In the 1760's Samuel Gettys purchased a land grant of over 300 acres from John Penn. The land surrounded a muddy crossroads where the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh and Baltimore-Shippensburg (PA) roads met. The Gettys family moved to the area, building houses and a tavern near the crossroads.
Although the frontier moved farther west, it was not an easy life. After two decades Samuel Gettys was forced to declare bankruptcy. Some of the land grant was auctioned off to pay his debts, and his son James Gettys purchased 116 acres including the tavern to keep it in the family. The land was sold off in building lots in the hope that a town would grow up and increase property values. They called the village "Gettystown".
A tanner who had worked with the Gettys family, Michael Hoke, purchased a lot on the road east in 1786 for "3 pounds, 15 shillings of real gold". He started building a townhouse there even before there was a town, and it remains the oldest deeded house in Gettysburg. He used a brown stone which is native to the area in the construction. In 1796 it was transferred to his brother Henry Hoke. The 4-bedroom house was expanded with an addition in 1815 attaching a kitchen and a larger dining room. The Hokes had no sons to inherit the property, and the house was sold out of the family.
In 1843 Nicholas Codori purchased the property for 1,600 dollars. He had immigrated to America in 1828 from Alsace, France and had apprenticed himself to a local butcher. When he started his own butcher business he prospered. A good Catholic, he fathered 11 children and so needed a large house for his family and his growing business.
Codori purchased the property on either side of the house, building a large carriage house at the back of the east side and adding his meat market on the west side. At the beginning of the American Civil War he purchased a farm on the Emmitsburg Road to raise livestock and to use as his slaughterhouse. The farm is in the middle of the battlefield area where the Confederate assault known as "Pickett's Charge" occurred. The Codoris hid in the basement of the house while the Battle of Gettysburg raged in and around the town, while bullets entered their home above them. For months after the battle the house served as the Catholic chapel since their church was full of wounded soldiers. The Codori family continued to live in the house for 124 years. Many townsfolk still call the stone building the "Codori House".
In March 2005, the Hodges family (Joan, Brian & AmyBeth) purchased the Brafferton to pursue their dream of owning a historic inn and living in a town full of old stories and charm.
The inn's history reflects over 200 years of changes, but you can still feel the old-fashioned charm and warmth that makes this house a home. The house retains the original style and character of the period when it was built.
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Joan, Brian and AmyBeth Hodges get their greatest pleasure from hosting guests in their historic Inn in Downtown Gettysburg. Upon arrival, you will be greeted warmly and your every need will be tended to.
Your Innkeepers Joan, Brian & AmyBeth
Joan is a Critical Care Nurse by profession retired from Hewlett Packard and Philips Medical. She loves to bake, garden and decorate. Brian, Joan’s son, has a business degree from Florida Atlantic University, and spent 20 years in the restaurant industry in South Florida. His greatest love is creating the best breakfast in Gettysburg. AmyBeth, Brian’s wife, was born and raised in Newburyport, Ma. and has a degree in Criminal Justice. As an Innkeeper she loves the chance to meet people from many different countries, cultures and walks of life. AmyBeths other passion is being a Mom and raising her small children.
As a family, the Hodges will provide all the necessities for your stay in Gettysburg.
You have truly made a home away from home for your guests. Comforting, warm, and inviting are only a few of the words that describe the Brafferton Inn. I guarantee we will be back again.
Ravyn and Nathanial, Bristolville, Oh |
Our Many Amenities
The amenities offered at the Brafferton Inn ensure that our guests enjoy a rich and memorable experience at anytime of year. We strive to offer the best guest experience possible for all who stay with us. Read Our Policies
Here are a few of our favorite amenities at the Brafferton Inn:
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To date this is our favorite b&b experience we have been to. Perfect hospitality, food, and service. Thank you for everything you did for my wife and I. Thanks for everything.
The Colomer Family
Fredericksburg, VA
Thank you so much for the wonderful experience!! Everything was perfect, the room, the breakfast, and the hospitality. This was a great place to spend a birthday.
Angie and Jonas
In this high-tech internet world, the Brafferton Inn and Gettysburg took us back to another era. We found it delightful, charming, and Historically important. Thank you for your hospitality.
Leslie and Patrick, Milford, MI
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Fine Linens and Plush Robes