Dating back to the Colonial days of the 1750s, The Inn at Phillips Mill is part of the Phillips Mill Historic District, a community of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the northern edge of New Hope, Pennsylvania along River Rd and the Delaware River, sits an old stone grist mill and the charming little English style village that grew around it. The area naturally attracted artists and was the birthplace of the New Hope Art Colony where the Bucks County Impressionists got their start, including Edward Redfield and Walter Schofield.

I went with some friends on a day trip to see an exhibit of George Sotter paintings and we drove by The Inn at Phillips Mill. At the time I was unaware of the rich history. I just knew I wanted to paint this charming building so we stopped for photos. It was originally built as a barn but went through a number of incarnations including a residence, a tea room, and several restaurants and inns. Today it is well known in the area for its fine, old-world-style French cuisine.

Take note of the copper pig hanging from the sign pole, aged to a verdigris patina.