The Stone Mill sits on the bank of Cordorus Creek in southern York County.

Built in 1792 as a paper mill, it's also the Gasses' new home. "We believe the mill was torn down from the left side of the building and what remains is the dwelling," Deb Gass said. They moved in last October, filling the top two floors with their personal possessions and the other two with home decor, accessories, gifts, silk florals, holiday decorations and jewelry. The grand opening was announced with an open house, attended by local residents and shoppers from as far away as Baltimore.

The Stone Mill sits on the west bank of Cordorus Creek, surrounded by woods and natural landscaping. Trains have been running on railroad tracks across the street since pre-Civil War days. The Gasses plan to capitalize on the mill's space and picturesque setting by expanding Deb's wedding business to include ceremonies and receptions and opening up more of the rooms to private parties.

During the years leading up to their new life as proprietors of The Stone Mill, the Gasses, both of whom grew up in Hanover, raised four children. Ray spent 28 years as a wallpaper printer for Eisenhart Wallcoverings, and two years with York Wallcoverings. Deb, a designer of wedding florals and cakes for 30 years, is using the mill's working space to continue her work. She recently received zoning approval to host weddings and receptions onsite.

The new owners are benefactors of a great business reputation transferred by the previous owners, who used the mill as a potting studio and store for almost 30 years. "The most enjoyable part of our job is meeting new friends and who share with us their love of this beautiful building," Gass said.

Many also have shared historical revelations. After receiving the land from the Penns in the mid 1700s, Jacob Keller built the paper mill, the first in western Pennsylvania. At one time the dwelling was an orphanage and, during WWII, a salvage yard for scrap metal. The Gasses have also been told the house was a stop for the Underground Railroad, possibly explaining the existence of several caves next to the railroad tracks.

Which leads to the inevitable question, what's it like to live above the store, especially when two centuries of history and past lives lived there before you? "Sharing our home with the business saves a lot of travel time, but we tend to not stop working because we don't have to leave," Gass said. Any strange bumps in the night? "Only from a very loud water pump."