Lorraine whispered in my ear "This is the Bates Motel from the Alfred Hitchcock movie Psycho."

"No, it's not. It is just a little dark and it's a Victorian mansion. What did you expect? Just don't take a shower," I replied. We were standing in the high ceiling foyer.

We had arrived in Chambersburg, PA at 10 p.m. on a dark, rainy, miserable evening. With a cellphone and five honing-in calls, we had finally found the place. I said, "If we arrived on a sunny afternoon you would have loved this place and it's funny-shaped light bulbs and dark floral wallpaper. Let's spend the night, have a nice breakfast and do what we traveled 250 miles for. I drove and I don't feel like seeking out a boring Holiday Inn or a Best Western hotel at this time of night."

"Okay," said Lorraine begrudgingly, "but it is your choice and not mine."

The 19th century architecture and intricate woodwork led to an open staircase with assorted antiques which enhanced the richness of the home.

When I said to the proprietress, "We'll take it!" I was given a key to room #3 on the second floor. The room had a beautiful four-poster bed which was about 4-feet off the ground. "Don't fall out of bed, Lorraine, I'll have to find the nearest hospital."

The room was clean and had a television set with cable, so I knew I could watch the basketball games. The bathroom was neat and sanitary and actually looked too modern for this Victorian mansion.

I made the reservation through a picture on the Internet and called to set the price which was $85. The owners or innkeepers as they preferred to be called, seemed pleasant.

We both slept like the proverbial logs due to the long car ride and the down pillows and soft mattresses. Fortunately, no one fell out of bed.

Breakfast was to be served at 9 a.m. and we were starving! The town was closed last night and no place for a late snack was available. We entered the beautifully Victorian set dining room. We were ravenous and breakfast was served.

There were two other couples and we all got along famously. They were from Cleveland, OH and one was from Pittsburgh, PA. They were going to the Gettysburg National Monument, which was close by.

The fruit cup was delicious with kiwi, strawberry, pineapple, orange and grapefruit. Next was a huge, thick slap of ham with eggs, followed by French (Freedom) toast and homemade bread.

The innkeeper and his wife cooked and served our meal. They were originally from Indiana and Lorraine fell in love with them. They were trying to make a go of the Bed and Breakfast business.

It is a difficult business, but Mr. and Mrs. Sackett were a resilient, energetic American, Midwestern couple. They were optimistic and hardworking. She hugged and kissed Lorraine as we left. I just got a hug. As we left we were glowing from the lovely and heartwarming night and morning we spent in their home.

The address - Shultz Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast, 756 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA, 17201; 1-(877) 236 3399.

It is located 20 minutes north of Hagerstown, 90 minutes north of Baltimore and Washington, 30 minutes west of Gettysburg and 40 minutes south of Harrisburg.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, give the Sacketts a call. They will make you feel right at home.