Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa- Sharon, PA

A magnificent Richardsonian Romanesque, Buhl Mansion brings to mind images of the Scottish Highlands, English moors, and Wuthering Heights. Only from certain angles though, as it is located along Sharon’s somewhat sleepy main street. Nevertheless, inside those solid stone walls, you are definitely transported to the past, albeit a romanticized version, decorated like Merle’s Streep’s mansion in She-Devil.

Commissioned by steel magnate Frank Buhl for his wife Julia, the substantial structure was designed by English born Youngstown architect Charles Owsley, who also constructed the Mahoning County Courthouse. Completed in 1896, the project took six years, and cost over $60,000, a sum only affordable for a magnate.

Built of native ashlar sandstone, the home boasted gables with stone finials, turrets with copper capped spires, and a massive arched colonnade and porte cochere. Carved wood paneling and stained glass windows were used throughout the mansion.

Frank and Julia were a philanthropic couple, who shared their wealth with the community, constructing a hospital, library, and Episcopal Church. They also gifted the town a 300 acre park, which included a lake, Casino and 18 hole golf course, along with an endowment for perpetual maintenance following his death in 1918.

Unfortunately, no such endowment was left for the mansion, and the couple had no children, so following Julia’s death in 1938 the house was sold. Used for a variety of purposes over the years, including an apartment house, many of the original features including trim, staircases, and mantles were removed from the property, before it fell into disrepair.

In 1996, local residents Jim and Donna Winner, inventors of “The Club” steering wheel lock, purchased the property. A multi-million dollar, year long restoration followed, returning the property to its former grandeur.

The guesthouse officially opened on December 31, 1997, and eventually grew to including several large event spaces and a spa. Although all guest rooms are equipped with gas fireplaces, some rooms have more character than others, including one with a Jacuzzi under the soaring ceiling of the largest turret in the house.

As our stay was booked last minute, the Jacuzzi suite was unavailable; instead, we stayed in the Julia F. Buhl room, a charming second floor space with the bed tucked in a turret. Although the property lacks a restaurant or lounge, evening drink service is available in the library, and breakfast is offered in the morning.

Although a bit too ornately decorated for me, it is a beautifully maintained property, which has been deemed one of the most romantic inns in the United States. Perfect for an overnight stay, it’s great fun to channel Frank and Julia, and roam around the halls of this architectural masterpiece.