Tag Archive for: Celebrations

Ellwanger Estate Bed & Breakfast, 10th year in the making: It is the Rochester Experience

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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

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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 Malerie Yolen-Cohen

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.

Meliora Weekend is here!

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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!

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elope in the Vintage Surroundings of the Ellwanger Estate

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This is the time of year when the seasons change from the first green suggestions of spring to the warmer weather and blooming gardens of summer. But here, at the Ellwanger, it is Elopement Season, with brides in delicate white lace gliding down the carved oak staircase, to meet their cherished partners in front of gathered friends and family and promise their undying love for each other.

Sometimes the vows are exchanged in front of the period fireplace of the Great Room; sometimes the couple decides to take their ceremony to the fresh air and garden scents of the generous porch, overlooking the beautiful Ellwanger Garden.

Not all the brides are young, not all the gowns are formal, but all the couples have something in common: a love of romance, an appreciation of vintage surroundings and a deep faith and hope in the future together.

Here comes the bride

Here comes the bride

Spring flowers

Spring flowers

The Veranda

The Veranda

The Happy Couple

The Happy Couple