The Mansion of Saratoga is now a historic Saratoga Springs area inn, but it was originally built as an imposing 23-room Venetian, villa-style estate in 1866 by Hon. George West. We are proud to be recognized by The National Register of Historic Places – the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The Mansion served as the West family primary residence until the family relocated in 1875 to a larger residence located on Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa, New York. That home, now razed, was part of the John Howey estate located across from his primary paper bag mill, also purchased by West. Thus in 1875, the building that is The Mansion Inn became the summer home of George West.

West was born February 17, 1823 in Brandon, England and immigrated to the United States in 1840, where he made his fortune as the inventor of the folded paper bag. A man of many accomplishments, George West established an art and archaeological museum in Round Lake, New York and served in the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress in the House of Representatives from 1881 until 1889.

George West was known around the world as "The Paper Bag King" – a title earned as the world's largest manufacturer of folded paper bags. He died September 20, 1901 at 79 years of age and is buried in Ballston Spa, New York. For a more complete history of Mr. West, click here: George West History

The deserted Empire Mill across from the Mansion dates back to the early 1800's and was the first of the many he owned after the Civil War. Behind the mill are acres of well-trod jogging and hiking trails, complete with interesting ruins of some of his other mills and the Kayaderosseras railroad – all a delight to explore.

Among the most famous trout fishing sites in Saratoga County is the millpond and waterfalls, located directly across from our inn. You can fish for record trout, walk along the shore of the stream or relive your youth by swinging out and dropping into the clear spring-fed pond. Upon entering The Mansion, you will see that it is very much the grand home of a 19th Century industrialist; and after 150 years it remains virtually unchanged.

This Saratoga bed and breakfast is full of striking details, such as the six fireplaces with massive mantelpieces, original brass and copper gas chandeliers with Waterford glass shades, etched-glass doors, parquet floors of three varieties of wood, 2" thick pocket doors and even an unsigned Tiffany chandelier in the gracious main entrance.

In keeping with the period, both the public rooms and bedrooms of The Mansion have been tastefully and elegantly furnished in fine Victorian antiques. You can sip wine or party with friends in one of the two formal parlors.

If you prefer, after a winning day at the Saratoga racetrack—or before attending the New York City Ballet at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center—gather in the library around the grand piano to listen, sing, chat or simply relax.

While the Mansion is a step back in time, we respect the creature comforts of the 21st Century. The antique beds have been retrofitted to accept queen and king size beds, and we have replaced George West's "outhouse" with private bathroom facilities within each bedroom.

Contact us today to learn more and make your reservation for a charming and historic getaway you'll never forget!