The Gould Residence & The Swaby Sanctuary

Summary:

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind retreat in the heart of Seneca Falls. This stunning suite blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable stay in a setting that feels like stepping into a living piece of art.



From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the hand-painted Chinoiserie mural, crafted by a Tiffany artist in the 1800s—an exquisite touch that makes dining here feel like a private art gallery experience. The perfect place to launch your next wine tasting group!



The Space:

The Gould Swaby Mansion features grand spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate moldings, tin ceilings, and original hardwood floors, preserving its old-world charm while offering today’s comforts.



A Historic Gem in the Heart of Seneca Falls



Your reservation includes the entire first floor, front half of the second floor and entire third floor (the back half of the second floor is an entirely separate and private apartment), providing a spacious, private and luxurious experience.



✨ Elegant Interior Features:

• Expansive parlors with grand windows, period fireplace mantels & intricate moldings

• A formal dining room adorned with a hand-painted Tiffany mural

• A cozy study nook, perfect for reading or remote work

• A spacious kitchen with tin ceilings, modern stainless steel appliances & a stone-topped island

• Fast fiber-optic WiFi throughout the home



✨ Outdoor Luxury & Relaxation:

• Wrap-around porch with charming brackets, climbing roses & clematis

• A handcrafted hot tub (seats 6), perfect for a soak under the stars

• A custom-built sauna (seats 3-4), ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring



Guest Access:

Your reservation includes the entire 1st, most of the 2nd floor and the entire 3rd floor of the mansion. The 2nd floor flat in the back of the mansion is private and not connected to your private space.



In the back of the 3rd floor there is an old trunk room that used to be a speakeasy (during prohibition). This unfinished shared space is available to you (and the 2nd floor flat - there's a separate back stairwell to also access it) as a lounge/parlor and includes a billiard table, bar and seating area.



All outdoor spaces are also shared with the 2rd floor flat including the sauna, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor furniture, wrap around porch, kayaks, canoe, etc.



The Neighborhood:

The mansion sits on a corner lot with a front, side and back yard alongside an old carriage house. A number of attractions are just steps away. You can eat out (or take out) at one of a dozen enticing restaurants just a few minutes walk, or dine-in and make your own culinary magic using the suite's fully stocked pantry. It's your escape, your way.



Getting Around:

A regional bus (RTS 281) runs hourly during weekdays with connecting buses to neighboring regions. The bus stops down the street and can be scheduled in advance and can pickup and drop-off at the mansion.



Distance to Nearby & Larger Cities 🏙️ 🌆

-Ithaca (ITH): 45 min.

-Syracuse (SYR): 45 min.

-Rochester (ROC): 45 min.

-Buffalo (BUF): 1h 30 min.

-Binghamton (BGM): 1h 45 min.

-Niagara Falls (IAG): 2h

-Albany (ALB): 2h 45 min. drive

-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP) 2h 45 min.

-Toronto (YYZ): 3h 10 min.

-Ottawa (YOW): 3h 30 min.

-Newark (EWR): 4h 10 min.

-Montreal (YUL): 4h 20 min.

-Philadelphia (PHL): 4h 20 min.



Private driving services are available to area wineries, breweries, ciders and distilleries. We recommend Wine Country Wheels.



Other Things to Note:

Nestled in downtown Seneca Falls, The Gould Swaby Mansion is believed to have been part of the inspiration of the Old Granville House from the holiday classic “It’s A Wonderful Life.” This storied estate once welcomed Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and other notable figures traveling up from the city, making it a residence of both prestige and history.



The mansion’s original owner, Amelia Gould Swaby, was a close personal friend of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the pioneering women’s rights activist who helped shape history. Stanton, who authored many of Susan B. Anthony’s speeches, played a key role in bringing the first Women’s Rights Convention to Seneca Falls.



Located just across the street from where Alice Paul first proclaimed the Equal Rights Amendment, the mansion sits at the heart of a town steeped in history. And when you’re ready to explore beyond the past, you’ll find yourself just footsteps from the region’s acclaimed wine trails, scenic lakes, and historic landmarks.



Interaction with Guests:

We have family just down the street who can be available for any questions or assistance.