This apartment places you next to It's A Wonderful Life Museum and Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry. The apartment includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a refrigerator.
It's A Wonderful Life Museum - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
National Women's Hall of Fame - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
Lake Hiddenwood State Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Women's Rights National Historical Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Restaurants
Subway - 4 min drive
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Circle K - 12 min walk
Sauder's - 3 min drive
Circle K - 8 min drive
About this property
Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary
Summary:
A One-of-a-Kind Dual Retreat in the Heart of Seneca Falls.
Welcome to a truly unique getaway—two stunning neighboring accommodations offered together in one unforgettable experience. These neighboring units offer two private spaces while keeping everyone close. This dual retreat blends timeless elegance with both modern luxury and amenities, making it the perfect home base for your next wine tasting adventure or group getaway.
Experience twice the charm, twice the comfort—all in one listing.
The Space:
Step into the Past with Modern Comforts
Experience a unique blend of history and luxury in this charming combined rental, nestled within the historic Gould Swaby Mansion in the heart of Seneca Falls. This spacious retreat merges two neighboring apartments, offering a perfect setting for families or groups seeking a distinctive stay in a one-of-a-kind environment.
Your Reservation:
Occupying the second and third floors of the mansion, this expansive space features four beautifully appointed bedrooms, two kitchens, and two bathrooms, providing both comfort and convenience for your stay. Enjoy a private entrance and peaceful garden access.
What You’ll Love About This Space:
✨ Elegant Interior Features:
Four bedrooms adorned with historic furnishings
Two modern tiled bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for your comfort
Two fully equipped kitchens, perfect for preparing meals together
Open concept dining/living areas with ample space for relaxation
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:
These neighboring apartments are on the 2nd and 3rd floor in a historic downtown mansion. They are connected through the old trunk room that used to be a speakeasy (during prohibition). This unfinished connecting space is available to you as a lounge/parlor and includes a billiard table, bar and seating area. There are two separate kitchens, bathrooms, etc with one on each floor.
All outdoor spaces are shared 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 live just around the corner and can be available for any questions or assistance.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
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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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Electric car charging station
Garden
Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
Property does not allow children
Some LED lighting used
Unit size: 1,500 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
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
Rules
The door code to enter all doors is the same.
There are heating split systems with remotes through the residence to customize.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs and cats only
4 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
This property doesn't allow children
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: 15
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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: 11:00 AM
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: 15.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
69f4c976a67b3700144befe8
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see close to this apartment?
This apartment 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary?
As of Aug 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary on Aug 26, 2026 start from $710, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Will I be able to park at Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary?
Yes, there is an electric car charging station available.
Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, this apartment doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
Is Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary a good place to stay for couples?
Couples staying at this apartment will appreciate amenities like a fireplace and a kitchen as well as a hot tub.
Does Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary have a hot tub?
No, but this apartment does have a sauna.
Does this apartment offer breakfast?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this apartment allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this apartment.
Does Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this apartment.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary?
No, you won't find apartments with balconies at Knapp Retreat & Swaby Sanctuary.