Stan Hywet Hall - Akron - TravBuddy

One of things I love to do when I travel is see the architecture that is unique and special to the area. While visiting my in-laws in Ohio, we all decided to go visit the 'Stan Hywet Hall' in Akron. The Hall is almost a century old now, and was the former residence of F.A. Seiberling, a self made millionaire in the late 1800s.

The structure itself sits on 70 acres of land that remain from the original 1000 acre site. It's design is Tudor Revival, with a dark wood first floor and large wood framed white panels on the exterior of the upper floors. Inside, the structure is entirely wood paneled, with gorgeous elaborate wood carvings, and airy exposed frame ceilings or hand sculpted bas relief designs on the ceiling panels.

The manor house consists of some 60+ rooms, including 18 bedrooms and an private indoor pool, among other specialties. Fantastic attention to detail and design exists throughout, with hidden passageways between rooms and valuable paintings on the walls. The tour is fairly complete, and most of the areas are visible to vistors. Photography is not allowed inside the hall. The collection of furniture and decorations is mostly complete and original and it is easy to get an idea of what the house was like when it was in use.

The grounds are gorgeous and very well maintained. There is a Japanese garden and several ponds, with flower bed everywhere. A vegetable and flower garden that used to service the house is still kept in use, and a conservatory with an exotic butterfly collection is in place on the grounds. The grounds are very photogenic and relaxing, and a great place for a picnic with the kids!

Access to the grounds is $8 per adult, or $12 including self guided tour of the Manor house. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and there is sufficient parking for most visitors. Given it's easy to reach location and comfortable site, the Stan Hywet hall is a nice place to visit when you are in Ohio. Full size images are online at http://www.rideouts.net/gallery2/v/travel/album_001/