Inn At Solvang Huntingdon PA: A Historic Raystown Lake B&B
I’ve stayed at many historical bed and breakfasts, but my first glimpse of the Inn at Solvang in Huntingdon PA still took my breath away.
Sitting at the end of a tree-lined driveway on the summit of a hill, the beautiful inn looked like something from a bygone area. And indeed it is!
Come along as I show you the inside this charming bed and breakfast in Huntingdon PA, near Raystown Lake.
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THE INN AT SOLVANG
✔️ Historic Bed and Breakfast
✔️ Quiet Country Setting
✔️ Elegant and Comfortable
About The Inn At Solvang
Nestled in the rolling hills of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, The Inn at Solvang stands as a beacon of history and hospitality.
The first thing you’ll notice as you approach are the four stately pillars that make the large house appear even more impressive. The front porch is welcoming and inviting, but that’s just the beginning of this Inn’s timeless charm.
Originally designed and built by Huntingdon attorney C. Jewett Henry and his wife Phyllis in 1936, the home has many furnishings and collectibles from their time there.
Much of the elegant period furniture is from the Henrys, as is a grand piano and harpsichord in the music room.
The Henrys moved into their home in March 1938 and lived until their deaths in 1979 (Mr. Henry) and 1992 (Mrs. Henry).
Their son and daughter-in-law, JJ and Pam Henry adapted the house into a Bed and Breakfast which opened as “The Inn at Solvang” in 1994.
Today the home has been completely renovated to accommodate Inn guests, but it remains in the Henry family. Updates include new vibrant colors, murals, trompe l’oeil and stenciling.
Inn At Solvang History
Let’s back up to 1936, when Phyllis Wald married a young attorney named C. Jewett Henry. Together they purchased a property called the Kagerise farm.
Born in 1912 in Philadelphia, Phyllis was the daughter of John R. Wald and his wife Emma, who moved to Huntingdon and lived at Sunset (which neighbors the Kagerise farm).
Huntingdon was strategically located to serve as the headquarters for the first of three companies founded by Mr. Wald.
In addition to their connection to Huntingdon, the Walds maintained close ties with their ancestral land of Norway.
Mr. Wald was educated in Norway as an industrial engineer and Mrs. Wald spent summers of her youth in Norway with her mother. They met in Norway and were married in 1910.
Where Did The Inn At Solvang Get Its Name?
When the property was bought by the Henrys there was only an old storage building on the farm, as the house had burned and the barn was torn down.
Since it had been farmed for many years, there were no trees — just wide open fields.
Such a grassy field is called a “vang” in Norwegian. “Sol” is the word for “Sun,” hence the name “Solvang.”
Things to Do At The Inn
There are plenty of things to do at the Inn of Solvang, but the number one thing is RELAX.
The house is a mixture of elegance and modern comfort, and is large enough that you can find a quiet place even if the Inn is full.
If you’re staying at the Inn, and the weather outside isn’t cooperating, you really won’t mind. The Inn at Solvang has a variety of classic books shelved throughout the home and lots of comfortable seating near the warm fireplace for you to read.
If you’re musically inclined, you can enjoy the grand piano or harpsichord in the music room.
Even on a rainy day, you’ll feel pampered with the authentic Persian rugs, beautiful original artwork, and elegant period furniture that will make you happy to stay inside.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there is plenty do as well. You can take a stroll through the woods at the Inn at Solvang, fish in their private trout stream at Stone Creek or play 18 holes at Standing Stone Golf Course.
And if you’re tired after spending a day at nearby Raystown Lake or exploring Huntingdon, you can enjoy a relaxing massage by the Inn’s nationally certified therapist.
Breakfast At The Inn At Solvang
Breakfast is served each morning with Mrs Henry’s original china and silver. (They say you can stay for two weeks and never eat off the same china twice. It’s beautiful!)
Not only is the presentation at breakfast beautiful, but everything is fresh including local eggs and stone ground grain from the family’s own Castle Valley Mill.
The mill uses no preservatives and produces a product that is natural, healthy, nutritious and full of flavor. I eat granola everywhere I go, and I have never had better homemade granola anywhere.
Rooms At This Huntingdon Bed and Breakfast
The Inn at Solvang has a variety of accommodations, including 5 rooms in the main house.
The Heart and Hand room has a king bed, private bath and wooded views. Weekday rates start at $159.
The Aviary has a queen bed and a twin bed, a private bath, and direct ground access. Weekday rates start at $149
The Garden Room has a king bed, private bath with a whirlpool tub and jet shower. Weekday rates start at $159
The Crystal Room has twin beds, private bath and view of the lawns. Weekday rates start at $119.
The Ivy Suite accommodates up to 4 people, and has private access to a third floor balcony that overlooks the sweeping lawn. Weekday rates start at $159
Other Accommodations At the Inn
The five rooms in the main house aren’t the only accommodations at the Inn at Solvang Huntingdon PA.
They also have a unique Stabbur Norwegian Cabin as an independent rental.
This cabin includes two double beds, a private bath, kitchenette, and a Sauna!
Rates start at $209 with a two night minimum stay.
Another rental option near Raystown Lake and only 35 minutes from Penn State is the Bloksberg Ridge-Top Lodge.
This two bedroom house has a full kitchen, incredible view and large outdoor deck.
It’s located about 3 miles form the Inn at Solvang.
Although it feels secluded, the private rental is only 20 minutes from Raystown and 35 minutes from Penn State for those who are attending a football game.