New Ownership Brings Renewed Energy to the Historic Jefferson Inn
New Ownership Brings Renewed Energy to the Historic Jefferson Inn
Owner Tracy Diegelman settles into a busy ski season while rolling out thoughtful upgrades and new guest experiences
The iconic Jefferson Inn Victorian bed and breakfast, located at 3 Jefferson Street in downtown Ellicottville, officially celebrated its new ownership. Tracy Diegelman of Lancaster, New York recently purchased the historic property from former owner Jean Kirsch this past December. EllicottvilleNOW caught up with Tracy for comments on how she settled on Ellicottville and what her future plans are for the Inn.
“It was a feeling more than a plan,” she explained. “Ellicottville reminded me of everything I value - community, connection, and a slower, more meaningful way of living. The Jefferson Inn felt like a place I could care for, not just own. Picking up and moving here felt like coming home to something I didn’t even know I was missing.”
A native of Western New York and the mother of three grown children, Diegelman also owns the Lancaster Coffee Company & Café, which she will continue to run. Tracy is also in the process of selling her Black Sheep Boutique, which she explained would allow her to focus more of her time on running the Inn. After her home sold within three days of its listing, Tracy said that she then made the move to Ellicottville. She recalled that the Inn was already fully booked upon her arrival around the winter holidays.
“So, I walked into a full house the first week I was here, and I had about four days to pull it all together, to do some updating and transformation,” she said. “I had 12 guests at my table that I was cooking for, and I just rolled right in - people in the hot tub all night long - it was fun!
“I definitely learned a lot. Jean [Kirsch] prepared me pretty well, and with my background in hospitality and restaurants, that came in handy. It was a whirlwind. We’re into the busy season, too, with the ski season, so it has been nice. I haven’t not had a guest! I have been trying to do little updates here and there, but we are in a good place right now.”
There is no mistaking the architectural marvel on Jefferson Street as the Inn has graced its corner for some time. According to its website, the home was built around 1835, and over the centuries has retained much of its historic charm while being outfitted with more modern amenities. With five guest rooms in the main house plus two adjacent pet-friendly cottages with private entrances, the Inn is popular among locals and visitors alike. Amenities include daily served breakfast in the main house, coffee and homemade treats, an outdoor hot tub, and ski storage available to all guests.
Diegelman, also the owner of two precious goldendoodles, says that the cottages will remain pet friendly. “The cottages have a pull-out sofa, and they can hold three adults. They’re very sweet,” Tracy said, explaining that the cottages have kitchenettes and fireplaces for maximized comfort.
As for the reception from the community, Diegelman says that it has been a warm welcome. “I spent the past decade or so building up the Lancaster community, helping other businesses like me prosper, and I have been a proponent of small business there, so I plan to be the same way here,” she said. “It seems like everybody supports one another, and I have been granted a wonderful, warm welcome here with other business owners - messages from other business owners who have reached out wanting to know how they can help. They have shared my posts,” she continued. “I feel like I am in good company here in Ellicottville; I can wait to get this thing going!”
In terms of future plans for The Jefferson Inn, Tracy says that she has made some changes to all of the rooms, and has put in small fireplaces and additional pillows, fluffy linens, and bedding. “It is very inviting when you walk into the rooms,” she said. “Guests can expect thoughtful detailed enhancements focused on comfort. My goal is to gently elevate what has already worked while representing the Inn’s character, I guess you could say. I don’t want to change The Jefferson Inn too much. I just want to care for it.”
Tracy also plans to update the website and to capitalize on its social media platforms. For booking inquiries, she encourages potential guests to visit the website for a more personalized experience. This ski season, Tracy shared that the Inn is now running a special with Holiday Valley which includes a discounted lift ticket with a stay exclusively available to book through the Inn’s website. “We’re offering with Holiday Valley an 8-hour lift ticket for $68 during the week, so if you stay here, can you purchase as many as you’d like!”
For additional information or to book a stay at The Jefferson Inn, visit the website at www.thejeffersoninn.com, email info@thejeffersoninn.com, call locally at 716-699-5869, or call 800-577-8451 toll-free.