Historic home becomes a Bed and Breakfast

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The River Edge Mansion Bed and Breakfast, a stately Greek revival structure listed on the National Register of Historical Places, is located on the scenic Erie Canal, 15 miles north of Syracuse, New York. Built in 1818, the bed and breakfast initially stood as the home of George Casper von Schroeppel, a German merchant who was instrumental in the development of the Erie Canal and is considered to be the founding father of Pennellville.

Thanks to an exhaustive restoration process, many of the 4,200-square-foot mansion's original features look as impressive today as they did nearly 200 years ago. Wood spindle staircases, pocket doors, a tin ceiling, and five marble and stone fireplaces all remain intact, as does the majority of the home's hand-carved antebellum moldings and cornices.

Romantic Getaway on the Erie Canal

The River Edge Mansion is so named for the three rivers -- the Oneida, the Seneca, and the Oswego -- that make up the Erie Canal that runs through Central New York State. Each of the mansion's three guest rooms, named after these rivers, has a private bath and is finely appointed with period antiques and beautiful oriental carpets.

The Oneida River Room will fulfill all your romantic dreams, with its architectural, king canopy bed, two-person whirlpool tub, and a remote control, marble fireplace. Relax on your private balcony, overlooking the Erie Canal, while enjoying a complimentary wine and cheese snack. Or just unwind in front of a cozy fire while warm waters swirl around you. Rest in comfort on the pillow top mattress and feel totally refreshed.

The Seneca Room has an oak king-sized bed and two-person whirlpool tub and a beautiful view of the river.

The Oswego River Room, a small, but delightful room has a queen size sleigh bed with a dreamy pillow top mattress. Finely decorated with antiques, oriental rugs, and fresh cut flowers. A large private bathroom is attached with a single tub/shower/Jacuzzi unit for your use along with soft, fluffy cotton robes.

Local attractions

The mansion also offers an impressive menu of things to see and do. Central New York is a recreational paradise with all its picturesque lakes, rivers, and streams.

And within a two-hour drive, you can explore the Adirondack Mountains, the Thousand Islands resort area, and the scenic back roads and lush vineyards of the Finger Lakes region. New York's best fishing hole, Lake Oneida, is just five miles away, or you can catch bass, walleye, and pike fishing off the mansion's dock. Bike and snowmobile enthusiasts enjoy being only four miles from an Oswego County trail system that includes over 10 miles of challenging runs. And nearby Syracuse boasts several championship golf courses as well as some excellent cross-country and Alpine ski facilities.

Syracuse also attracts folks with all its restaurants, museums, and theaters, as well as the Burnet Park Zoo, Syracuse University, and the world-renowned Carrier Dome, which hostís marquee sporting events and concerts. And if you run out of things to do in Syracuse, the Great Northern Mall is only two minutes from the mansion, and there are dozens of wineries, parks, and antique stores to visit throughout Central New York.

There is a canoe available so guests can explore our piece of the historic Erie Canal. Also, bikes are available to roam the 50+ miles of groomed bicycle and snowmobile trails that are nearby.

Gracious service

Breakfast at the mansion is served in our elegant, cherry ceiling dining room, next to a cozy, hand carved mahogany fireplace, and consists of three courses: fresh baked homemade muffins, a seasonal fruit dish, and a hot entree. Typical entrées would be something like "Stuffed French Toast" or "Crab cakes Benedict." Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of juices and teas complement the meal. This is graciously served on place settings of fine china, silver, and crystal in an intimate candlelight setting.

For more on the River Edge Mansion Bed and Breakfast, see the B&B's entry in the Lovetripper Romantic Travel Directory or see the River Edge website.