Steele Mansion Inn- Painesville, OH

Like a true Phoenix that rose from the ashes, the recently restored Steele Mansion Inn is once again as lovely as the day it was built. Which is amazing if you had seen its condition just a few years ago; although once gilded and grand, it stood a literal shell of its former self, lacking even a roof. Fortunately, it found an owner with a vision, and a decent amount of money, who was able to roll back the hands of time.

Built in 1867 for wealthy businessman George W. Steele, the Second Empire with the magnificent mansard was the finest, most costly house in Painesville. Far from typical in the town, it featured 8 Italian marble fireplaces, windows imported from France, a grand walnut staircase, three plumbed bathrooms, and a third floor ballroom. It also had an entire two story rear wing that housed servants, ensuring those bathrooms were always clean.

Following Steele’s death in 1881, the house passed to several family members, before it become too costly to maintain. It was briefly owned by a local attorney, before being sold in 1921 to Lake Erie College, whose campus sits adjacent to the property. It then functioned as the college president’s home, during which time guest lecturers frequently stayed at the mansion, including Amelia Earhart in 1936. Interestingly, the small college was the first in the nation to offer a women’s aviation class.

In 1958, the college president chose to relocate his residence, and the mansion was converted to student housing. Eventually, maintenance on the old building became too expensive, and it was sold to a private owner in the 1970s. During this period, the mansion was carved up into individual rental units, and functioned as an apartment building.

In January of 2001, a contractor attempting to melt a large patch of ice off the roof sparked a devastating fire; repairs proved too costly for the property owner, and the ruined mansion was abandoned. Without a roof and completely unprotected from the elements, the once grand house began to decay rapidly; eventually, several chimneys collapsed, causing considerable floor damage inside. The building became so unstable and unsightly, it was slated for demolition.

Fortunately, in 2010, the property was purchased by an area couple, who were willing to rebuild the local landmark, and had the money to do so. This was no small task; little of the original structure remained, just the brick walls and the walnut staircase. Anything usable was shored up and salvaged; the rest was demolished. The servant’s wing could not be saved, but was rebuilt using the same footprint.

After the building was made structurally sound, the new owners used historical photos to recreate original details. An essentially new building emerged, albeit one that bore a striking resemblance to the original mansion. Truly a labor of love, the building has been beautifully restored. On the first floor, two parlors, a library, dining room, and a light filled conservatory; on the second, 8 guests rooms, each with their own theme. The third floor leads to the annex, and 8 more guest rooms.

Although the property has a small bar, and hosts weekend happy hours, they do not have an in-house restaurant. Fortunately, just a short walk away is the Rider’s Inn.

Built in 1812, and once a stop on the underground railroad, the pub is certainly a space that time forgot. Full of character, it is far more enjoyable than many of the other options in town. They had a fabulous French Dip, and live music, which is really all you can ask for. However, for those who want an actual dining room, they have one of those too.

Steele Mansion Inn is also just a short drive from Little Mountain Country Club, which is home to one of the best golf courses in Ohio. While there is certainly no mountain, little or big, it is an excellent golf course. For golfers, the inn can also get you a tee time over at Quail Hollow, a fabulous course otherwise not available to the public. For non-golfers, the mansion is also very close to Lake Erie, as well as several area wineries. While it seems much of their business comes from weddings, it’s the perfect place to spend a night or two while exploring the area.