Meet the Innkeepers at The White Oak Inn

Ready to Welcome You to Ohio’s Amish Country

Hello! We are Yvonne and Ian, the owners and innkeepers at The White Oak Inn, in Danville, Ohio. Whether you are a familiar friend or a first time guest, please allow us the opportunity to introduce ourselves and tell you a little about the history of our bed and breakfast journey in Amish Country.

From Corporate Canada to Country Inn

One sunny fall day in 1985, we were both at work in our corporate jobs in Canada. We didn’t know it, but our lives were about to be shaken up. Leaving a client’s office, Ian was involved in a serious head-on car accident. As he healed from his injuries, we both realized how close we had come to losing one another forever and that we needed to make some lifestyle changes to spend more time together. As it so happened, a chance stay in a bed and breakfast gave us the kernel of the idea that we could become innkeepers. After several years of research and hunting for just the right property, we drove up to The White Oak Inn. There it sat, windows sparkling and white paint gleaming in the September sun. It was love at first sight.

“It was love at first sight.” —Yvonne and Ian, regarding The White Oak Inn

At 12.01 a.m. on August 1, 1992, we became the second innkeepers of The White Oak Inn, a bed & breakfast in Ohio. Early the next morning, we found ourselves in the kitchen, making our first batch of muffins (the first of thousands to come)—ready to come out of the oven just as the guests sat down for breakfast.

Updates, Improvements, and Additions

Through the years, we’ve changed many things about our Ohio bed & breakfast. Each of the rooms has been lovingly upgraded and improved, including adding a two-person whirlpool tub to the ground-floor guest room. In 2002, we designed and built the two luxury log cabin cottages, increasing the guest capacity and charm of our inn. A wedding gazebo was added to the garden in 2008, and the historic barn was rehabbed the same year. Hosting small weddings, elopements, and vow renewals became a cornerstone of our business. It has been an honor to be included in so many of our guests’ special occasions, celebrations, and milestones. We have also created many special programs and events at the inn, including murder mysteries, a Dickens Christmas Carol event, and Oakstock – a fun celebration of food and music. 

Four-Legged Innkeepers

Shortly after arriving at the inn, we were given a housewarming gift of a small black Labrador puppy. Rocky was to become the inn’s ambassador for 14 years and was a favorite of all our guests. He was only the first of many beloved pets to come, including Buster, an abandoned baby lamb who blossomed into a 350-lb. sheep due to all the gummy bears and cracker treats fed to him by guests. Dougal, another Black Labrador puppy, came home from the dog shelter at Christmastime in 2009 and was with us until 2023.

Fast forward to April 2024, when Bentley, another black lab mix, romped into our lives—enthusiastically stealing shoes and unguarded toilet rolls. Today, he eagerly awaits guests at the front door and insists on being the first to say “hello”. 

Our Hobbies and Passions

Ian’s former profession as a drummer has led to many convivial evenings spent with guests talking about music and listening to favorite tunes.

Yvonne has always loved to cook, and owning an inn has provided a wonderful outlet for her to demonstrate her talent and improve her skills. Ian had limited culinary experience when we bought the inn, but he has proved to be very talented and creative at baking cakes for our evening desserts.

On our website, you will find our blog—which has carefully curated information about area attraction and some of our favorite things to do. It is important to us that each guest gets the most out of their stay. If you are looking for epic hiking and or authentic Amish country experience, we have you covered. For those who want to rest, relax, and unwind, we can help with that also.

The Fun Continues

As we approach our 34th year as innkeepers, we can’t believe how quickly the time has passed. We’ve made many, many wonderful friends. We have a storehouse of amazing memories and have had the great privilege of sharing in so many special moments in others’ lives. The original building that houses our Ohio bed & breakfast had its 110th birthday in 2025. We hope it’s still welcoming guests to a peaceful and tranquil haven in the country for another century. And it is our great privilege to be a part of its history as caretakers and innkeepers.

Browse Our Accommodations and Book Your Stay Today!

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