South of Cleveland is a castle that could truly act as the setting of a fairy tale. Its lush gardens, spectacular architecture, and interior decoration are dreamy, and there is something undeniably magical about its milieu. You won't believe how close this piece of paradise is to home!
Stan Hywet is located at 71 North Portage Path, Akron.
Stan Hywet Hall is a Tudor Revival-style caslte that attests to the popularity of the Country Estate Movement during the Industrial Revolution.
It was constructed between 1912 and 1915 for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Co-Founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude.
When Goodyear was founded in 1898, Akron was not yet the rubber capitol of the world. Like many other American Country Estates, Stan Hywet attests to the hard work and perseverance of its first residents. "Stan Hywet" is Old English for "stone quarry," a nod to the natural state of the land it is built upon.
To ensure its tastefulness and splendor, Seiberling, his daughter Irene, and his architect visited 20 English manors.
The Great Hall is one of many spectacular rooms that lie within. When construction finished in 1915, family matriarch Gertrude Seiberling requested that the interior be furnished with antiques. Decorator Hugo Huber selected Tudor-era antiques, as well as "modern" (though they are now antiques) furnishings that had an old-fashioned flair.
The estate, which sprawls over 70 acres, includes the 64,500 square foot home, several other historic buildings, and an incredible ten gardens.
The home has six floors, each of which reflects the family's personal touch.
Remnants of the family are visible across the property, from the family's interior design taste to Gertrude's love of gardening.
The grounds are spectacularly historic. It was even the site where Seiberling's daughter-in-law Henrietta hosted a discussion that led to the creation of Alcholics Anonymous, now a worldwide organization.
Its furnishings are original to the estate, which makes it feel as much like a home as a museum.
Stan Hywet is an accredited establishment of the American Alliance of Museums, and it preserves a moment that helped shape local and national history. A crest over the entryway reads, "Non Nobis Solum," which translates as Not For Us Alone, a reminder of the humbling generosity of the philanthropic Seiberling family.
You can actually tour this castle to learn first-hand about what a truly magical place it is.
There are several tours that one may take, which range from $6 to $28.
Plus, the manor hosts events throughout the year that breathe life into the estate.
From Vintage Days to the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, the festivites at the manor will keep you entertained through the holidays.
There are several adventures you can go on at the manor.
The adventurous activities offered at Stan Hywet include Geicaching, Questing, Woof Walks, and more. Each one brings you closer to the history of the grounds by immersing your attention in key parts of the estate.
The history of this countryside estate is enchanting enough to be in a fairy tale.
From its status as a beacon of progress to the philanthropic endeavors pursued in its hall, Stan Hywet's history is rich enough to captivate the imagination.
Stan Hywet is magical and dreamy, and will take you a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of life.
As you can see, there is something indescribably magical about the grounds of Stan Hywet, Have you ever paid the estate a trip? Tell us about your experience, and share your favorite pictures from your trip!
For more beauty befitting royalty, check out these Cleveland castles.
Did you know that Cleveland has lots of amazing attractions? See them for yourself.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
