The small town of Sharon, Pennsylvania has one of America’s best-kept secrets -
a historic castle turned into one of the most beautiful inns you will ever see. If Cinderella was real, I could imagine her getting married to her Prince Charming at Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa. This modern day princess, however, is without a glass coach and
has traded in her footman for a Subaru and a GPS.
Never mind, I easily ventured to the far west corner of Pennsylvania to find this incredible property. To this
traveler, Buhl Mansion is like an English castle that awaits brides, grooms and those of us who are in need of a little romance. Romance mixed with luxury is what sets the Inn apart from all the rest. Much to my surprise it is found in the quaint town of Sharon PA.
The mansion took eight years to build and was completed in 1898, for Julia, the bride of Frank H. Buhl who was a successful steel magnate. Years later, after the deaths of Frank and Julia, the property fell into numerous different hands and was unfortunately stripped of many of its spectacular architectural features including all the staircases, chandeliers, many door and window casings and all but four fireplace mantles.
Thankfully, the inn was purchased at a public auction several years ago and saved it from destruction. Today it has been lovingly returned the castle to its original grandeur.
Today the mansion offers ten luxury suites, formal dining and living rooms and a breakfast sunroom that surpasses royal expectations.
Upon arrival you will ascend the stairs of the Grand Oak staircase to one of the elaborate suites found on the second and third floors. This trip I stayed in the Artist’s Loft, a bright, opulent room with French furnishings. The king bed made of copper and iron was as comfortable as it looked! Even more luxurious was the round Jacuzzi tub in the turret of the ensuite bath. Yes, Cinderella would be very happy here! The Buhl mansion staff are at your beck and call to treat you like royalty 24 hours a day!
Outside, the grounds are breathtaking with acres of lavish gardens, which offer a perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The gardens, the parlour and carriage house are all available for weddings. Buhl Mansion can accommodate groups with 12 to 120 guests.
General Manager Laura Ackley explains that the ‘Castle for a Day Package’ lets you rent the entire property, which includes the castle, gardens and carriage house. This package is perfect for a castle wedding, corporate event or even for the ultimate birthday party!
For even more extravagance there is an on-site spa with superb pampering packages available. Choose from massage, facial treatments and an array of body treatments including Hydrotherapy. The Spa Romance Package is the most requested and offers treatments for two, including couples massages, facials, manicures, lunch and a bottle of champagne! It doesn’t get any better!
Guests of Buhl Mansion can choose to dine by candlelight in Ashley’s Gourmet Restaurant or casually at Stonewall’s Tavern both located at the Inn’s sister property, Tara – A Country Inn, located just ten minutes away. The Buhl Mansion includes limousine shuttles for those wishing to enjoy an incredible meal at either of Tara’s award winning restaurants.
Tara is a 27-room inn inspired by the film Gone with the Wind. The Winner’s, who are avid historians of the epic film, have scoured the country for movie memorabilia and Civil War antiques and have them on display for guests to see. They have even acquired the bed jacket worn by actress Vivien Leigh in the film’s honeymoon scene.
Tara has a similar history to that of the Buhl Mansion. Originally it was the private home of Senator Charles Koonce who made his fortune in coal and real estate. After being acquired by different owners the Winner’s saved this glorious building which was in a state of disrepair.
As a guest at either inn, you can walk through the hallways and look at all the other lavish guestrooms. If a room is not occupied the door is left open, with a rope across the entrance, so guests can see some of the other elegant rooms.
During warmer weather you can walk the beautiful gardens that overlook Shenango Lake or take a dip in the heated pool. Complimentary bicycles are also available for all the guests.
Indoors partake in exquisite afternoon tea, where a hostess in a Gone with the Wind-style gown serves you. It is not surprising to learn Jim and Donna Winner won the 2007 Innkeepers of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association. They ensure you are treated Iike a guest in either of their homes with all the amenities to make your stay a luxurious one. Both inns are also members of Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America
www.selectregistry.com.
Both properties are perfect for a fairytale style wedding or a romantic getaway. You can count on me to be booking a
much-needed getaway with my Prince Charming very soon! Hopefully then I’ll get to stay out past midnight and keep both my glass slippers!
Castle
Romantic
America’s
Buhl Mansion
Guesthouse & Spa
Bt Mary Hughes
T
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Inns E-Magazine / Winter 2013