The Knapp Retreat

A Historic Gem in the Heart of Seneca Falls

Your reservation includes the entire mansion (three floors in total), providing a spacious, private and luxurious experience.

✨ Elegant Interior Features:
• Expansive parlors with grand windows, period fireplace mantels & intricate moldings
• A formal dining room adorned with a hand-painted Tiffany mural
• A cozy study nook, perfect for reading or remote work
• A spacious kitchen with tin ceilings, modern stainless steel appliances & a stone-topped island
• Fast fiber-optic internet throughout the home

✨ Outdoor Luxury & Relaxation:
• Wrap-around porch with charming brackets, climbing roses & clematis
• A handcrafted hot tub (seats 5-6; open 24/7 and year-round), perfect for a soak under the stars
• A custom-built sauna (seats 3-4; open 24/7 and 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 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
Beyond the inside, outdoor spaces include the hot tub, fire pit, sauna, wrap around porch, living rooms, kayaks, etc.

Other things to note
This is a new listing for 2026! We have been renovating this historic property and renting other parts of it as we make progress (see other listings), but we are now ready to rent it in its entirety.

Nestled in downtown Seneca Falls, The Gould Swaby Mansion is believed to have partially inspired 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 former 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 witnessed the ratification of the 19th 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.