Having just toured the first floor of the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, it was time for me to explore the second floor of the Manor which housed 18 bedrooms for family, friends and staff.
The Master Bedroom was complete with two beds, a wood fireplace, library, bay window seating and an incredibly large bathroom. The room was spacious with a desk, couch, and beautifully engraved furniture. What was once state-of-the art fixtures and amenities are now somewhat antiquated as technology has evolved.
The Red Bedroom was Franklin’s room and the youngest of the Seiberling family. The Head Housekeeper’s room was close to Franklin’s to help him should he awake in the middle of the night.
Willard and Penfield Seiberling shared the blue room where they had an adjoining bathroom with a shower.
The Seiberlings were known to entertain and host guests throughout their stay at Stan Hywet Hall. At times, family members, such as Gertrude’s mother or Henrietta’s parents also made the mansion their home as their health declined.
It was common for the children to return to Stan Hywet over various times throughout their lives and were always welcomed by their parents.
The Colonial was one of several guest rooms which featured a large walk-in closet and private bathroom. During the Nooks and Crannies tour, visitors can explore the closed doors that lead to the domestic staff for the women.
Passing two of the additional guest rooms, I approached the steps leading to Irene’s bedroom. Beautifully exposed beams and vaulted ceilings remind me of the Great Room downstairs. The eldest of Seiberling’s daughters, Irene was a free-spirit in her time marrying at the age of thirty-three. Assisting in the design of the manor, she traveled with her family to England, visiting several English homes and flew to New York with her mother to help design the interior of the house.
Virginia’s style was much different than that of her older sister, decorating her room in the style of Louis XVI French Provincial. Nine years younger than Irene, married immediately after graduating and would have six boys and four girls. Later, the family would move back into the house until they were financially stable having been affected by the Great Depression.
Beautiful parquet floors and outdoor balcony were highlights to Mrs. Seiberling’s Dressing Room. I was impressed by the many closets showcasing some of the beautiful dresses once worn by Gertrude.
Visitors can explore more of the house by attending the Nooks and Crannies tour to visit the Gymnasium, Dark Room and Wood Room while additional tours include the Filter Room, Boiler Room, Changing Room, Wine Room and Laundry Room.
Stan Hywet was an expansive family home that included additional buildings no longer standing. I was able to visit during the Celebrating Family: Sharing Our Stories exhibit in 2016 where audio clips of family members told stories about their life at the manor.
In addition to special exhibits, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens continues its passion for entertaining guests with its events throughout the year. Join the docents and tour guides at this gorgeous venue for their Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast, Woof Walks, Teas, Educational Programs and other holiday tours and experiences. Visit their website for more information.
Have you visited Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens? What tours did you take? What was your favorite memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your time at this fantastic historical home if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.
Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and don’t forget to check out more photos of my visit after the information section. Wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
Telephone: 330 836 5533
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- Admission Fee: Non-Members – Adults 18 and over are $15; Non-Member Youth (6 – 17): $6 and Stan Hywet Members are free. Visit their website for membership prices.
- Hours: Estate Hours: April – November/Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM to 6PM last admission at 4:30; Closed on Mondays; Please check the website as they are closed during the winter seasonafter the Deck the Hall festivities.
- Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
- Tips for your Visit: Do not lean, sit on or touch collection items or the interior of the historic house museum as it is more fragile than it appears. Food, gum, beverages and drinks are prohibited throughout the house. Begin in the English Gardens as there will be a wedding that will be taking place at 1PM. Manor house hosts are stationed throughout the hotel to assist visitors with their tour. Stan Hywet welcomes motor coach travelers and other groups and an advanced reservation is required by calling Group Sales: 330 315 3284. Visit Stan Hywet’s website for December Hours and Deck the Halls Exhibit; Restrooms are located in the Corbin Conservatory and the lower level of the Manor House. Backpacks are not permitted in the Manor House but may be stored in the Powder Room.
- Photography is permitted in the Manor House, however, no flash or professional photo equipment or videography permitted; Photos only with cellphone or handheld cameras only. No photography permitted on guided tours but is encouraged on the grounds and in the Corbin Conservatory; Must have a photography membership to use monopods and tripods in the gardens, unless it is part of a pre approved commercial photography session; Selfie sticks not permitted; No private photography is authorized for commercial reproduction.
- Guided tours of the Manor House are offered on the hour between 11 am and 4 pm. Guests who prefer a more leisurely experience may choose a self guided tour of the Estate buildings, gardens and grounds, available anytime between 11 am and 4:30 PM. Experience one of their specialty tours:
- Blueprints to Bricks (noon, daily, May 1 – September 30) highlights Stan Hywet from conception to creation
- Nooks and Crannies tour (3 times daily) is a behind the scenes experience
- Grand Estate Tour (noon, daily) provides information on the Estate’s historical landscape elements.
Where to Stay:
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
1420 Main Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Telephone: 330 926 1233
Website: https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-cuyahoga-falls-oh?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:amer+i:local+e:cis+d:us+h:OHCUYAHO
Where to Eat:
Molly’s Café & Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm at Stan Hywet
The Blue Door Cafe and Bakery
1970 State Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Telephone: 330 926 9774
My favorite menu item is their Chicken & Waffles: jalapeno & cheddar buttermilk waffle, buttermilk & pepper brined southern style green circle, free range chicken, bourbon organic maple syrup, whiskey butter, house made hot sauce, organic blackberries
What to Read:
- The Seiberling Family, by Julie Frey
- The Gate Lodge, by Julie Frey
