Checking Into 1740 House: My First Bed and Breakfast Stay in New Hope

I finally did it—checked something sweet and wholesome off my life list: I stayed in a bed and breakfast.

I was never a Gilmore Girls girl, but I did watch it through once (right after I watched Tiger King…can you guess what time period this was?) but I have to admit, the Dragonfly Inn may have had some influence here.

Romanticizing rich architecture, clinking coffee cups, and floral wallpaper is just so easy to do. I know it’s not just me. Don’t we all want to feel like we’re living in a movie sometimes?

The most adorable and inviting bright red door.

View from my balcony door.

the location

The best part is, this bed and breakfast is nestled right along the Delaware River in Bucks County, PA—where I grew up. Although it’s no longer my home, many friends and family are still there, so this felt like a staycation.

And the perfect gateway to bed and breakfast life. If you have never been to New Hope, PA, it’s time to put it on your list. Especially if you’re a Gilmore Girls girl—it gives off a strong Stars Hollow feel.

I stayed here because it was down the road from where a childhood friend was getting married. As much as I would have liked to have a bright and sunny day for a March wedding, it felt so right to pull into the 1740 House gravel parking lot on a misty, grey afternoon. Cozy.

If we’re going to get into the Pennsylvania of it all, I should let you know that the building is a combo of an 18th Century farmstead and 1968 construction. All 25 rooms not only have a view of the Delaware River, but a balcony or porch to take it all in from.

A look outside of the side of the lodge I stayed in.

A standard key! And a spacious room with a king bed.

the lodging

The staff were friendly, but not overbearing. I think sometimes people think bed and breakfasts often have too many people in your space or trying to talk to you, but that wasn’t the case.

You can absolutely strike up conversation and meet new people, but I had no trouble taking time for myself. After living alone for over six years, there was something quietly comforting about having people nearby, even if I kept to myself.

I was so happy with my room. It had a king-size bed, a fireplace, private bathroom, loveseat, and of course, a balcony. Rather than a keycard, each room uses a traditional key. I wish my own condominium had a keycard, but standard key feels right for a bed and breakfast.

At first glance, everything in the room looked dated (in a good way), but the added touches of a mini fridge, remote-controlled fireplace, and a TV hidden in the forest-green armoire added modern comfort. My favorite details were the pink floral wallpaper, the mixed color fireplace tiles, and the wood furniture.

Downstairs near check-in, you can hang out in a cozy room with a fireplace and coffee bar. In warmer months, there’s tons of space outside to sit and eat, including their rooftop-style patio. They grow fresh herbs up there that they use for homemade breakfast, and that just melts my heart.

Perhaps the most elite thing about 1740 House is The Club. This is a private bar for guests only, where you can have drinks and dinner. I wasn’t able to experience this since there was an event booked and I was at a wedding, but I’ll be back when it’s warmer to enjoy a night in there and have a cup of coffee on the patio the next morning.

Once the hustle and bustle was over and the dining space was cleared out.

A balanced breakfast that left me so happy and full.

the dining room

And speaking of coffee, let’s talk breakfast. If you have a soft spot for hotel continental breakfasts, you’ll love a bed and breakfast spread. No stale, store-bought bagels here. Baked goods, coffee, juices, and fresh fruits are always out for guests, but there are also a couple special plates on the menu each morning.

I was given a slip of paper to check off which breakfast I wanted in the morning, what time I wanted to eat, and if I wanted to have it in the dining room or packed up to take to my room. Spoiler alert: I asked to try both breakfasts. The idea of staying cozy in my room sounded amazing, but I had to experience my first communal meal in a bed and breakfast.

I think some B&Bs have a communal table, but 1740 House has separate tables where you can choose where to sit. I chose the latest time slot (ya girl likes to sleep) so when I got downstairs the room was pretty packed. I found a table by a window and was in heaven with my fresh juice and coffee alongside my savory and sweet breakfasts.

This particular morning was a balsamic tomato ricotta toast and a yogurt parfait topped with granola, fruit, and honey. No-frills comfort food that makes you feel good. I’m still thinking about the ricotta toast.

My favorite interior photo of my room

View of the bar inside The Club.

the final thoughts

1740 House won my heart. And bed and breakfasts are adorable af. I want to go to more! This also was just another reminder of how beautiful and special Bucks County is. My Stars Hollow.

Krista Stucchio | Blogger

Krista is a Hoboken-based content creator, photographer, and writer who shares stories inspired by good food, cozy stays, and everyday realness. With a background in journalism and a love for visual storytelling, Krista brings a warm, authentic lens to every post.