Cottage at Ross Mill Farm Rushland (Bucks County), Pennsylvania Enjoy a quiet time on a private nature reserve in an original 1600's Fieldstone Cottage! Contact Info | Email this page to a Friend | Click to see a map  | Visit our Web Site Additional Pages... Introduction Rates/Info   Availability Search: See which rooms are available during your stay. Check in: Check out: Powered by Webervations Clear search results Rooms Available from  to  Learn more about these rooms These are our base rates - certain discounts and/or charges may apply

Welcome to the Cottage at Ross Mill Farm!

The Cottage at Ross Mill Farm was built in the late 1600's. It serves as a perfect example of an early one-room, stone settler's house. The main room provided the primary living quarter with a sleeping loft-type attic. Beds may have been placed on the floor or strung like a hammock from the rafters. Built mostly of red sandstone and shale from a nearby quarry, its 18" thick walls carry a pantene of white-wash and stone that shows 300 years of history and wear. What a cozy place to start a new life in the New World!

This area of Bucks County and the Cottage were part of a bustling industrial enclave at the turn of the 18th century. Mills dotted the Little Neshaminy Creek as the water descended over 20' in just 2 miles. At the crossroads directly in front of the Cottage stood the Ross Mills, a grist and sawmill. The Upper Mearns Mill was located a half mile above this sight. About three quarters mile downstream, was a fulling mill - a mill that corded lambs wool into wool felt. Farmers and merchants gathered here to attain the necessities of life - stone, feed, lumber, and cloth.

When the American Revolution was in the air, it too played a part. The Ross Mill Farm, built in the 1740's as a miller's house was owned by Torres, English sympathizers. Washington was trying to maintain control and defend New York and Philadelphia. He positioned himself between both on York Road, which is now Route 263. In 1777, Washington was billeted with over 11,000 troops just a few miles from the Cottage at Headquarters Farm.

Historians believe that Headquarters Farm is where Lafayette first joined Washington and where Washington first used the new Betsy Ross flag. Washington sent his Lieutenants out to acquire provisions for the troops and animals. At first, the owners of the mills and farms refused to cooperate or accept Colonial money. Since refusal meant confiscation, they relented and Washington stayed 13 days providing a legacy and its place in history.

Today, the Cottage is maintained in its original condition. Modern conveniences (heating, plumbing, and electrical) and the enclosed sun porch were added in 1941. In June 1999, it was opened as a Bed and Breakfast. Guests can enjoy a retreat, a refuge; a place to be with one's self and nature, a romantic getaway.

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