Posted in Pittsburgh
September 09, 2016
Entering This Hidden Castle Near Pittsburgh Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairy Tale
Step into the pages of a fairy tale when you enter this castle near Pittsburgh that promises the ultimate luxurious experience to all who visit. Get ready to drive a little over an hour outside of the city, depending on the route you take and the traffic, to Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa.
A gift for his bride: That's the only way to accurately describe the Buhl Castle, now the Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa, in Sharon. If any story deserved the beginning once upon a time, this is certainly it.
The fairy tale began in the late 1800s when Frank Buhl, the founder of the Sharon Steel Corporation, moved to the Southwestern Pennsylvania town of Sharon and fell in love with his future bridge, Julia Forker.
At the behest of his mother, Buhl commissioned the construction of a castle, in Richardsonian Romanesque style, for his new bride. Construction ran from 1890 to 1896 with a final price tag of $60,000.
The beloved couple's philanthropy would play an important role in the development of the Sharon community, with their contributions helping to build the town's first hospital, the library, and the Oakwood Cemetery.
The Buhls contributions were not forgotten after they died but, unfortunately, their beloved castle almost met an end befitting of a tragedy, not a fairy tale. Owner after owner purchased and sold the property until it was but a shell of its former shelf - the original staircases, doors, windows, and chandeliers all gone.
But, like any good fairy tale, a hero saves the day. Well, in this case, it was two heroes: Jim and Donna Winter purchased the abandoned castle in 1996, restoring it to its former glory.
Today, Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa hosts events, including weddings, and welcomes overnight guests and visitors to its luxury spa.
Climb the elegant staircase to get to your room, if you're an overnight guest. The guesthouse houses two suites and king and queen rooms, each of which features a gas fireplace and a bathroom with a two-person Jacuzzi.
Pamper yourself for the day with a visit to the Buhl Mansion Spa. Indulge in a relaxing massage, a manicure and a pedicure, or a facial. The spa hosts spa parties for those in groups of five or more and offers both couples and individual spa packages.
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne when you arrive to your spa experience. Buhl Mansion Spa welcomes guests by reservation Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pamper yourself to a luxurious day or evening away at this magical castle near Pittsburgh. And, if you believe in fairy tales, check out these captivating castles that you won’t believe are near Pittsburgh.
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