This villa places you next to It's A Wonderful Life Museum and Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry. The villa includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a dining area.
It's A Wonderful Life Museum - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
National Women's Hall of Fame - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Lake Hiddenwood State Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Bridge Street Bridge - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Women's Rights National Historical Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Restaurants
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Sauder's - 3 min drive
Circle K - 12 min walk
Dunkin' - 2 min drive
Taco Bell - 4 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Gould Swaby Mansion
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 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 mansion (three floors in total), 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 • 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!
Beyond the inside, outdoor spaces include the hot tub, fire pit, sauna, wrap around porch, living rooms, kayaks, etc.
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 witnessed the ratification of the 19th 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.
The villa is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 5 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 8 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.
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Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 12:00 PM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights
Just turn off the lights and we'll take care of the rest :)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
8 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 75
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 75.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see within easy reach of this villa?
This villa is located in Seneca Falls, just steps from It's A Wonderful Life Museum and Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry, and within a short walk of National Women's Hall of Fame. You'll also find Women's Rights National Historical Park and Lake Hiddenwood State Park less than a mile away.
Will I be able to park at this villa?
No, there isn't parking available at the villa.
Is this villa adjacent to a casino?
No, this villa is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this villa?
No, there is no indoor pool at this villa.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Gould Swaby Mansion?
Couples will appreciate amenities at this villa, including a fireplace and a kitchen in each villa and fireplaces in some.
Are there hot tubs at Gould Swaby Mansion?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this villa.
Does this villa include breakfast service?
No, this villa doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this villa allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this villa.
Does this villa have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this villa.
Are there rooms with balconies at Gould Swaby Mansion?
No, there aren't any villas with balconies at Gould Swaby Mansion.