The Federal House Bed & Breakfast
Lansing, NY
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Own a piece of history - the historic Federal House Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful home and business opportunity awaiting a new steward. Built in 1815 by prominent lawyer Abijah Miller, the house was originally known as the Miller Mansion. Squire Miller's brother, Judge Elijah Miller, hired William Seward right out of law school to be a clerk in his Auburn office. The Federal House tells the romantic story of a young William Seward courting Judge Miller's daughter, Frances, and proposing to her at this, her uncle's home. France's father, Judge Miller agreed to the marriage with the understanding that William Seward and Frances would live in his home in Auburn, now known as the Seward House.
Over the years, the home has also been known as "The House of Five Doctors" due to the string of doctors who owned it and some who practiced medicine there.
The home became a Bed & Breakfast in the 1980's and has been a successful lifestyle B&B. Guests who have stayed at the Federal House enjoy a peaceful visit surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Memories of summertime evenings include sitting around the fire circle outside watching fireflies while listening to the sound of nearby Ludlowville Falls.
The original details will amaze you. A gorgeous Colonial front door greets guests into a formal entry with original black walnut stair trim. Large formal parlor with ornate fireplace mantle, reportedly carved by Brigham Young, a young carpenter's apprentice. A similar mantle is found in the Seward House yet this one is even more detailed.
The spacious formal dining room invites guests for enjoying morning treats. There are 4 guest rooms fully furnished in the Federal period:
~ The Lincoln Suite
~ The Frances Miller Room
~ The Abijah Miller Room
~ The William Seward Suite
The Lincoln Suite is found up the main staircase at the front of the house. It is a large, inviting room with canopy bed, fireplace, trundle bed for families traveling with kids and an updated full bath with mosaic tile floor, subway tile tub surround and antique vanity.
The Frances Miller Room is at the top of the second staircase and offers western light, another updated bath with subway tile shower, 2 twin beds that can be joined for one king-sized bed. Frances Miller, who became Frances Miller Seward, was an early women's rights advocate and a strong abolitionist. We think she would have liked this room very much!
The Abijah Miller Room is at the east side of the upstairs wing and offers a queen bed with full bath and nice closet. This room overlooks the gardens and gazebo.
The William Seward Suite is a 2-room suite with vaulted ceilings, fireplace, French doors and the 4th full bath, updated with tile surround and pedestal sink. A flat-panel TV adds a modern touch. The top of Ludlowville Falls can be seen from this room.
The owner's private quarters has a large country kitchen with dining area warmed by a woodstove. There is a great room with the 4th fireplace and access to a private porch and secret garden. Also has the 5th bedroom, an updated 5th bath with whirlpool tub and subway tile surround, large laundry area/pantry and attached 2-car garage.
The Bed and Breakfast business is included in the price. List of furnishings and financials available to qualified buyers. A confidentiality disclosure will be required from prospective buyers prior to release of financials. Inquire with listing agents for details.
Located close to Ludlowville Park and Falls, Lansing Schools and Myers Park/Marina. Enjoy Cayuga Lake outings, visit Cornell University and downtown Ithaca within minutes or travel around the lake for a winery tour.
Property Details- 4 Guest Rooms
- 4 Guest Room Baths
- Has Owner's Quarters
- Built in 1815
- Last Renovated in 1980
- Opened in 1980
- Building is 3,971 SQFT
- Lot is 0.88 Acres
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