THE PROPERTY HISTORY
The homes are located in Fertility, PA named for its fertile soil and after its post office in the old days. Very few people refer to the area as Fertility except for a few of our neighbors that gather periodically. The old Groff’s Mill/Bonholtzer’s Mill and now the Olde Mill House Shoppes home décor store is located 500 yards to the south of our homes nearest the bridge - that used to be a covered bridge in its infancy. The cottage is located a short distance up the street towards Lincoln Highway.
The 1860s home was built by a woman, Barbara Diffenbach, in 1867 and is considered Federal Style architecture made of traditional Lancaster soft brick and topped with the original Peach Bottom slate roof. On the back of the home, a two story addition has been built overtop of an old out of service cistern that collected the rain water to use for washing clothes, as that water was softer than the naturally hard well water in our area – a result of the limestone laden ground.
The Farmhouse by the Falls we refer to as 99 House was built in the late 1800s, and we took ownership in November 2019 from our neighbors. Our prior neighbors lovingly restored this home and gave it a modern feel with the warmth and character reflecting the past yet the convenience of everything we love today.
The Cozy Cottage was built in the 1940s, and we took ownership in January 2026 from our neighbors. Our prior neighbors were of Amish descent and had lovingly rented this cottage while they lived in the home onsite. The main house on the property is a new home and new beginning for our neighbor. We continue to lovingly invite folks to explore Lancaster while calling The Cozy Cottage their home away from home.
We have tried to think of everything that you could desire to have during your stay at our homes – from fresh linens to eggs (please message us to see if we have fresh eggs available), complimentary coffee, tea and snacks.
We will always be restoring/updating/keeping up with our homes, so please message us if you have a suggestion or a question about something.
Meet Your Hosts→
Suzi: I love treating others as I wish to be treated. I was lucky enough to travel the world with my work, as I recently retired from umpiring international field hockey and hosting our old farmhouses on Airbnb is how I make my living. I love to exercise my dogs, hike, fish, tinker on my homes and recently became a volunteer firefighter. I believe "Happiness is only real when shared." I thank God to be able to share my blessings with others!
Luci: I am an active, dog-loving adventurer who likes to travel with friends and family, hike my dogs, and experience great new restaurants or maybe stay at home and cook for friends!
Our Motto: “Serve Others”
We want you to have a wonderful experience during your stay in Lancaster and enjoy the home and our hospitality – we want you to find peace, joy and rest in the simpler place & times that this home represents.