History

The Mansion Inn is a beautiful 1865 manor home and a magnificent example of Baroque Victorian Architecture of the Second French Empire, displaying the original architectural elements of the 1800's.

A gingerbread mansion which stands behind a unique wrought iron grape cluster fence forged in 1867 in Philadelphia, its sunny yellow and white exterior brings to mind brides and birthdays.

Charles Crook, a prosperous local businessman, had the house designed and built for his wife. She was an ardent admirer of the scroll work that lends to the magical stage-like facade.

The house boasted the first running water in Bucks County. Pumped by a windmill on the back of the property from the river to a wooden vat on the upper floor, gravity fed it to the sinks and toilets.

Light on the first floor sparkles throughout the original etched glass doors and lace curtained ceiling-to-floor windows. Original wood moldings and huge arched doorways with split brass door hinges and hardware grace the center entry hall where the magnificent spiral staircase winds its way upward. The original door and window screens were found and restored. Floors are virgin Washington red pine.

Dr. Kenneth Leiby bought the mansion in the mid 1930s. The town's beloved physician, he practiced medicine and raised his family here. When he retired and moved from the house, it fell to disrepair and was eventually earmarked by investors for gutting and a shopping mall.

In 1995, the house was saved and restored to its current splendor by new owners. Although they were not the highest bidders on the property, Dr. Lieby believed they would meet his other terms - "To preserve the integrity of the house and my favorite tree."

After four months of intense construction, the house opened as a luxury bed and breakfast inn. Featured in Country Inns Magazine and selected as one of its "Top 12 Picks" in the country for that year, it has become a favorite inn within the Mid-Atlantic region.

Several famous American artists have depicted the house in many paintings, including Schnell's "The Barber Shop," which hangs in the James Michener Art Museum. What's more, McCalls magazine featured the house as the "Holiday House" in 1963.

In 1996 the Inn was featured on the "Great Country Inns" series on The Learning Channel, nationally televised. People now visit from all over the country and abroad.

Beginning in 2002, fine dining became available. Since then, the restaurant has received numerous awards and today's current owners, are proud to provide both inn and restaurant guests with first class accommodations, service, and cuisine.

This wonderful Inn and restaurant is a beautiful tribute to the Victorian Era which can be enjoyed by all who visit New Hope, PA.