Manassas Junction Bed and Breakfast Offers Country Feel in Old Town

"Here, try this; I grew up eating these out of my parents' garden when I was a kid."

Crunching on some crisp, freshly picked sugar snap peas, Ann Hempen continued the tour of her garden located just yards from the railroad and on the grounds of the . Hempen owns the property along with husband, Mark.

The couple, both letter carriers for the Post Office have been together since 1978 and Manassas residents for over 30 years.

Their authentically restored 1902 Queen Anne Victorian home is snugly situated at the corner of Prescott Ave and Center Street in Old Town. The four-bedroom home proudly hides behind century old trees and a variety of plush, vibrant foliage.

From the front you would never expect the tranquil environment that awaits you as you enter the backyard.

Sitting on over an acre of land, the yard is a secluded oasis of peace and relaxation. There is a 7 foot tall, five-tiered, concrete water fountain that stands guard over the Hempens' garden. The plot is bursting at the edges with cucumber and squash plants, tomatoes and plenty of peas and potatoes.

The garden, complete with a full grown cherry tree, patches of raspberries and strawberries— and even a kumkwat plant—is what sets this place aside from your normal B&B.

The Hempens prepare breakfast for their guests from the wide range of fruits and vegetables that they grow. They make omelettes and stradas with eggs from a nearby farm in Nokesville and create a perfect laid-back country atmosphere.

The inside is a time capsule of decorations and designs from the early 1900s. But the Hempens can't take all the credit for that.

"The woman that lived here before us received her Masters in Historic Furnishings and Decor," Hempen said. "She researched and scraped the outside of the home to find its original colors, painted, then decorated the interior in a late-Victorian style design - she really did a good job."

Beautiful hand-crafted wooden screens greet your arrival in the foyer and your eyes immediately bounce around the room checking out all the little trinkets and decorations.

There are two rooms available at Manassas Junction: the Prescott Room, named for its location; and the Myers room, named after the original owner, Nora Myers.

Each room provides a cozy feel and is equipped with cable TV and Wi-Fi. The bathrooms include large clawfoot tubs ideal for the biggest bubble bath. 

The Hempens go above and beyond what should be expected at a B&B and in just its third year, the Hempens have had visitors from all over the globe.

"We just had a couple from Australia and Tazmania here last week for the U.S. Open," Mark Hempen said.  "We've had businessmen from Japan, a lady from Brussels, dog breeders and Newlywe's fresh from their wedding reception come and stay with us."

The home and local B&B is also situated along the popular parade route the city uses throughout the year for the Veteran's Day and Christmas parades. In fact, this year the Manassas Junction will be home to a very important person, the Grand Marshall for the Veteran's Day Parade. The former Vietnam Vet will be receiving the most coveted and highly-regarded award from the military: the Medal of Honor.

And due to a recent cancellation, the Prescott Room is now available for the upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial event, taking place July 20-24th.

Check their website for rates and more details.

While visiting,  you can relax on the wrap-around porch or patio, play volleyball, or  enjoy an evening of "trainspotting" in the backyard. Visitors are also within walking distace to everything Old Town, including a stop for  the VRE, shops and restaurants.  Ann and Mark will make sure your visit leaves a lasting impression of Manassas.

But don't just take our word for it, check out over 50 reviews on the Manassas Junction on Tripadvisor.com, Yelp!, and BedandBreakfast.com—all  which give the local business a four- star rating or better.