The Willowtree Returns

0
4858

If you have driven past the former Willowtree Inn on Tipp City’s outskirts lately you may have noticed a SOLD sign in the front yard. Ben Bickert, new owner of The Willowtree wants everyone to know that the Willowtree WILL be back in business.. and if he has anything to do about it.. very soon!

Bickert first moved to the area when he was 16, graduated from Troy High School and then on to Wright State University where he studied marketing. During his time there, Bickert worked at Earhart Petroleum as a Sales Representative which is where he met his soon-to-be wife, Erin.

The Willowtree Connection

Ben and Erin first stumbled upon the Willowtree back when it was owned by Jolene Sell. They fell in love with the Willowtree and decided to have their wedding and celebration there. Ben recalls that it was one of the most memorable and magical times of his life. “The Willowtree is really something special”, shares Ben.

On to Iowa

Ben shares that he is only ½ from this area, spending half of his life in the Miami Valley, and the other half back in Iowa. Shortly after their marriage, Ben and Erin (of Fairborn, OH) moved back to Iowa to be with Ben’s family. Over time the family of two became four and Ben began to look for residence back in the Miami Valley. “I had heard that The Willowtree was for sale and that there was a weekend showing”, Ben shared, “that night I drove 250 miles, slept in a hotel and the next morning was in Tipp City at the showing”. Bickert, still enamored with the grand majesty and architecture of the 1830’s plantation mansion, made them an offer that evening.

The Work Begins

Driving by The Willowtree today you can’t help to notice the hustle and bustle of work being done. “We are in the process of refurbishing the home for our private residence and the grounds and celebration barn will once again be used to host weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings and parties” shares Bickert who wants to bring Willowtree back to the way it was, and even better. New chandeliers, carpet, wall coverings, bar and service areas, and plans for an opulently adorned “Bridal Room”. The Willowtree’s last major renovation occurred in 1975.

When asked about the former Bed and Breakfast, Bickert replied, “We won’t be doing B&B. They are difficult to run and those activities don’t always align well with parties and celebration planning. I plan to focus on making our Willowtree celebrations something worth telling others about”.

Bickert has big plans for the residence, celebration barn and the grounds, investing first in a geo-thermal system for the home and then working on landscaping around the home and celebration areas.

All about the Community

When asked about whether or not Tipp City’s vintage baseball team will ever step upon the grounds of the Willowtree again, Bickert replied, “Absolutely, I would love to have them play some games here on the grounds again, the Willowtree  plans to meet with the Downtown Tipp City Partnership as early as this week and I also eventually plan to meet with the Chamber of Commerce, we want to be part of this community”.

Events Are Currently Being Scheduled

The Willowtree has already accepted their first reservation in August and believes that they may be ready to accept reservations as early as July of this year.

More about The Willowtree

The plans are to have a website up soon at http://thewillowtreetippcity.com and for event reservations or to find out more about The Willowtree, please contact Ben Bickert at 937-260-3273