
Tucked away on 109 acres of pristine land along the Flat River, River Edge Bed and Breakfast & Gathering Place offers a serene escape steeped in history and natural beauty. Owned and lovingly maintained by Bill and Brenda Schreur, this Lowell gem is more than just a B&B—it’s a labor of love that reflects the Schreurs’ dedication to conservation and hospitality.
A Promise Fulfilled
Bill Schreur’s ties to the B&B property stretch back to his childhood when he spent countless days working alongside Abe DeHaan, the former owner of the farm’s southernmost section. That very land now serves as the site of the 1880s B&B home, the historic carriage house, and the wedding pavilion.
“When I was 16, I asked Abe if he’d give me first consideration if/when he decided to sell the property,” Schreur recalls. “He said he would, and at age 49, he fulfilled that promise.”
Since purchasing the property in 2012, the Schreurs have worked tirelessly to preserve the character of the 1880s farmhouse while enhancing the natural surroundings. In their efforts to preserve the home’s character, they have successfully restored many of its original features, including the farmhouse sink in the kitchen. After being refinished, it shines just as beautifully as the day it was installed.
They also preserved the home’s original glass doorknobs, each one a small but elegant reminder of the past. While they couldn’t salvage the clawfoot tub for use indoors, they found a creative way to repurpose it, transforming it into a charming outdoor flower container that adds to the venue’s rustic appeal.
Additionally, their commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in the thousands of trees they’ve planted, and the native prairie switchgrass and wildflowers they’ve cultivated. Their participation in the PA 116 Designated Open Space Program was sought to protect and encourage the preservation of unique and scenic natural resources.
A Dream Venue Blossoms

Once renovations were complete, the bed and breakfast opened for business and quickly evolved into a venue for weddings and gatherings. Guests often remark on the nostalgic charm of the home, which the Schreurs says they would have called “Grandma’s House” if they hadn’t landed on the River Edge name.
To accommodate weddings, a spacious pavilion and a cozy outbuilding — often used as a bridal suite — were added, all while preserving the property’s natural charm. Brenda Schreur shares how their property’s wildflowers and untouched beauty have become a photographer’s dream. In the beginning, Bill would mow portions of the field, but Brenda urged him to stop mowing to allow the wildflowers to grow. He yielded, and that’s when the fire was lit, and the business flourished.
Today, the venue’s seasonal blooms, lilac-scented air, and breathtaking sunsets make it a magnet for couples and their photographers. The Schreurs have partnered with local fire departments for early spring controlled burns, which rejuvenate the prairie grass and wildflowers, greatly improving the habitat for wildlife and pollinator insects. This practice achieves both beauty and sustainability.
A Destination Worth Exploring

River Edge isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. With acres of mature spruce and pine forest, trails, and nearly a mile of private Flat River frontage, visitors can reconnect with nature. Wildlife abounds, from bluebirds and eagles to deer, otters and foxes. The property is alive with the colors of purple asters, Joe-Pye-weed, goldenrod and milkweed, which attract swarms of monarch butterflies.
“Tree planting is my disease, and I’m not looking for a cure,” Bill Schreur jokes. Having planted nearly 200,000 trees over his lifetime, including over 30,000 behind their home, his passion for conservation is evident.
A Comfortable, Happy Place
For the Schreurs, River Edge is more than a business, it’s their happy place.
“We have no plans to expand,” Bill says. “We love where we’re at.”
Whether it’s hosting a wedding, offering a quiet weekend retreat, or guiding guests to River Edge’s field for sunset photos, the Schreurs take great satisfaction in sharing their little slice of paradise.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a wedding venue with rustic charm, or a peaceful escape into nature, River Edge offers a timeless retreat where history, hospitality, and conservation come together. For more information or to book a stay, visit the River Edge Bed & Breakfast & Gathering Place website or follow them on Facebook.
Nice article. And the Schreur’s who run the B&B are terrific, warm people!