1860 luxurious, comfortable and a historical Inn, straight from the past.

This was my first visit to a B & B. I had a few fears and a few reservations about the whole experience. My biggest reservation was “Would it be comfortable, and would there be enough to eat?” Or was this going to be one of those experiences where you were disappointed in the mattress, or were your neighbors going to have an all night party? And what about a hidden camera? Well that really isn’t all that crazy a thought, you know, privacy being an almost lost commodity these days.
I knocked on the door quietly. When the door opened and my hubbie and I stepped inside, we were taken back in time to the middle 1800’s. Our host was delightful and friendly. She gave us the grand tour beginning with the porch outside the door being made from the same limestone that has been used at the Pentagon. Inside, the awesome spiral staircase took our eyes up to a beautiful porcelain doll collection resting on the curve of the staircase. I began to feel as if I had just come to see my grandmother. The “home-like” atmosphere put me immediately into “rest mode”. The grand tour of this Inn revealed many historical facts and features. It was evident by the furniture, the wall hangings, the lamps, the antique glass and porcelain, and the old house itself, that this looked the way it looked so many years ago.
The Victorian porch on the front of the house which faces the east, offered rest and relaxation in the welcoming of the day, coffee in hand. When evening came the back porch came alive with conversation about Hoosier history and how one “became” a Hoosier. According to John, proprietor, pick what ever version you like, none can be disputed.
The library room was elegant with floor to ceiling bookcases, with shelves full of many various readings, assured to satisfy any taste. Just relax and read or perhaps you would like to “surf” the internet.
Hubbie and I felt quite safe and secure in the suite where President Martin VanBuren laid his head to rest. Each room had its own key. That is the ONLY feature I found that would remind one of a motel. The mattress was awesome and I slept like a baby.
Morning soon came and we headed downstairs to the huge dining room. Here this room radiated the warmth and stability of “home”. The table was set with lace and antique dishes were used to eat from.
No scratches and dings either. Fresh flowers adorned the table and the candles were lit when we arrived. It was like something out of Midwest Living magazine.
All food was prepared fresh and by capable hands in the kitchen just adjacent the dining room. This kitchen was NOT off limits to the guests either. The refrigerator was stocked with cold beverages, and snacks were also available at any time during your stay.
The breakfast was awesome. Fresh cut fruits, in gleaming antique glass, fresh juice, and breads, fresh baked from the oven. Great coffee! Oh my! If you thought that was the end of it, let me just tell you…along came a mouth-watering quiche, with breakfast meat. I don’t need to tell you, they had to “roll” us on our way for the day. If you didn’t get enough to eat, it was clearly your own fault.
I can’t stop of course with out telling you about the folks who hosted this Old Hoosier House. John and Jean Butler have had the Hoosier House for many years. They are the most “down-to-earth”, “comfy as an old shoe” type people I have ever met. You were not a stranger there. You were family. What great people, very friendly, willing to please, and knew what they were doing with their business. And of course I can’t forget about “Honey”, the dog on the premises. Not only is she beautiful and friendly, she’s a great guard dog too.
My hat is off to you who own Hoosier House. My first experience with a B & B turned out to be one of the highlights of my life.
Folks you won’t be disappointed with The Old Hoosier House B & B. If you are looking for comfort, quietness, and reasonable rates, and an awesome breakfast, you gotta make a stop at the Old Hoosier House B& B.

Allyn and Teresa Hummel
Ionia, Michigan