Quaint Quarters

HOSPITALITY IS A WORD that is synonymous with Inga Jakobovich. As innkeeper (or “innkeeperess” as many of her friends call her) of the Inn at Bowman’s Hill, Jakobovich spends her mornings in the kitchen with her chef. Together, they prepare delicious breakfasts that include eggs from the chickens out back and organic, in-season fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and apples from the orchard. Every day, she dazzles guests with smoked salmon or lemon ricotta pancakes, as well as scrumptious homemade cookies and pies.

Jakobovich’s dream was always to own and run a bed and breakfast. That dream came to fruition almost two years ago, but in a very unexpected way. Jakobovich and her husband,

Dr. Robert Gold, lived in Los Angeles and were travelling to the Upper Makefield area to visit friends in October 2023. Due to one of their friends having Covid, they had to find a last-minute place to stay and came across the Inn at Bowman’s Hill.

Jakobovich, who immediately felt a connection to inn, discovered it was for sale because the previous owner was retiring. A realtor arrived within an hour, and the property was officially purchased by Jakobovich and Gold in February 2024.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, but I never thought it would be 3,000 miles away because we have children and grandchildren in Los Angeles,” Jakobovich says. “Everywhere I stayed, I would always dream about what I would do if I ran a bed and breakfast. I’ve always loved entertaining, hosting and cooking. Here, there was an energy and a charm and good vibes.”

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

Originally from the former Soviet Union, Jakobovich has lived in the United States most of her life and worked in senior care management before taking over the inn. She and her husband have been married for 21 years, and he fully supported her decision to take on this endeavoold is still a doctor in Los Angeles, so he lives bicoastally with two weeks in California and two weeks in Upper Makefield Township. Jakobovich lives on the property, as well as two staff members. She runs the day-to-day operations with her staff, and Gold helps with vendors and contracts. She returns to Los Angeles for a few days every month to see her family.

Since running the business, some of their California friends and children have visited to see what ignited this major life change.

“Once they come here, they understand that there’s nothing like this in California, especially where we are,” Gold says. “Here, you have so much land. It’s so peaceful and quiet. They love it. Every time I come, I look forward to it and enjoy it.”

PERSONAL TOUCHES

Owning a business was completely new to this California couple, and they always pay tribute to the previous owner of 20 years, Mike Emory, an Englishman who laid the groundwork for a successful business.

“Mike created this wonderful atmosphere,” Jakobovich says. “We didn’t touch the bolts of his work because whatever he did in the beginning, the character of the place, his vision, and the idea of hospitality is definitely felt. He did everything well, and he passed down the torch to us.”

The inn was originally built as a home for a local obstetrician in the 1970s in a style consistent with the old mills in the Bucks County area. It was commissioned to have the feel of an old English country estate. When Emory bought the property and changed it into a business, he built the carriage house next door to allow for more rooms and meeting spaces.

When Jakobovich and Gold took over the inn, they restored and updated every room with their personal touches, from wallpaper and paint to flooring and furniture. They also expanded some of the sitting rooms, added a massage/ spa room, created a speakeasy in the basement, and added more meeting spaces. With every change she has made, Jakobovich’s goal has been for guests to feel the positive energy of the property.

“I want guests to come here and feel a sense of privacy, serenity, and luxury, because it’s all about luxury,” she says. “Everything I do as far as accommodations and appointments, I want it to be luxurious. There’s also understated luxury where you’re sleeping on fabulous linens; eating beautiful, farm-fresh food on the finest china; and everything is baked here.”

The inn has an intimate feel with just eight rooms. It is primarily known as a romantic destination. However, larger groups can rent out all the rooms for family reunions or corporate retreats. The inn also has accommodated micro weddings with 16 to 20 guests and has become a popular place for guests to stay if local residents are having celebrations.

Jakobovich says she has entertained a lot of girl trips, too.

Being located close to major cities, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the Delaware River, and New Hope has been a big selling point for the inn, because most of its guests live within a three-hour drive.

“Since we have the historic presence of Washington Crossing and the surrounding area, people who explore Philadelphia, another historic city, will then come here so they can continue their history journey but have a country feel,” Jakobovich says.

FUN FOR ALL SEASONS

Each season has something different to offer at the Inn at Bowman’s Hill. In wintertime, the house is decorated for the holidays, and each room has its own fireplace to cozy up to on cold nights. Springtime brings tons of flowers all over the property and an orchard in full bloom with fruits and vegetables. During the summer, the inn becomes a mini resort with a

pool and hot tub, al fresco dining, and complimentary smoothies to enjoy poolside. Fall is filled with foliage and outdoor fire pits for guests to enjoy.

Now that Jakobovich and Gold have experienced all four seasons as business owners and residents, they have completely fallen in love with Upper Makefield Township and all it has to offer.

“I love the community,” Jakobovich says. “Everything is so pristine, and the people are so friendly.”

Gold also appreciates the spectacular landscapes. “Anywhere we drive in this area, it is gorgeous,” he says. “You just look out and see all the rolling hills. It’s beautiful.”

Although it’s only been less than two years since they took ownership, the inn has been named as Top 20 bed and breakfast in the nation by USA Today.

As for the future, Jakobovich would like to add a pizza oven and sauna to the backyard for summertime. By next winter, she would love to partner with revolutionary war reenactors to host colonial dinners for guests.

“I’m so happy to wake up every day, look around, and feel that I’m surrounded by good energy and comfort,” she says. “And when guests leave a nice note for me after their stay, it makes me feel happy. Being here and in this community is a part of my American dream.”

BY DARI KOTZKKER