The Gould Residence & The Knapp Retreat

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 and second floors of this three floor mansion, 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 5-6), perfect for a soak under the stars

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

• A beautiful stone fire pit, perfect for cozy evenings with a glass of wine

• Lush gardens surrounding the mansion, creating a serene atmosphere



A Stay Like No Other



Whether you’re visiting Seneca Falls to explore its rich history, the Finger Lakes wine region or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, this suite offers a one-of-a-kind blend of history, artistry and comfort.



Book your stay now and experience a piece of yesterday, today! 🧳 🖼️ 📚 🌹 🧖



Guest Access:

Beyond the inside, all outdoor spaces are shared with the apartment we rent upstairs including the hot tub, fire pit, sauna, wrap around porch, living rooms, kayaks, etc.



Other Things to Note:

Nestled in downtown Seneca Falls, The Gould Swaby Mansion is believed to have inspired 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 former 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.



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 including:

-Van Cleef Lake (1 min. walk)

-The Cayuga-Seneca Canal (1 min. walk)

-It's A Wonderful Life Museum (1 min. walk)

-Seneca Museum of Waterways & Industry (4 min. walk)

-Women’s Rights National Historical Park (6 min. walk)

-It's A Wonderful Life Bridge (8 min. walk)

-National Women's Hall of Fame (8 min. walk)

-Ludovico Sculpture Trail (9 min. walk)

-Elizabeth Cady Stanton Home (15 min. walk)

-Canal Locks CS2 & CS3 (19 minute walk)



Or take a short ride out to several top sites in the Finger Lakes including:

-Sauders Store (4 min. drive)

-Cayuga Lake State Park (6 min. walk)

-Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (7 min. drive)

-The National Memorial Day Museum (7 min. drive)

-Seneca Lake State Park (15 min. drive)

-Finger Lakes Welcome Center (17 min. drive)

-Seward House Museum (19 min. drive)

-Harriet Tubman Home (21 min. drive)

-MacKenzie-Childs Aurora (26 min. drive)

-Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum (39 min. drive)

Finger Lakes National Forest (40 min. drive)



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.



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.



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.



Interaction with Guests:

We live just around the corner and can be available for any questions or assistance.