Before becoming an innkeeper, Phil owned a publishing business while selling real estate in the Northern Virginia area. An avid Redskin and University of Maryland fan, he sometimes misses the D.C. area and those sports arenas. However, his devotion to one of his other hobbies, searching out and attending antique auctions, blossomed. There is always a reason to be looking for something for the Inn.

Phil also became absorbed in the Inn’s renovations and personally designed the bathrooms and did much of the work himself. “We really enjoy our guests, chatting with them, and trying to help them experience the best vacation or trip ever. The guests are always changing and bringing new stories, new personalities, and new places into our world, so every day is different.”

Before Federal Crest, Ann was a high school teacher and gymnastics coach in Northern Virginia. Her teams won four Virginia State championships during those years. Ann also has a major in Art and she welcomed the opportunity to expand her talents and skills with the decorating and hand-painting of walls and crystal at the Inn. “I love the breakfast presentation best of all, and with every season there is a genuine excuse to decorate!”

Recently, she expanded her canvas acrylic paintings to include religious art and gives presentations to churches and retirement homes which she calls “Ministry through Art”. Phil affectionally dubs her “the preacher” when she leaves him all the breakfast dishes on Sunday as she dashes out the door!