Home Away From Home: Pineapple Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast

Driving along River Road in Upper Makefield Township, one might catch a glimpse of the sign for Pineapple Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast. The image of a pineapple, which has long been a symbol of hospitality, announces the promise of a warm welcome waiting at this tranquil oasis. Although the inn recently underwent a change in ownership, new owners Kristen and Diane Florey are proud to carry on the tradition of this beloved Bucks County destination.

The inn’s location was originally part of a 300-acre farm that had a stone barn and milking station. Over time, what began as a private residence evolved into a beloved bed and breakfast destination. On June 1, new owners Kristen and her mother, Diane—both from New Jersey—took over the business. The previous owners, Roy Scott and Scott Stern, who operated the inn for 14 years, decided to sell after relocating to Wisconsin.

When the Floreys toured the inn this past February, it was love at first sight. “I love all the history, the gorgeous exterior, every vintage piece Roy and Scott used to decorate the rooms,” Diane says. “As we walked through, there was nothing we wanted to change.”

Kristen felt an immediate connection as well. “We realized right away how special this place was, and the reputation it had was unbelievable, so we decided this would be a great adventure for us.”

A New Endeavor

Kristen had always wanted to own her own business but could never figure out what type of business it would be. She originally studied biology in college and became a paramedic. After the pandemic, she transitioned into software engineering, living in New York City and Chicago.

During her time in New York, she also worked in the restaurant industry where she developed a passion for hospitality and private event planning. As she approached turning 30 years old, Kristen found herself increasingly drawn toward a career in the hospitality field. Ironically, she had encouraged her best friend, Lauren, to become an innkeeper before realizing the dream was one she wanted for herself.

Growing up, Kristen and Diane frequently visited New Hope, the Delaware River, and the surrounding area. When Pineapple Hill Inn came onto the market, Kristen saw an opportunity she couldn’t ignore. She presented Diane with a business plan and a proposal to become partners. Diane had worked in commercial real estate repositioning distressed assets for 40 years. Together they saw the potential to preserve the inn’s legacy and also help it grow.

The duo soon moved forward with their plans. Today, Kristen lives in a cottage on the grounds and serves as the full-time innkeeper. Diane manages the legal and financial side of the business while continuing to live in New Jersey.

“When we found this place, I dug into everything that is possible here—not just taking care of guests, which I love, but in terms of marketing, advertising and partnerships,” Kristen says. “I’m extremely passionate about honoring all the memories people have here and everything former owners Roy and Scott built. They put so much care, love, and attention into so many details. Upholding that is something I really care about.”

Handing Over the Keys

The transition of ownership from Scott and Stern along with their longtime innkeeper Lori Coffman to the Floreys has been seamless and pleasant. Their well-earned reputation provided a strong foundation for the mother-daughter team, who have chosen to maintain much of what guests already love, such as the room décor, the lush and beautiful garden surrounding the property, and the inn’s popular breakfast menu.

Kristen handles cooking and baking every day. “I’m very grateful Scott has bestowed all of his recipe books to me. We will continue to make his famous Sunday breakfast with crème brûlée French toast, and we incorporate pineapple into every dish we make,” Kristen says. “I’m a huge breakfast person, so I’m excited about cooking this meal. One of my future plans is to build a greenhouse so we can serve fresh produce with breakfast.”

The inn features nine guest rooms, each with a private bathroom; an in-ground pool surrounded by original stone ruins; indoor and outdoor gathering spaces; and a welcoming dining room. Since the property remained open during the transition, only minor room renovations are planned for late winter. Recent and future improvements include enhanced landscaping, installing a pool heater, a renovated fire pit, and adding a hot tub and additional handicap-friendly features in the ground-floor guestrooms.

The owners also plan to expand guest packages with special offers for anniversaries and other celebrations. Building relationships with local businesses is another priority. “Everybody has been so welcoming,” Kristen says. “I’ve had lunch at Bowman’s Tavern, Washington Crossing Inn, and some New Hope restaurants. I would like to partner with a local winery and possibly a nearby horse stable. More than anything, I want personal experiences with local businesses so I can recommend places to my guests, to create an amazing experience for them.”

A Warm Welcome

Since taking over as an innkeeper in June, Kristen has found that one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is meeting and connecting with guests. While many arrive as couples or groups, solo travelers are also drawn to the inn.

Diane brings community-building experience to the business. Thirteen years ago, through the website Meetup, she started an in-person social club called Somerset County Fun Club for people who live in the area and want to find other people who share similar interests. Diane’s group now includes 1,700 members who spend time together enjoying activities such as card games, beach days, mini golf, plays and concerts, and international travel.

“My payoff to starting this club is when people tell me that this group changed their lives,” she says. “It means so much to me, and I’ve met so many wonderful people. After I posted about purchasing the inn, many members said they plan to visit, and there are many coming in August.”

The owners would like to host events at the inn every other month as a way for guests to visit and meet new friends at the same time.

Velia Jackson is a member of Somerset County Fun Club and recently visited Pineapple Hill Inn. “Diane is a Renaissance organizer and always finding different ventures and experiences to partake and enjoy,” Jackson says. “Our recent visit to the inn was wonderful. The owners are welcoming, hospitable, and accommodating. It’s a beautiful, tranquil retreat.”

Although Kristen has only been running the inn for a short time, she’s already getting rave reviews online and heartfelt notes left in the guest book. Betty Cotto and her husband, John, recently traveled from North Carolina to visit family in Washington Crossing and stayed at the bed and breakfast for the first time. “Kristen was an absolute delight,” Betty says. “She was hospitable and accommodating. The grounds are gorgeous, and the inn is full of so much local history. We loved how it’s tastefully decorated with antiques, artwork, and of course more pineapples than you can count.”

Looking to the Future

While most guests come from the tristate area, visitors also travel from all along the Eastern Seaboard and well beyond. But the Floreys want local residents to know that the Pineapple Hill Inn is a destination for them to enjoy as well.

As Kristen looks toward the future, she has her sights set on expanding the inn’s offerings. Drawing on her event planning background, she hopes to host weddings and private events. She already has a corporate retreat booked in a few months.

“When we bought this special place, Kristen told me that every bend and curve in her professional career has coalesced together to serve her so well in this professional capacity,” Diane says. “My hope for her is that this is her dream come true and that she thrives here.”

With summer well underway, Kristen is excited to plan new experiences for both first-time and returning guests, as every season offers its own unique charm. “I think Pineapple Hill Inn Bed & Breakfast is so beautiful,” she says. “I don’t think anything holds a candle up to this place. We’ve got this gorgeous property that is so peaceful and tranquil but close to so many restaurants, shops, outdoor activities, and historical locations. We want the inn to stay what it is but continue to add our own touches and make it an even better experience for guests.”

Dari Kotzker resides in Bucks County with her husband and four kids. She has worked as a reporter in television news and print media since 2001.

Photograph by Juan Vidal Photography