History

Water powered mills were very important to the Shenandoah Valley during the 1800s. Significant changes in stream elevation made for ideal conditions to use mills as a power source. The Osceola Mill is one of seven mills on the Marl Creek. Only two of the original seven remain standing today, the McCormick Farm Mill on the upper part of Marl Creek and the Osceola Mill on the lower. Both remaining mills were part of the McCormick Estate.

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The Osceola Mill was named by McCormick in honor of the Native American chief Osceola of the Seminole tribe. Functioning as a flour mill for 120 years, the mill remains structurally intact today supported by massive hand-hewn chestnut beams. The Fritz water wheel that stands today is believed to have replaced the original wooden wheel.

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The mill operated as a working mill well into the 1900s. Run by the Brubaker family, it provided stone ground products for sale to the local community. In 1969, however, Hurricane Camille ended its long history as a functioning mill. It was then renovated into a private home and later an Inn. Many of the original mill works still remain, including the massive overshot waterwheel, making it one of the most gorgeous historical sites in the Shenandoah Valley.

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Osceola Mill Today

​After it's retirement as a functional mill in 1969, the Osceola Mill transitioned into first a residential home, and then shortly after a historic Inn. The mill has functioned as an Inn for almost 50 years, hosting guests from all over the world.

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The millhouse features an antique, candlelit dining room which features a complimentary coffee and tear bar, in addition to patio-style seating on the porch in front of the water wheel. 

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The second floor of the mill features four distinct guest lodgings each with its own private bathroom and a host of modern amenities for the comfort of our guests. In addition to the suites inside the millhouse, the property also features an antique, private cabin alongside the creek for those looking for the perfect romantic getaway.

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Please note that the former on-site restaurant is CLOSED. Osceola Mill is a bed and breakfast inn, with a staff member on site 24/7.

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At Ease Retreat Corporation

​​​​​​​​Linda Schatz founded At Ease Retreat Corporation after moving here to be with her husband who works in Washington D.C. At Ease, owns and operates Osceola Mill. Tyler Schatz, Linda’s son, has also joined the family business. Linda is originally from Hawaii, where family and getting together are prioritized above all else. Hawaii is known for its hospitable culture, which we try to incorporate into the Mill experience.

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Linda has an educational background in architecture and planning and her 27-year career as a real estate professional working on apartment, retail, and master planned communities. She fell in love with the rural areas of Virginia, which started the journey to find a bed and breakfast property that would provide people a comfortable, unassuming, relaxing, and loving place to stay. A home away from home.