Located strategically in the tourist triad of Amish country, historic Gettysburg, and the state’s capitol, this impressive eight bedroom Italianette/Victorian dwelling was built in the early 1800s, and in 1857 Dr. Henry Smyser’s purchased and expanded it for his home and surgical office. Guests can easily walk to the city’s historic theater, historic farmer’s market, restaurants, museums, boutiques, antique shops, or cycle or jog on the 44 mile rail trail, just ¾ of a block behind. Several major events also attract visitors to this historic city throughout the year. Baseball fans will soon be able to enjoy games at the new stadium, also within walking distance. Innkeepers will spoil and pamper, and arrange Harley Widows’ Weekends, Golf Widows Weekends, trips to nearby wineries, or other themed weekend packages for your special someone or your entire group.
The home was lovingly passed along to descendants, so it’s unique and rare architectural embellishments remained carefully preserved, such as the hand crafted cast iron trim which adorns each stately window on the front and side of the home. The Smyser foundry which made the trim still stands in the city, only a few short blocks away.
These ornate double doors welcome guests to the house. There is a seperate office on the other side of the stairs where patients were once received.. The carpet is one of the few items in the home that is not original but was instead hand crafted on a 19th century loom, in the same fashion and using the same material and patterns as would have been fashionable to a family of this stature in their day.
Three large stained glass windows grace a wall in the sunken dining room, meticulously fashioned in the prominent families' crests. As the early morning sun rises it illuminates the dining table while guests enjoy delicious and bountiful breakfasts.
After breakfast, guests are welcome to lounge in the large parlor, where the ornate pier mirrors still stand as a reminder of the home’s unique and interesting history. Henry was quite the adventurer, and traveled with a troupe of men from York to seek fame and fortune in the California Gold Rush. An artist’s rendition of the momentous occasion is on file a few blocks away in York’s Historical Society’s archives, and a small copy rests amongst the familys pictures on a wall in the downstairs hallway. Upon his return, Henry commissioned Italian craftsman to make the mirrors, and ship them by boat back to adorn his beloved home.
Pier mirrors also adorn the Lanius Room, named for Henry’s mother, and which was also his middle name. High ceilings and inlaid oak floors add to the elegance and ambiance of this unique property, alongwith a curved wall crafted in old world tradition. The transom above this room’s hallway door also frames an ornate stained glass window high above to reflect the setting sun’s rays upon the curved wall below.
The Reiman Room is located between the Lanius and the Groff Rooms, offering a spacious and private 2 or 3 bedroom suite for guests wishing to escape, read, or snuggle the evening away.
Groff Room guests can enjoy their own private entrance to the two-story balcony, which is nestled amongst lovely spring flowering trees and overlooks a cool, tranquil garden below that is rich with ferns, azaleas, hostas and other shade lovers.
Rarely available, this 2 bedroom suite with attached bath boasts a gas fireplace and a private entrance to the balcony.
Guests can enjoy starlit nights or sultry days on a hammock under this huge old crabapple tree.
Lace and wicker adorn this cozy room which hides above the rest of the world on the third floor. A daybed with a comfy trundle bed transforms into 2 single beds for weary business or vacation travelers seeking refuge and rest from their hectic lives. Another equally isolated room is also available on the third floor, decorated in masculine antique furnishings and colors.
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