Kanaga House
Innkeeper Mary Jane Kretzing
New Kingstown, Pennsylvania
When did you purchase Kanaga House, and why?
When we (Don and Mary Jane Kretzing) bought Kanaga in 1969, after driving past the for-sale sign, we weren't thinking bed and breakfasts. We simply loved the old house and wanted to restore it.
With our background in the antique business, my love of decorating and Don's ability to restore and even duplicate a look such as the Williamsburg Raleigh Tavern Bar, we, along with our two children, created a home and a "big" project.
Tasks such as cutting a doorway through a solid stone wall to utilize a larger room for a new kitchen and adding a wing for a dining room with bedroom and bath above were only a few of our many projects. Each room in the house was refurbished, fireplaces opened, bathrooms added and the gazebo restored. It took years to reach the results you see today, plus a lot of scraping paint and making drapes!
My advice to anyone buying an old house is either to be blessed with unlimited handyman skills or a lot of money.
When did you decide to convert your home to a bed and breakfast?
With a big house and the children out of the nest, we opened the B&B in 1991. Don died in 1994, and the decision to go on was only possible with my son Dave entering the business as manager and chef. His food is outstanding and so are his "unlimited handyman skills."
Dave has added a commercial kitchen and now large-tented weddings, business seminars, Christmas parties and much more are hosted at Kanaga House. Dave's son Matt, now 16, is also getting involved. He too is blessed with many of the talents of his father and grandfather.
What's your favorite room in Kanaga House?
It's hard to say one room is a favorite over any others. Each one is unique and holds fond memories. The tavern room -- with a pine-panelled fireplace, comfortable leather sofa and chairs, and a spindled cage around the tiny bar -- is probably my favorite.
What makes a stay at your inn unique?
We're located in the center of central Pennsylvania's many tourist attractions and while enjoying these sites you can also enjoy the beautiful grounds, history, antiques, ambiance and hospitable host of Kanaga House.
Please tell us a little about your area. What would you consider to be "must-see" attractions?
Our "must-see" attractions are Gettysburg, Hershey Chocolate World and Amusement Park, Lancaster Dutch (Amish) Country, Carlisle Production Car Shows, Army War College and Museums, Appalachian Trail, and Yellow Breeches and Letort Springs for fly fishing.
