I am such a lucky girl. I finally found that perfect career that allows me to immerse myself in something I’m passionate about. I love travel, I love culture, I love experiences. Lodging big or small, I’m a firm believer that the lodging you choose can make or break an experience. And, over the past few months, I’ve actually had people tell me they like when I let them in, just a little bit, to come along with me on these experiences, from the comforts of their desk, their home or wherever InnLove finds them each Friday morning. Today I’m going to let you in, just a little bit more, into something I discovered this week while traveling for work. For many of you, it’s in your backyard and it’s truly one of Ohio’s hidden gems.
As most of you know, I’ve worked in a few hotels, but what some of you might not know is that my childhood dream has been to own an award winning inn. I’ve been collecting favorite breakfast recipes for years. So when I find one that gives me so many feels…I must share it with you. This week, while making a very windy tour of Northeastern Ohio, I visited one of my favorite people, Lynne Biery at her hospitality masterpiece – Sebring Mansion Inn & Spa.
I’ve never been to the Mansion, but I have heard stories. All good, of course, but THIS. I did not expect. I hadn’t heard of Sebring, OH until I learned of Lynne’s place –
how could there be something this spectacular in a place I’ve never been? Even though the day was typical January in Ohio weather – you know the sort, gray, 33° and raining – the mansion was sparkling. It is massive and stately, sitting
on the corner, beckoning me into its warmth. I sprinted across the street, snapping a quick picture of the entrance, and ducked inside. As if he was waiting for me, I was greeted by Dick, a cheerful member of the Mansion’s team. He ushered me inside the most breathtaking foyer I’ve seen in quite some time. Once you catch your breath,
you immediately gaze upward into a rotunda with 3 floors of views to a stained glass dome. While waiting for Lynne, I snapped a few pictures of the foyer before being escorted into the dining area. I was told a bride would be arriving soon and this was to be the dinner room. The room was dripping with winter decor that made you feel
like you were in a fairy tale. Lynne walked me through the many rooms of the first floor including the parlor and oval music room. The piano in the music room is original to the home!
Sebring Mansion has 9 rooms with more being built. Each room is individually decorated and is named after a famous potter. (Sebring, OH is the Pottery capital of the world!) Each room has a beautiful, hand selected bed and whirlpool. In many of the rooms, you can be served dinner for two on the balcony or in the sitting area and each guest is greeted with a rose. No children are allowed at Sebring at this time, which allows for an indulgent adults-only retreat. Make sure to check out all of the room pictures in the 2017 Visual Adventure Gallery because there are a million!
The third floor of the Mansion has another dining area where Lynne and her team had set up an immaculate dining experience for the weekend’s wedding party. The room is surrounded by stained glass and little private alcoves. There is a built in bar to serve guests. Lynne also tells me she hosts a number of special events such as Murder Mystery Dinners. I think I should sign up for one of those really soon!
The lower level of the Mansion houses the spa, with a maze of rooms for massages, mani/pedis, hair, mud baths and more. All guests are able to soak in the 102° indoor or outdoor therapy pool. Even on a dank day like the one I was visiting on, I could have easily slipped into the outdoor pool, surrounded by plants and stone walls. Also on the lower level are his and hers locker rooms, a wine cellar and The Pub – a bar area for guests to order evening cocktails.
Sadly, I was not visiting Lynne for an overnight stay, just a quick tour and some history. But, if anyone has ever convinced me to make a weekend out of Sebring, OH, it was Lynne, her team and this spectacular Mansion. I’ll be counting down the days until we can stay. (Hunny, are you reading this??)
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
My grandparents used to own this home. They also owned frederick sebrings house at a later time. I spent my childhood in these homes and had no idea they were as grand as i thought. Ive been intrigued by victorian mansions ever since.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. So much history within these walls. Thank you for reading!