As we embarked on our Thanksgiving adventure to Pennsylvania, I couldn’t help but tear up at the sight of fall foliage – a luxury I’d been missing out on. The trip was filled with quality time spent with family, exploring local hidden gems, and marveling at the abundance of horse-drawn carriages that dotted the landscape. We also made it a point to visit Andrew’s family’s historic mansion, which has been in the process of being restored since they purchased it several years ago.
The property still has some way to go before it’s fully renovated, but I’m excited to share my favorite aspects and provide a brief history as we take this journey through time together.
The Isaac S. Long Mansion
Isaac Long, a New Yorker, commissioned the construction of this magnificent mansion in 1860 as his summer retreat in Pennsylvania. This lavish abode boasted an impressive 18 rooms, making it an idyllic getaway for Isaac to indulge in hunting and leisure activities. Fast forward to the present day, much of the woodwork surrounding the windows had been painted a deep brown hue, concealing the intricate details from view.
The mansion’s eerie reputation as the ‘haunted house’ was well-deserved, thanks to its foreboding appearance. However, Andrew’s family has since undertaken a painstaking process of hand-painting the woodwork, bringing forth the stunning details and transforming the mansion’s persona. With its fresh coat of paint and vibrant colors, the once-creepy abode now exudes a warm and inviting ambiance.
That Old Time Feel
One of the charms of antique homes is the way they reveal their history through subtle architectural details. As I approached this particular property, I was struck by the imposing 7-foot stone wall that wraps around the perimeter. Upon closer inspection, I noticed small metal rings spaced every 10 feet or so along its length – a relic of a bygone era when visitors would tie up their horses before dismounting and entering the house.
The heating system in this home is another testament to its age. Seven fireplaces and six chimneys are a far cry from modern central heating systems, but they add to the property’s character. The basement features a massive fireplace that not only provides warmth but also serves as an oven for meal preparation. Imagine the aromas wafting through the house as dinner is being prepared. Heat from the fireplaces flows through ornate ductwork and out into beautifully crafted vents.
Even the vents themselves are works of art, reflecting the attention to detail that was once commonplace. Of course, one giant fireplace isn’t enough to warm an entire 18-room house. Several additional fireplaces can be found throughout the property, each with its own unique charm. A couple of my favorites were.
3 stories high + a widows walk
What sets this magnificent house apart is its striking vertical presence, spanning three storeys, it boasts a majestic spiral staircase that winds its way up through the heart of the property. From the ground floor, you can gaze upwards and behold the ceiling of the topmost level – a truly breathtaking sight. The view from above is just as impressive.
The 3rd floor culminates in the ‘Widow’s Walk’, a lookout point that Isaac Long would use to oversee his laborers working in the surrounding cornfields, ensuring their productivity and efficiency.
Wallpaper
There’s a room in my home that holds a special place in my heart, adorned with antique wallpaper that exudes an air of opulence. At first glance, it may seem overwhelming, but there’s something about its textured design that just works. The subtle tactility of the wallpaper is what truly makes it stand out; run your fingers over the surface and you’ll discover the intricate twists and turns of each design element.
The floral theme is a recurring motif throughout the house, with similar paintings adorning several rooms. In addition to the wallpaper, flowers are also meticulously carved into the woodwork, adding another layer of depth to the space. The corner pieces, originally painted in a single color, have been revitalized by Andrew’s sister, who has brought out the fine details through her restoration efforts.
The belfry
The grandeur of the mansion is truly awe-inspiring, and I wouldn’t be doing it justice without showcasing its pièce de résistance – the belfry or belltower on its roof. Just like every other aspect of the house, the detail is breathtakingly magnificent. Moreover, I’ve been told that even to this day, the bell still rings out loud and clear.
