Architectural ExamplesWe humbly ask that patrons respect the homes as they are primary private property. Please do not trespass onto the properties unless authorized to do so .
Architecture Tour
Like most towns across America founded and built in the late 19th century, Skaneateles has a lovely array of Gothic, Victorian, and Greek revival architectural examples peppered through the town. Some of these examples are available on our walking tour and can be visible from our Main vain of the village, Genesee Street. However others, are a little further away and may take a car or bicycle to find.
Notable archtietues include the renown Stanford White, Alexander Jackson Davis and John I. Meyer Jr.
Step into the storybook charm of Skaneateles, where lake breezes meet centuries of design brilliance. Beginning at the corner of West Genesee Street and winding along West Lake Road past the Skaneateles Country Club, this tour takes you through a living gallery of architectural styles—each home a masterpiece in its own right.
Forgotten History
Thorne House
Step back in time
Many notable victorian examples are now Beds and Breakfasts and guests can wander though them marveling at the “frozen in time” feel like the experience of the Sherwood inn. Inside and outside, the Sherwood feels like you’re in the year 1840. Many of the rooms, have been updated for modern conveniences, but the overall ambience of the inn is authentic 19th century.
Hannum House is believed to have been built circa 1840, as Skaneateles evolved from a farming settlement into a more diversified community. Sawmills, gristmills, and woolen mills were thriving, powered by water from Skaneateles Lake. Spencer Hannum, for whom Hannum House is named, moved to the village in 1828 to establish a foundry. He employed 20 to 30 men in the manufacture of machinery for the woolen mills. After marrying Abigail Huff of Skaneateles, Hannum built his home beside the Sherwood Inn, on the main thoroughfare through Skaneateles. Public-spirited as well as entrepreneurial, Hannum was twice elected president of the young village and helped steer it through a period of major growth.
The Skaneateles Historic District. East Gennesee Street
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The Boulders
100 East Genesee Street
The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is reputed to be designed by famous New York architect Stanford White.
The lakefront house at 100 E. Genesee St., known as the Boulders, is trimmed with rough-cut granite boulders on the exterior facade, porte cochere (coach door) and on an interior half-wall in the great room
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115 East Genesse Street
built c.1890 in the Classical Revival Style, one of many lovely mansions along Skaneateles’ historic district.
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St James Episcopal Church
Established in the early 1800s and the current stone church building was constructed in 1873. St James is aloofly example of Gothic Revival Churches, complete with beautiful stained glass windows and handmade buttresses.
Historic .Picturesque.
West Lake Street
As we stroll the shoreline, you’ll discover how Skaneateles became more than just a village on the lake—it became an architectural destination, where history and modern living harmonize in cedar shingles, stone foundations, and sweeping lake views
The Lady of the Lake (Now know as 2West)
2 West Lake Street
This stunning victorian mansion is one of the more prominent Bed & Breakfasts in Skaneateles.
Gothic Revival - 1849
28 West Lake Street
Reuel Smith House was built between 1848 and 1852 by the renouned architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Also known as The Cove, The Gingerbread House, or Cobweb Cottage was designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, and later modified by Archimedes Russell It was built during 1848–1852 and is a "good example of the Gothic Revival mode, which was a reaction against the stringencies of the Greek Revival style. as exemplified by the nearby Richard DeZeng House. It is the only house designed by Davis in Onondaga County that has survived since the demolition of the Charles Sedgewick Cottageon James Street in Syracuse.
In 1979, State Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Orin Lehman said that the Reuel E. Smith House "embodies some of the major currents of mid-nineteenth century thought in literature and art as well as architecture
Gothic Revival - 1849
46 W. Lake St
An outstanding example of the Second Empire-style on coveted West Lake St., this home with lovely lake views is one of a kind. Renowned preservation architects Crawford & Stearns and contractor David B. Lee executed a multi-year project to highlight the home's original character
Gothic Revival - 1838
81 W. Lake St
One go the more famous properties of Skaneateles, Roosevelt Hall gothic Revival designed by Ithiel Town. Artist Samuel Montgomery Roosevelt, (grandson of Nicholas Roosevelt and a second cousin of President Theodore Roosevelt) lived in it from 1857 to 1920. It’s current owners, Mary and Peter Drescher, use it as their summer home
Italianate- 1867
103 W. Lake St
One of the most extravagant homes in Skaneateles Lake, this Italianate architectural style The façade is usually brownstone, and the entry usually consists of a raised stoop and arched double doors. It has touches of Neo-Grec style as well, characterized by classic and stylized details that are more angular than details in Italianate architecture.
Additional Properties of note
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Stella Maris ( Now Demolished)
130 East Genesee Street
1952, Flora Smith sold the estate to its third “family,” the Sisters of St. Francis of Syracuse. The Sisters renamed it Stella Maris and added two wings to host retreats and visiting clergy.
Stella Maris Retreat Home of the Third Order of Franciscans was dedicated in July of 1954 by Bishop Walter Foery.
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The National Bank and Trust Company of Skaneateles
2 East Genesee Street
Opening its doors in 1928, the National Bank and Trust Company survived the Great Depression, but not the modern age. While it still houses the original bank vault and many original fixtures from its hey day, it is now the home of First National Gifts.
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Sinclair Chair Factory
4357 Jordan Road
In 1871 Francis Sinclair built what was known as the Sinclair Chair Factory which continued making chairs under his care until 1901 when it was sold to John Allen who continued the business under the name Sinclair-Allen Chair Works.