The Inn at Dresden History – Former Home of Dave Longaberger

Dave Longaberger was a dreamer. As a young boy he used to play on Machine Gun Hill (now known as Ames Drive) and pretended that he controlled everything as far as the eye could see. He did not know at that time, he would achieve that vision and much more.

As Dave grew older he developed the true spirit of an entrepreneur. Ever anxious to build and expand his business he kept alive the dreams that were born on Machine Gun Hill. As the Longaberger Company and the sale of baskets continues to show success in the 1970’s, Dave bought the ground on Machine Gun Hill and began to plan for his home. Perched on the top of a 13.5 grade hill, Dave could see his land reaching almost to Coshocton.                                         

The home at 209 Ames Drivebegan to take shape in 1982. Dave and the Apple Dumpling Gang- as he fondly referred to himself and his crew – built the house room by room. With no floor plans or architects drawings they translated Dave’s vision into the house you see today. It took almost seven (7) years to complete the project. If something didn’t look right they tore it down and tried it again. Dave’s signature and that of the Apple Dumpling Gang remain etched in the concrete outside of the kitchen door.

Dave believed in quality. You can see his imprint in the high ceilings, the deep woodwork, and the beautiful light features, chandeliers and wallpaper. The wallpaper in the dining room is particularly noteworthy. It is hand painted from Europe and depicts scenes form the early days of our country. It can also be found in the China room of the White House as well as one or two private homes. 

The mirrored bath on the first floor is a testimony to Dave’s loving nature.  He liked to watch the reactions of his guests when they came out.

As the company continued to grow in the 80’s and early 90’s more and more basket lovers and consultants came to visit Dresden.  At the peak that was nearly one million visitors a year and every one of them wanted to see Dave.  Although no one loved people more than Dave, it became more and more impossible to have any privacy – even in his home.

Dave realized he needed a change. He acquired land between Dresden and Newark near the corporate office and built a rustic home on a private lake that gave him the privacy he needed. The house in Dresden became a corporate retreat for out of town visitors and consultants, such as the Disney Company. It was apparent, however, that the house was a part of the company’s heritage, having weathered both the good and not-so-good times in the history. It belonged to the consultants as much as to the company.  In 1996, it was sold to Tom and Pat Lyall with the understanding that it would be used as a Bed & Breakfast and it would remain accessible to everyone in the company and those that visited. Although there were no structural changes, there had to be internal remodeling to accommodate guests. Eight bathrooms were added to complete existing rooms. On May 3, 1996, the Inn at Dresden welcomed its first guests, a Longaberger tour bus.

In 2008, The Inn at Dresden began serving its first dinner and offered a unique dining experience. Although we continue to make changes to add to the comfort of the guests, Dave’s original plan has stood the test time. The goal is to develop a truly unique experience for those who come to either share Dave’s dream or nurture their own. 

We look forward to many more years of welcoming guests and sharing in this remarkable legacy.