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. This is not one joined space (eg. there are two separate kitchens, bathrooms, etc on each floor).



The apartments are connected by an old speakeasy/ballroom that we’re converting into a parlor space with lots of seating but this in between space (outside of the apartments) will not be finished until December, 2025.



Other Things to Note:

These neighboring apartments are on the 2nd and 3rd floor in a historic downtown mansion. This is not one joined space (eg. there are two separate kitchens, bathrooms, etc on each floor).



The apartments are connected by an old speakeasy/ballroom that we’re converting into a parlor space with lots of seating but this in between space (outside of the apartments) will not be finished until December, 2025.



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.