If you’re the type of person or couple who appreciates gathering around a firepit with a glass of wine before dinner, and/or breakfasting with others from various locales to chew the fat and get to know folks from different backgrounds – then book a room at the upscale Swope Manor in downtown Gettysburg PA.
Swope Manor B&B Review
(We’ve got ideas on what to do nearby in this Gettysburg PA post).
Located just a block from the center of town and convenient to several historic sites—as well as a slew of shops and restaurants—this handsome brick home, a “witness building” during the Civil War, feels like just the place to connect with others in a town fraught with the kind of violent history that, disturbingly, seems to be repeating itself lately.
History of Swope Manor
Built in 1836 by wealthy investor and banker George Swope and his wife, with an identical adjoining townhome for their physician son, Dr. John Swope—who later became a congressman and, like his father, president of Gettysburg Bank—Swope Manor once housed two generations living side by side.
The home served as a Civil War–era hospital and, later, when sold, was converted into apartments.
In the 1950s, President Ike Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, were frequent bridge-playing guests of the then-owners, the LeFevers. In the 1990s, artist Dorothy Ralston purchased the property with dreams of turning it into a B&B. Sadly, Ralston passed away before she could realize that dream. In 2013, current owners John and Lori Jumba brought her vision to life.
First Impressions of Swope Manor
The Jumbas put a tremendous amount of work into renovating and updating the home. They preserved original windows, hardwood floors, and banisters—not to mention many pieces of furniture from the Swope family.
Because these were once two separate residences, Swope Manor now features two staircases, two parlors, two dining rooms, and a well-stocked library filled with books on the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
Amenities
Guests can help themselves to a glass of red or white wine before or after dinner, and a pre-bedtime nip of sherry – both complimentary. There are Hershey’s Kisses and York Peppermint Patties for the taking – as well as a 24/7 carafe of coffee.
Linger over said glass of wine out back, on a lovely two-level deck with tables and seating, just perfect for socializing. If, like me, you enjoy getting to know strangers, it’s the perfect opportunity.
(When I visited on an early September weeknight, there were couples from Massachusetts, Indiana, Lancaster PA, Tampa FL. Topics included favorite and upcoming travels, families, and careers. Politics never entered the discussion).
Rooms and suites at Swope Manor
Each of the 15 rooms and suites has an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, and is chock-full of fine antique furniture. Hand-sewn quilts on the beds add a local, period-appropriate flourish to each room.
The bathroom in my room (Cabernet Chamber) was charming, with a French-inspired floral design painted inside the sink basin and brooch-like faucet handles. It also featured a small jetted tub for one.
If it’s a jetted tub for two you seek, book one of two rustic-luxe suites in the Carriage House. The Carriage Suite and Garden Chamber each have large two-person spa tubs.
Breakfast
A delicious three-course breakfast is served to all guests at a set morning hour in the formal dining room. It’s yet another opportunity to chat with your fellow travelers.
Though the menu changes daily, the first two courses generally include fresh-cut fruit and a homemade muffin straight out of the oven. My “savory” course was a lovely slice of warm quiche.
Final Thoughts on Swope Manor
President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered on the bloody battlefield nearby, urged Americans to ensure that “these dead shall not have died in vain… and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
By “the people,” Lincoln meant all the people—not just Conservative or Liberal, Democrat or Republican. Which is why it was so refreshing when I visited in September 2025 and met people who never asked what “side” of the political spectrum I was on. We were all just fellow travelers, here to learn valuable lessons about the Civil War—some of which took place in this very home.
