Applebutter Inn

Nestled in the rolling green meadows of Western Pennsylvania, the Applebutter Inn offers guests a window into the past. Built in 1844, the 12-inch brick walls set on the 18-inch solid, hand-cut stone foundation, have stood the test of time. The original six-room farmhouse was built of bricks formed and fired on the property. Purchased on land granted to encourage westward settlement by a local farmer named Michael Christley, the Christley family and Plenty Weston Steele’s family were the only full-time residents occupying the home from 1844 – 1987. In 1987, the McKnight family purchased the property and restored it to the 12-room Inn you see today. Finely restored woodwork, exposed brick fireplaces and original chestnut and poplar flooring serve as a backdrop to the Inn’s charm. Shared common rooms and the guest rooms have been restored from the original 1844 farmhouse; a second level was added as well as a sunroom and an exterior brick sundeck. The Inn was purchased in summer of 2021 by the Prebula Family who also own the nearby Slippery Rock Golf Club and Events Center. Work has begun restoring the grounds to bring the Inn back to its original luster. The new owners are long-time customers and lovers of the Applebutter Inn, starting with owner, Dawn (Oesterling) Prebula, whose father was Pennsylvania State Senator Donald O. Oesterling and mother, Ann M. Oesterling, RN, and who enjoyed the comforts of the Inn for many years before purchasing their own property along Slippery Rock Creek. Dawn, a veteran Hospitality and Golf Executive, offers great insight into her new businesses, along with husband Producer, Director & retired Professor, Gary Prebula, originally of Butler, PA. and currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. Grandson of the late Senator Oesterling, Eric Prebula and wife, Julie oversee operations at the golf club and Inn, in addition to operating a successful Life Insurance Agency. General Manager and Innkeeper, Rachel Sosa, recently relocated from Austin, TX, to help manage the Applebutter Inn. She is frequently the friendly face greeting guests, showing them to their rooms, recommending an outing or sharing a bit of history about the Applebutter.