Romantic Inn / B&B & Couples Getaway in Rochester
Kiss & Tell
Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast, 10th year in the making: It is the Rochester Experience
The Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast is celebrating it’s 10th year in the making. More than a bed, more than a breakfast, it is the Rochester Experience. We officially open in April 2009, after three years of extensive renovations. It was pretty much abandoned and decrepit and in pretty bad shape. This historical Bed & Breakfast was originally the grandest of places called the Rose Mansion and Gardens: the spot to have elegant weddings, receptions, and overnight stays. In fact John F Kennedy Jr. has walked through these doors. The Rose Mansion and Gardens closed in the late 1980s.
The scope of the renovations was to restore the original mansion with all the latest technology. The public spaces have a museum quality with hand painted murals, chandeliers, exquisite antique furniture, and artwork, with 21st-century amenities. It’s an iconic bed-and-breakfast; you don’t see anything like this in many places. The Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast was the home to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Designer Show House in 2008. The mansion and all four guest rooms are a work of art. This is a Rochester experience not to be missed. And you especially do not want to miss the lavish farm to table gourmet breakfast. That is a celebration in and of itself!
10 A+ Lodgings On Your East Coast US College Tour
Your kid’s future alma mater isn’t cookie-cutter, so why should your college tour accommodations be? Sure, you can stay in some boilerplate roadside franchise, but if you’re used to traveling with flair and want to experience the most welcoming aspects of your chosen college towns, stay in this one-of-a-kind B&B. Written January 5, 2019 by
University of Rochester, Rochester NY – Ellwanger Estate
The handsome Ellwanger Estate, former home of Rochester socialite Helen Ellwanger, wife of horticulturist George Ellwanger, sits in an historic and wealthy section of Rochester. First built as a farmhouse in 1817, and then purchased and enlarged by Ellwanger (co owner of Ellwanger and Barry Nurseries) in 1867 and 1910, staying here is an immersion into the wealthy lifestyle of the Victorian Age. The gardens, as one would imagine, are beautiful. Owner, Rosemary Janofsky, purchased the estate in 2006 (it was previously operating as an inn), and has lovingly preserved it. In 2008, as a “Designer ShowHouse” fundraiser for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, guest rooms were used as fresh canvasses for interior designers, so each offers a unique and posh experience. Who stays here? Business travelers, honeymooners, romantic couples, parents visiting U of Rochester students, and anyone who favors sleeping on firm organic mattresses. And, if a television film crew is in town, chances are they choose to stay here.
Social Responsibility at the Ellwanger Estate B&B
The Ellwanger Estate B&B is please to announce that we have a vibrant social responsibility program in collaboration with the Landmark Society of WNY.
We believe that social responsibility is a “duty every individual has to perform so as to maintain a balance between the economy and the ecosystems”. Or simply put, The Ellwanger Estate B&B supports the Landmark Society’s cause financially and physically.
We decided to be much more intentional in 2018 with our giving. Instead of supporting the LMS here and there, we focused on what impacts our team, our customers, and our community. Here’s how we did it:
- We picked the Landmark Society to support financially this year. In 2018 we picked a charity that was locally, served a cause that was important to us, and was relatable to many.
The Landmark’s mission is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation & planning that fosters healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.
- Our goal: To donate 15% of all projected profits this year. The LMS provides resources for our community, B&B guests and magical photo ops and weddings. It’s a great feeling of camaraderie when you walk into this “living museum” on “Twilight Tuesdays” to see an army of volunteers lovingly tending this secret garden.
- We also picked a few organizations to support regularly. There are a few diseases that have personally impacted our team and my family. So we regularly participate in respite getaway weekends for David’s Refuge. This is our second year and look forward to a 3rd This has been where we get to show our support outside of our organizational goals.
We also support Memorial Art Gallery through our “Gallery and Galore” Package, offering our guests admission tickets as part of their stay at the Ellwanger Estate B&B.
And last, but never the least, our doors are always open to the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) as this was the 2008 RPO designer show house and will always be their home. “Mi Casa, Su Casa”.
One of the mottos that drives our daily actions is “giving is living.” We use it as a tool to bring a greater sense of purpose to our team and to our B&B guests.
Meliora Weekend is here!
It’s a great day here at the Ellwanger Estate B&B! Jessica has returned to help us out with Meliora Weekend! It just so happens to be this weekend from Thursday, October 4 to Sunday, October 7, 2018! There will be multiple events going on all weekend to include exhibits at the Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester Reunion Dinners, Concerts (Pink Martini), and Sport Events. The keynote address is by Soledad O’Brien. Make reservations now so you don’t miss a minute of it!
Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning journalist, speaker, author and philanthropist. She is the CEO of Starfish Media Group, a multi-platform media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on range of social issues.
The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care!
When the 7th District Federation Garden Clubs of NYS asked if I would participate in the 35th Candlelight Holiday Tour on November 11,2017, I was honored. After all it was Veterans Day, I’m a Vet, how perfect! The only request was to have a live tree in place for decorating the week prior to the home tour. I said no problem. Oops, big problem. All my tree sources dried up and I was faced with the daunting task of finding a 12-14 foot tree and have it delivered by November 6th. So down the yellow pages I go, coming up empty. Then, happily Woody Aces returned my call and said, “I think we can help you”! Off I go to meet with Dave, the owner, and with in 5 minutes we find “the” tree. But just to be sure, we continued touring the rest of the 1100 acres on a 4 wheeler and I had the time of my life. He not only delivered the tree (on that Sunday) but also assisted with set up and trimming. So, with the most perfectly beautiful tree in place, I’m set. Not so fast. There was the question of possibly having a working fireplace in time for the home tour. I have lived here 11 years and have never had a working fireplace. It was about time. So I placed a call to Leroy Hearth and Home, they came, counseled, ordered, delivered and set up in record time, and just in time. What a tremendous difference-for both me and my guests! Hat’s off the Woody Acres, Leroy Hearth and Home, The 7th District Federation Garden Clubs of NYS, and to our supportive community for making this Candlelight tour a resounding success. And now for all to enjoy a grinch-proof Holiday Season at the Ellwanger Estate B&B.
