History
The Brandywine Inn, in the village of Monroe, situated between West Chester and Middletown, is located in one of the area's oldest buildings. Initially constructed in 1850 as a hotel and tavern, this building served as the halfway point for stagecoach travel between Cincinnati and Dayton. When stagecoach travel was at its peak, many a weary traveler found rest in the Old Hotel, as it was known.

Its location on the Cincinnati Dayton Road helped to make the Old Hotel a social gathering point on weekends. Business flourished until the railroads were built and became the common mode of travel between Cincinnati and Dayton. Over the years the Old Hotel changed ownership many times. Eventually the guest rooms were converted to apartments while the tavern gave way to a small shop.

The Brandywine Inn began as an idea shared by George and Doris Bernas and their friend, Steve Morgan. Their goal was to create a haven for people who, like themselves, enjoyed fine dining in the European tradition in which dining constituted the event of the evening. The renovation of the building and the construction of the Brandywine Inn was largely accomplished by the hand labor of the Bernases, Steve Morgan, and a few friends.

Return to Home