From The Archives

If these walls could talk!

Circa 1786, this stone home was one of the first homes built in Mercersburg, Squire Smith Inn!

This historic treasure was built in 1786 for the granddaughter of William Smith, founder and proprietor of Squire Smith Town, which later became known as Mercersburg. Upon the death of William Smith, Jr., it was commissioned through his will that a neat and commodious house of middling size (four bays) be built near the stable. It was constructed accordingly on this present site made of twenty-two inch limestone walls. The original house is the left side of the front portion. Circa 1850, Sally Smith's son, who was the town doctor, constructed an office adjoining the original structure with a separate entry door which is now the right side of the front portion. It was at this time that the arched chimney flues on the north side of the original house were added made from the stone from the original and famous Bridgeside. The home was sold in 1889 to a local merchant named Fendrick. Circa 1900 to 1910, he and his wife performed extensive renovation turning the old stone home into a modern home for the times. Greek Revival decor and a major addition along the north side providing for an atrium, private vestibule, elaborate dining room, and a large kitchen. The exterior stone blocks used on this addition came from the first German Reformed Church on the corner of Oregon and Fayette Streets. It was at this time that the two front doors were made into one, creating a large foyer with an exquisite front door surrounded by side lights and fanned transom of stained glass rumored to be Tiffany! A unique bezel post lamp was installed on the staircase with a brass fleur d' leis base and a Vaseline glass globe. Outside of the house, exquisite gardens and a large pergola were created for privacy. The adjacent southern property was acquired and two buildings were razed to make room for the south portico. A brick garden arch was erected from the fireplace in one of the razed buildings. Various glasses were used throughout the house; Venetian glass in the dining room, leaded glass in the china cupboards and the upstairs landing casement windows, and a unique starburst design glass panel creating privacy on the south side of the home. The Fendrick's owned and enjoyed the home until Virginia's death in 1943. In 1944, the property was purchased by a local orchard owner, J. Henry Heisey, who resided there until 1976. The Rader's then purchased the home and owned it until 2002, when it was sold to the present owners, Ross and Melanie Bates. With artistic creativity in restoration and persevering determination for historic accuracy, in 2003 Ross and Melanie Bates opened for business The Squire Smith Inn Bed and Breakfast!

The lovely home you see today is a result of their hard work and visionary efforts to create an elegant, yet comfortable residence to share with family, friends, and guests that appreciate traditional excellence.

4200 square feet of living space includes 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, equipped kitchen, and large rooms throughout!

Details include 5 fireplaces, wood floors, built-ins, crown molding, leaded glass, stained glass, and more!

With nearly 1 acre of ground, this location is serene and beautiful and offers a wonderful porch, portico, deck, and pergola for enjoying the outdoors!

Room Sizes: Foyer - Main Level - 14x10/ Living Room - Main Level - 30x15/ Dining Room - Main Level - 20x15/ Kitchen - Main Level - 21x12/ Den - Main Level - 15x13/ Library - Main Level - 7x6/ Master Bedroom - Main Level - 16x10/ 2nd Bedroom - 2nd Floor - 15x14/ 3rd Bedroom - 2nd Floor - 15x15/ 4th Bedroom - 2nd Floor - 15x21/ 5th Bedroom - 2nd Floor - 15x11/ 3 full baths on the 2nd floor/ 1 full bath on the main level.