Skip to main content

Ellwanger Estate

The Ellwanger Estate is an old mansion in the middle of Rochester, New York. The estate, which was built in the middle of the 19th century, is a symbol of the rich cultural history and architectural history of the city. The mansion was built in the Gothic Revival style and has a striking tower, ornate gables, and intricate stone carvings. Today, the estate is a popular place for tourists to visit and shows how rich and grand Rochester used to be.

George Ellwanger, who was a well-known businessman and gardener, built the Ellwanger Estate in 1867. Around the middle of the 1800s, Ellwanger moved from Germany to the United States. He ended up living in Rochester. He quickly became one of the most successful businessmen in the city. He helped start the Ellwanger and Barry Nursery Company, which at the time was one of the biggest nurseries in the country.

The famous Gothic Revival-style architect Frederick C. Withers made the plans for the estate. Withers also designed a number of other important buildings in Rochester, such as the Church of the Ascension and St. Mary’s Church. The design of the mansion was based on European castles from the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful tower that is up to 70 feet tall.

The inside of the mansion is just as nice as the outside. At the main entrance, there is a grand staircase with stained glass windows and detailed woodwork. The mansion also has a formal dining room, several living rooms, a library, and several bedrooms. The inside is decorated in the Victorian style, with rich fabrics, fancy furniture, and intricate wood carvings.

The Ellwanger Estate is known for both its interesting architecture and its beautiful gardens. George Ellwanger loved plants and gardening, so he used the grounds of the estate to try out new plant species and ways to cross them. The Landmark Society of Western New York takes care of the estate’s gardens, which are open to the public for tours and events.

There are many different kinds of plants in the gardens, such as perennials, shrubs, and trees. People can walk along winding paths, check out quiet nooks and crannies, and see beautiful views of the land around them. There are also a beautiful fountain and a pond with water features in the gardens.

The connection to the famous American author Nathaniel Hawthorne is one of the most interesting things about the Ellwanger Estate. Hawthorne went to Rochester in the middle of the 1800s and stayed at the estate for a few weeks. During his stay, he wrote his wife and children several letters about how beautiful the mansion and its gardens were. These letters have been kept, and now they are seen as an important historical record of how people lived in Rochester in the 1800s.

The Ellwanger Estate is now open to the public and is a popular place to visit for both tourists and people who are interested in history. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and gardens, go to special events and concerts, or just walk around the grounds and enjoy the beauty of the estate. A mansion is also a popular place for weddings and other events. Its beautiful architecture and gardens make it the perfect setting for any event.

In conclusion, the Ellwanger Estate is an interesting historical site that shows some of Rochester, New York’s rich cultural history. Its beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, beautiful gardens, and ties to famous American writers make it a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture, or gardening. Whether you live in Rochester or are just passing through, the Ellwanger Estate is a real gem of Western New York and a reminder of how beautiful and grand Rochester used to be.


Back to local