Since it was first built in 1811 by George Norris as a wedding gift for his bride, Rosemont Manor has been a place for family. Throughout the 200 years since, Rosemont has been home to several different family lineages, but each has lovingly cared for the manor and its grounds; making sure that Rosemont was a warm and welcoming place for all who entered here.

When Historic Rosemont Manor opened its doors to the public in 2010 for accommodations, weddings, and special events, we wanted to make sure that Rosemont never loses the legacy of being a place that welcomes you like family.

In keeping with this goal, we’d like to introduce you to the folks who keep things running around here – our little Rosemont “family”!  And when you come to Rosemont – whether it’s for a tea, to spend the night, or for a beautiful wedding – we hope you feel like you’re part of the Rosemont family too!

William “Biff” and Barb Genda

Proprietors

Professional Background: Biff holds his MBA, has thirty years of engineering and program management experience, and has owned a property management company. Barb has spent the last 30 years raising and homeschooling their twelve (yes, twelve!) children. As you can see, it’s a toss-up deciding who is more qualified to run the daily schedule and activities at Rosemont!

Personal Background: Biff grew up in Ohio, graduated from the USAF Academy in Colorado, married his college sweetheart Barb, and now enjoys building soap box derbies with his children in his “spare” time. Barb grew up in Hawaii, graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling and worked as a counselor for the deaf. Barb now enjoys running 10K’s and half-marathons. Biff and Barb had nine biological children (eight boys and one girl) before adopting a sibling set (two sisters and one brother) from Ethiopia in 2009.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: When asked this question, Biff smiles and says without hesitation: “Anywhere Barb is sitting. The ‘why’ is obvious.” (He’s a hopeless romantic! After all, they do have all those children!)  Barb enjoys the area near the back of the property where this family picture (which includes one daughter-in-law and two grandchildren) was taken soon after the purchase of Rosemont.

Bill North

General Manager

Professional Background: Bill graduated with a degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. He has worked in the field of hospitality since 1973 (he says he started when he was twelve, but someone might want to check a birth certificate on that!) Bill has managed corporate hotels, a conference center, a yacht club, a small family-owned hotel (country inn) and a 1,300 acre resort. Despite all these varied experiences, Bill says, “Nothing compares to the personal enjoyment of providing the level of service our guests deserve at Rosemont. It is so much more intimate!”

Personal Background: Bill recently celebrated 40 years of marriage to his college sweetheart. They have three grown children and five grandchildren. Bill enjoys vacations with family and friends at the Outer Banks, North Carolina several times a year and riding his vintage Triumph motorcycle with his sons.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “The Gazebo,” says Bill. “I enjoy the peacefulness, the aroma of roses, and the gorgeous view of the manor and grounds. It is a place for reflection and inspiration.”

Michael Haymaker

Events Manager

Professional Background: Michael was educated at the University of St. Andrew’s in Scotland. He brings to Rosemont many years of experience in the wedding industry. Here at Rosemont, Michael makes sure that all of our events run smoothly. As an added amenity to our brides, Michael offers his services as wedding coordinator to make the planning and execution of your special day seamless and perfect.

Personal Background: Michael’s family has resided here in the Shenandoah Valley since 1764. The family home was in the Strasburg/Toms Brook area. Several thousand acres of the property was burned in the Civil War during Sheridan’s marches. In his spare time, Michael teaches Scottish Country Dance.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: Michael has so many favorite spots at Rosemont, it was difficult to nail him down! He mentions the beautiful view from the Grand Portico, the elegance of the Churchill Suite and the Byrd’s Study, and the charm of the Byrd’s Nest. Michael is pictured here in the parlor, where he enjoys chatting with Rosemont guests. Michael admits, “To be honest, I like every part of Rosemont.”

Andrew Sheetz

Innkeeper

Professional Background: Andrew has spent 25 years in the hospitality/service industry, doing everything from cashier in a grocery store to sous-chef at a three-star restored Victorian hotel/restaurant. You name it, Andrew has done it!

Personal Background: Andrew was raised in Strasburg, VA and lived there until moving to Rosemont in July 2010. Both sides of Andrew’s family have lived in the Shenandoah Valley since the mid-1700′s. Andrew is a huge history and genealogy buff and has been diving head-first into Rosemont’s rich history!

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “I really like the Grand Portico, regardless of the time of time or season,” says Andrew. “The view is spectacular and there is such a sense of serenity, especially at sunrise.”

Suzanne Donner

Assistant Innkeeper

Professional Background: Suzanne has 10 years catering experience, as well as cooking at home and for her church “for just about forever”. She has also worked as a computer programmer, office manager, and bookkeeper.

Personal Background: Suzanne grew up living in various areas along the East Coast of the US, as well as in London, England and Accra Ghana. She now lives in Clarke County with her husband of 30 years. They have four adopted children from Russia who keep life interesting.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “My favorite spot is the sunroom,” says Suzanne. “You can see and hear the fountain, enjoy the beautiful light, and be part of the house, but it’s just a little private.”

Angela Renner

Administrative Assistant

Professional Background: Angela earned her degree from the College of Human Resources at Virginia Tech, and she holds over 15 years’ customer service experience in the Federal Government, as well as the Public and Private sector. More than likely, it is Angela’s cheerful voice you hear when you call Rosemont on any given day.

