Take advantage of a firepit, a garden and an arcade/games room at The Swaby Sanctuary. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as laundry facilities.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
2 bedrooms1 bathroom93 sq m
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Laundry room
The current price is NZ$525
NZ$525
includes taxes & fees
26 July - 27 July
Add dates for prices
About this property
The Swaby Sanctuary
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. The perfect place to launch your next wine tasting group!
The Space:
Step into the past while enjoying modern comforts in this charming two-bedroom apartment, nestled within the historic Gould Swaby Mansion in the heart of Seneca Falls. With its 1800s character, private entrance, and peaceful garden access, this spacious retreat is perfect for travelers seeking a unique stay in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Your reservation is located on the third floor of the mansion, providing a spacious, private and tasteful experience.
What You’ll Love About This Space:
✨ Elegant Interior Features:
• Two bedrooms with historic furnishings
• Modern tiled shower in a thoughtfully designed bathroom
• Open concept kitchen/dining/living room with a large 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; available 24/7 year-round), perfect for a soak under the stars
• A custom-built sauna (seats 3-4; available 24/7 year-round), 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 apartment 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:
The flat is located in the back of the 3rd floor (up 20 steps).
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.
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.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Sauna
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Electric car charging station on site
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Games
Outdoor areas
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Handrails in stairways
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Billiards/pool table
Kayak
Optional golf privileges
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Safety features
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
Bed sheets changed on request
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Electric car charging station
Garden
Local artist showcase
Local culture and ecosystem education
Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
Property does not allow children
Some LED lighting used
Towels (changed on request)
Unit size: 1,000 square feet
Similar properties
The Historic Gould Hotel Seneca Falls, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Seneca Falls
The Historic Gould Hotel Seneca Falls, an Ascend Collection Hotel
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 to 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.
Rules
The door code to enter all doors is the same.
There are heating split systems with remotes through the residence to customize.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Events
No events allowed
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Located in Seneca Falls, this apartment is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake. Muranda Cheese Company and Seneca Lake Sprayground are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and horse riding. Visit our Seneca Falls travel guide
How much does it cost to stay at The Swaby Sanctuary?
As of 25 Jul 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Swaby Sanctuary on 26 Jul 2026 start from NZ$525, 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.
How much is parking at The Swaby Sanctuary?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Swaby Sanctuary?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Swaby Sanctuary?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Swaby Sanctuary located?
Located in the heart of Seneca Falls, this apartment building is steps away from It's A Wonderful Life Museum, Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry and National Women's Hall of Fame. Women's Rights National Historical Park and Lake Hiddenwood State Park are also within 10 minutes.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
The Swaby Sanctuary Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautifully renovated space with wonderful amenities. The highlight of the stay was the amazing bathroom - the clawfoot tub was such a treat to soak in after traveling. The beds were super comfortable. Loved our stay!
A few property issues that the hosts quickly resolved
The property here is absolutely stunning, and was comfortable and clean to stay in. There were a few issues with our stay like broken AC, but the hosts were extremely communicative and were able to resolve all of our issues quickly, and even gave us a partial refund based on some of the issues with amenities. We enjoyed our time here and are hoping to come again.
Our brief stay at this rental was excellent. Furnished with period pieces and beautifully appointed. Lots of special touches and lovely decor. Beds were extra comfy and owner was very pleasant and accommodating. It is on the third floor so not great for folks with mobility issues. Otherwise we would highly recommend.
Great location within easy walking to museums, restaurants,shops, and historic locations. Harold was our property manager and was very polite and helpful. Rooms were clean and comfy. Kitchen was modern and had a mini fridge and regular stove/oven plus microwave. The only improvement I would ad to this property is have 1 tv in each bedroom. We were not aware of this. Other than that we would recommend this place to anyone !! Had a great time visiting the it's a wonderful life museum. Unfortunately the national woman's museum was closed due to the government shutdown.
Sven and John were great hosts! Very kind and sweet! Provided us with some extra perks and little complimentary drinks very polite and opened communication. The unique experience of staying in the place that just whispers antique and history! Very beautiful place! I absolutely loved the bath!! so awesome! It was very pleasant trip and communication for me personally as I have learned that these guys were helping Ukrainian refugees (ps I am Ukrainian) in Germany in their other rental properties! Well, I can sing some pretty good praises to Sven and John for being the great hosts. But most of all the place itself is the same amazing as they are! Highly appreciated and highly recommended by the 4 of us in my family!
I couldn't get over how stunning this property was. Absolutely beautiful. The place was also immaculate. There was a/c in every room, which was very nice. And the bathroom!! Wow, the tub was WONDERFUL. I decided I had to try it so I began filling it up. I walked away to get my things ready & thought there's no way the water is going to stay hot throughout. We'll was I wrong, the water was so hot that I had to add alot of cold water. I used the Dr Teal's Himalayan bath salt which the owners were kind to leave for renters and soaked my sore muscles away. Then I jumped into the shower thinking no way will there's till be hot water. Again, it was very hot. I would live to go back to this property one day. Highly recommend.
We could not have asked for a better stay! The apartment is beautiful! We felt like we were transported to the 1850’s, but with all the modern amenities you could hope for, including the most amazing walk-in rainfall shower! John and Sven were such gracious and accommodating hosts. They made some great recommendations, including Sauder’s, which was an amazing grocery store and market with delicious breakfast sandwiches. We can’t recommend the apartment highly enough!
What a hidden gem in the heart of Seneca falls! Easy to find. We stayed in the third floor apartment. The spot was beautifully and tastefully designed with ample space for 2 couples. The shower and bathroom were huge. Kitchen was spacious and had lots of supplies. Whoever designed this space has a great eye for antiques and renaissance flare. Great price, would recommend!
Apartment is located at the heart of the town. Walkable distance to restaurants and shops. Ambience is good and well maintained. Great choice if travelling with Family. Paintings are highlight with mid 1800 furniture. Ladies can have their portraits clicked on the chairs which are elegant. Most importantly the friendliness and warmth with which hosts John and Sven welcomed is admirable. Thank you both. Looking forward for another stay in future.
The two-bedroom, one bath apartment was beautifully appointed with antique Victorian furniture, lamps, and thoughtful decorating touches. Sven and John couldn’t have been nicer. The only little wrinkle was the two flights of stairs to the third floor apartment. John and Sven had to help us bring our bags up when we arrived and down when we left. Other than that, a lovely stay.