About E. J. Bowman House Bed & Breakfast
E. J. Bowman House Bed & Breakfast is a historic five-room inn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, between Lititz and Lancaster City in the heart of Lancaster County. Guests stay in an 1860 Italianate home with comfortable guest rooms, inviting common spaces, landscaped gardens, and a multi-course breakfast served each morning.
The house is designed for slowing down between days exploring Lancaster, Lititz, and Pennsylvania Amish Country. Settle into the parlor by the fireplace, read or watch a movie in the den, enjoy an afternoon treat in the kitchenette, or walk the lighted garden paths around the pond.
Meet Your Innkeepers
Scott and Diane O'Donnell have run the E. J. Bowman House since 2012.
Diane retired as a Sears store manager that same year and became a full-time innkeeper. Scott spent the first decade working in the office at Simplex Paper Box before retiring in 2021. In 2023 he took over breakfast from Diane as head cook, and once he found his footing with the baking, she handed that over too — though she still makes the occasional guest appearance when someone requests a favorite.
They share the gardens. The pond is Scott's alone.
They're the fifth owners of a house that has stood on Lititz Pike since 1860, and they kept the tradition of naming each guest room for the families who came before. Read About the House History
Inside the E. J. Bowman House
Parlor
The parlor reflects the history and character of the house with tall draped windows, a sky-mural ceiling, paintings, mirrors, a grand fireplace, comfortable seating, family photographs, and an 1890 pump organ.
Den
The den offers a quieter place to read, listen to music, watch television, use the complimentary Wi-Fi, or simply relax. Comfortable seating and adjustable lighting make it an easy place to spend part of an afternoon or evening.
Guest Kitchenette
The guest kitchenette includes a table for four, a refrigerator, a microwave, a hot beverage machine, and afternoon treats. It is a convenient spot for coffee, a snack, or catching up after a day exploring Lancaster County.
Hand-Painted Lancaster County Murals
One of the most distinctive features of the E. J. Bowman House is its collection of hand-painted murals. Fourteen murals by the Lancaster Mural Company line the foyer and formal staircase, depicting seasonal scenes of Lancaster County life in the late 19th century.
The murals give guests a visual connection to the region's history before they ever leave the house.
Gardens and Pond
Outside, lighted pathways wind through landscaped flower and herb gardens and around the pond. The grounds provide another place to sit, walk, and enjoy the quieter side of a Lancaster bed and breakfast stay.