Personal Background: Angela and her husband John have two sons, Daniel and John Nevitte. Angela does volunteer work as the Boyce Elementary School PTO Secretary, and Winchester Medical Center Bariatric Patient Ambassador, as well as serving on the Community Relations Committee with Clarke County School Board. In her spare time, Angela enjoys “reading and beading”.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: Angela enjoys the Grand Portico. “I can stand there and feel the elegance of visitors from the past, enjoy the view of the grounds, and wish the best for our guests, brides, and clients!”

Tommy Schultz

Marketing Consultant

Professional Background: Tommy studied Environmental Science at the University of Virginia. After graduating he combined his love of fly fishing and concerns for environmental conservation by working as the Director of Marketing at Trout Unlimited. Tommy has also worked in the Philippines as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer, and as a photographer for National Geographic Magazine. Today Tommy is based for much of the year in Bali, working as a photographer and web designer. Rosemont is very fortunate that the technology exists (thank goodness for Skype and TeamViewer) to connect Tommy’s expertise across the globe in Bali, to our little office here in Berryville!

Personal Background: Tommy grew up in Winchester and graduated from Sherando High School. A lifelong “water person”, Tommy loves to scuba dive, surf, and fly fish. Around Winchester you can sometimes find him bow hunting for deer or playing music with friends. You can see some of his photography at: www.tommyschultz.com.

Favorite spot at Rosemont and why: “The Grand Portico,” says Tommy without missing a beat. “Visit Rosemont’s panoramic Grand Portico in the evening when the glow of the afternoon sun fades against the backdrop of Shenandoah Valley apple orchards and touches the distant slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. It’s easy to see why Senator Byrd loved this place so much.”

Suzanne Pearson

Web Media Director

Professional Background: Suzanne holds a Master’s Degree in Education from James Madison University. She is a freelance writer who has written for various publications including Christianity Today, Crosswalk.com, Gryphon House Books, and Guideposts.

Personal Background: Suzanne first came to the area in 1994 to teach Early Childhood Special Education at Berryville Primary School. She and husband, Barry, are now parents of four children – biological sons Caleb, Jonah, and Silas, and daughter Hallie, adopted from China in 2006. Suzanne is an amateur photographer and a confessed Facebook addict.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “I love everything about Rosemont,” says Suzanne, “But I absolutely fell in love with the new guest cottage, The Byrd’s Nest. I think it is the most romantic spot on the property.”

David Weinschel

Food and Beverage Director

Professional Background: David is delighted to bring 26 years of hands-on catering management and menu design experience to Rosemont. David and his experienced co-workers have assembled a truly wonderful group of hospitality professionals. David and his company, “Celebrations Catering” have catered extraordinary bridal and corporate events throughout the metropolitan Washington DC area. We are very proud to have David and his team as a part of the Rosemont family.

Personal Background: David is an avid world traveler who thoroughly enjoys learning about countries, cultures, and cuisines. He finds trinkets, spices, and objects of art on his travels that he painstakingly carries home to his 1960’s Reston, Virginia lake home, where he enjoys hosting small gatherings of friends and family.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “I never get tired of standing on Rosemont’s Grand Portico,” says David. “I love being surrounded by the dramatic columns and gazing off into the pastoral Virginia countryside.”

Dana LaMaster

Dining Facilities Supervisor

Professional Background: Dana has a degree in elementary education. During her teaching career, Dana worked for a number of years in the restaurant business to supplement her income.

Personal Background: Dana grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Virginia to pursue a teaching career. When not helping out at Rosemont, Dana is a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “My favorite spot is the Grand Foyer,” says Dana with a smile. “It is elegant and welcoming, as well as a great preview to the rest of the house.”

Mike Carter

Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor

Professional Background: Mike has been doing carpentry and landscaping for nine years and has lived on a farm most of his life. With a 200 year-old manor house and 60 acres of landscaped property to look after, Mike is probably the hardest working one in the bunch. Rosemont is very blessed to have Mike’s services, and he keeps Rosemont looking beautiful year round.

Personal Background: When not at Rosemont, Mike can usually be found in his garden or tending to his animals. He also enjoys fishing and camping in his spare time.

Favorite Spot at Rosemont and why: “That’s hard to decide,” says Mike, “but I think it would have to be the far field, east of the Grand Portico. After we’ve just mowed, it is a nice view.”

Larry Hawley

General Contractor

Professional Background: Larry has worked as a general contractor in the Northern Virginia region for over 20 years. Larry and his right-hand-man, Joe Sowers, along with their team, completed all phases of the restoration, remodeling, and new additions to Rosemont, including the main Manor House, Carriage House, garage, and guest cottages. We love having Larry, Joe, and their team around so much, we just keep finding more things for them to restore.

Personal Background: Larry was born and raised in North Carolina. He served in the US Air Force and lived in Idaho for 21 years before moving to the Winchester area in 1988. Larry has been married to his wife Jeanette for 41 years. The couple has two sons and four grandchildren.

Favorite spot at Rosemont and why: “Definitely the Grand Portico. We’ve eaten lunch there many times,” says Larry. “I enjoy the beautiful setting of the rolling landscape, trees, shrubs, and flowers. We’ve also seen an abundance of wildlife: deer, fox, groundhogs, squirrels, turkey and all kinds of birds.”