The Gould Residence & The Swaby Sanctuary | Villa in Seneca Falls
6 Bedroom Villa in Seneca Falls
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!
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
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.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Air conditioning
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Heating
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Towels provided
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Bathtub or shower
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Shampoo
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Soap
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4 bathrooms
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Toilet paper
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Hair dryer
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Bed sheets provided
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6 bedrooms
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Dining table
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Fireplace
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Dining room
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Oven
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Stovetop
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Ice maker
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Microwave
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Paper towels
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Spices
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Dishwasher
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Refrigerator
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Washing machine and dryer
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Laundry facilities
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Onsite parking
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Welcoming cats and dogs only
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Pet friendly
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6 total pets
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Smoke-free property
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German
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English
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
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Barbecue grill
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
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 host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 25 special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed 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
