Rose Heart Inn was originally built in 1898 for C.L. Russell who owned a men’s clothing store on the village square in Mt. Gilead. Writing in pencil on the wall leading up to the third floor that was signed by C.L. Russell himself indicates that he moved into the home on March 30, 1899. He installed a number of high end features for the era to include four stained glass panels (often referred to as “art glass”) that overlooked the front stairway, leaded glass doors and windows, and hard wood in-laid floors. All of which are still in place today.

Mr. Russell sold the property in the early to mid 1900’s to Clint Graham who was a retired farmer. He was reported to have planted an orchard and performed considerable landscaping. He kept the property until the early 1950’s when he sold it to Dr. David James Hickson and his wife Gloria. They moved in the home in July of 1952. Dr. Hickson used the first floor for his practice until a new office building was constructed. After the practice was moved out of the home, the Hickson’s performed extensive restoration on the house.

In November of 1988, Mary Kay and Ralph Robins purchased the home with the intent of turning it into a Bed & Breakfast. They began renovations in February of 1989. After completely wallpapering the whole house with fresh paper, refinishing the woodwork and installing new carpet, the house was ready to open as the Holiday House Victorian Bed & Breakfast. Mary Kay chose a Christmas theme for the house and had four large Christmas trees decorated with ornaments recalling Christmases of the Victorian Era. On Saturday, September 30, 1989 they hosted an open house and had over 350 people in attendance.

Rumor has it that a number of celebrities were guests at the Holiday House Bed & Breakfast. In May of 1990 Ellen Simon, daughter of award-winning playwright Neil Simon, spent three days during a cross-country trip with her husband. Paul Newman was reported to have stayed while attending a racing event at Mid-Ohio Raceway. And of course, there may have been others. Certainly this house has had many guests each admiring its historic features and enjoying its small town atmosphere.