Sunday, July 29, 2018

New twist on old place

     The shore of Lake Erie south of the city of Buffalo was extremely popular among all people early in the 20th century. The wealthy build impressive mansions- just for the summer. The rest build shacky cottages- anything to escape the summer heat of the city. Pre-air conditioning times. There is a wonderfully restored Frank Lloyd Wright designed one called Greycliff that is amazing. Just down a bit, is Sun Cliff, built in 1914. In the 40s it was sold to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo who owned it for 70 years. They used it as a retreat house. I went there as a teenager in the early 70s. Now, it has been purchased recently by a group that is making it into a wedding place, bed and breakfast, and it has a lounge now open. 
     It was near our cottage, so we stopped in for a drink and they let you tour all the grounds and peruse the amazing first floor. There is so much potential here. An absolute fabulous place for a wedding or big party. It was very hot that day and some of my photos are washed out. I can't wait to go back. They have had some classes there also. If you are in the area, check it out and see how the wealthy lived back then.
Side view from back yard, the yellow of the house is washed out

The arbor at the back, by the lake, for weddings. Back of house in background. Pretty impressive.

Looking through the front door, down the walkway, to the arbor by the lake.
.The Lake at the end of the property. It is on a cliff above the Lake.
Looking back at the shale cliffs. Greycliff is somewhere in there.
Beautiful clouds over a blue lake.

The promenade of trees from the back of the house and veranda to the arbor and lake.
Side of house. Stained glass window transoms in room at side of house.

The steep stairs to the lake. Yikes, they had it chained off. Smart.
Tent from wedding the day before.
View from the lounge towards Old Lakeshore Road.

4 comments:

Quiltdivajulie said...

Wow -- and that was a summer place. Hard to imagine such opulence contrasted with the way many many more people lived. What a beautiful venue for a wedding!

Mystic Quilter said...

What a wonderful place!! Lucky you for having the chance to visit. Congratulations on the birth of your new grandchild - I have been missing in action on blog reading so I'm not able to read too far back because of time restraints but I did read your good news!

The Joyful Quilter said...

Such a beautiful event center!! Facility, grounds, and views are stunning.

Preeti said...

For my next visit to Buffalo, I am adding this to the must-see list. So much to see, so little time. Hope you are having a terrific week.