The Teffts

Mike and Gail Tefft were born and raised in Rhode Island and lived in the New England state until they moved to Brookville, PA in 2012, to be close to family. At the time, they were searching for a place to settle down that had a lot of great events and amenities. They fell in love with Franklin and made the move here permanently in 2013.

Franklin was the perfect place for both of them to use their talents - Gail’s as decorative painter and teacher, and Mike’s as a general contractor. The couple purchased a building on Liberty Street they have been renovating. They live on the second floor and Mike is turning the first floor into a beautiful studio and classroom for Gail’s art classes and a wood shop for him. The opportunity to purchase the building would not have been as easy in RI, where the cost of living is much higher than it is in Franklin. Now they are able to live life on their own terms, both being self employed. Mike has done work on numerous historic buildings in the downtown, and Gail has partnered with Hatched to host Cocktails and Canvas painting classes and summer art classes for children. 

Mike and Gail love to socialize and have found the people in Venango County to be very welcoming. The live music, great restaurants, arts, and community events have given them the opportunity to meet new people every day.

The Teffts love the idea of “country living in a city.” With clean, well cared for streets, beautiful historic buildings and homes, plenty of green space, easy access to bike trails and waterways, walkable downtown, and lots of community events, they believe Franklin is the perfect combination of town and country.