Stan Hywet Hall - Elegance in Akron

Stan Hywet Hall, located on the north side of Akron, about 45 minutes from downtown Cleveland, is the gracious 1920s Tudor-revival manor house and gardens built by Goodyear Tire and Rubber CEO, F.A. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude. Today the estate is open to visitors from April 1 through the end of December. The 65-room mansion is noted for its elaborate wood paneling, made of indigenous chestnut, white oak, and maple as well as its 1920s innovations, such as a 37-telephone intercom system and a built-in vacumn system. Stan Hywet Hall opens for the 2008 season on April 1.

The estate's 70 acres of gardens are lovely year round and include a formal English garden, a manicured Japanese garden, and a wildflower garden, among others. Stan Hywet, named for the Old English words for "Hewn Stone", not a person, is also the site of numerous events and activities, including the popular summer Antique Car show.

While in Akron, consider visiting Hale Farm, the reconstructed early 19th century Western Reserve working farm and craftsmen's workshop or the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It makes a great spring outing.

For more information about Stan Hywet, visit the Stan Hywet Photo Gallery.

^{(Photo Courtesy of the Ohio Dept. of Travel and Tourism.)}