The Witherup House

A few months ago, a road closure detour took us through the town of Franklin in Pennsylvania's Venango County...the heart of Oil Country. We liked what we saw and made a mental note to come back. The opportunity presented itself for a 2-night get away and we decided to stay at a BnB vice a commercial property. Selecting the Witherup House was the best decision we could have made. The property is an 1865 (rebuilt in 1903 at the height of the oil boom) town home exquisitely furnished and decorated. But the real beauty of the Witherup are the innkeeper, Marty and Ann. Not only have they created a beautiful property, their warm and welcoming nature made us feel as if we had known them our entire lives. Wonderful conversationalist, we found ourselves engaged in deep intelligent topics as well a

What a lovely B & B!! The home is beautiful and the owners, Anne & Marty, are so accommodating. Each room is a little different. The room I stayed in with the full bathroom, jacuzzi tub, and shower was amazing. Comfortable bed, AC if needed, the shower was awesome, lots of room to unpack and hang clothes, and very clean. You had access to all the other areas and rooms on the 1st and 2nd floor. All beautifully decorated. Access to the kitchen also (they also make the best coffee and breakfast if you want it.) The ground of the home has many stunning plants and flowers. I felt welcomed and comfortable staying there. They have a large front porch to drink wine, etc. and hang out or watch the people walk by. It is located in a very convenient area to downtown Franklin. You can walk

A perfect B&B. Ann and Marty are wonderful hosts who keep this beautiful house and its history intact and charming. They are accommodating and relaxed. Breakfast is great, with lots of options and some fine coffee and cafe au lait. It’s a short walk to downtown Franklin with a variety of shops and restaurants. Franklin’s rich history and fine buildings make it well worth a visit. Don’t miss the DeBence Museum of antique mechanical musical instruments from the 1850’s onward. Nothing like it anywhere. You’ll get a tour and be able to hear many of them. And don’t miss the Episcopal church with its magnificent Tiffany stained glass windows. Franklin is a gem.

We stayed at Witherup on a Labor Day weekend couples bicycling trip. Marty was a very gracious host. When we arrived he invited us to unload our bikes and store them in the garage overnight. Then he gave us a guided tour of the historic home, as he pointed out very interesting features and provided some history. The bedrooms were very comfortable (with very good mattresses) and the full bathrooms, although not en-suite, were modern and clean. We were within was walking distance of the downtown area and an easy, safe bike ride from the Allegheny River Trail. Marty prepared a variety of foods for breakfast, many being locally-sourced, and cheerfully accomodated "special" requests. He also provided information and advice on bicycling options and even researched restaurant choices for us while

I set out on a bike trip along the great Allegheny Valley network of trails that extends from Emlenton to Titusville, staying at a b&b at the southern end for nights 1 and 4 and at the Witherup House on nights 2 and 3. The trail is on the other side of the river from Franklin, but there's a protected walk/bikeway on the highway bridge into town. Witherup House is very close to that end of town as well. So, just logistically, it was the perfect place for a cyclist to stay.||Ann and Marty made warm, informal hosts who welcomed me into their network of family and friends and were a source of engaging conversation. The house is a beauty. ||Franklin benefited from the oil boom of the mid-19th century and much of that wealth went to creating architectural gems that line the main streets. T