A B&B at the Ellwanger Estate

I had scheduled a couple of days of quiet between different travel and conference stops to visit my hometown and celebrate my sister's birthday. Everything was just perfect at the bed and breakfast from the beautifully designed and maintained spacious historical house interior, to the warm welcome by Rosemary, the owner and innkeeper extraordinaire, the comfort of a nice hot cup of tea (cool design Boden teakettle and mugs), yummie muffins/pastry and great toiletries for a luxurious bath. The Inn is very conveniently located within close walking distance of the Victorian Mt Hope Cemetery (the cemetery office is very helpful in locating the grave sites of ancestors -- and I found two headstones from ancestors buried there in the late 1800's). Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglas gravesites are located in Mt Hope Cemetery. Also within walking distance is the Highland Park and Lamberton Conservatory. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the greenway/ park and only Boston ("Emerald Necklace"), Buffalo, Louisville and NYC have similar Olmsted designed linked parks/greenways. The breakfasts were delicious and very generous proportions, featuring fresh berries, flaky whole grain croissants, an egg casserole, fresh squeezed orange juice and creamy steel cut oatmeal. Rosemary even arranged for me to accompany a garden tour of Ellwanger's gardens given by the horticulturalist for the Landmark Society. It was very informative and I would recommend this experience if it is available. Best of all was that I was made to feel at home at the Inn--I didn't feel like I was intruding and my own privacy was respected yet the opportunity for conversation and sharing was there as well. Thanks for a wonderful visit.

My friend and I appreciated the warm greeting by Rosemary Janofsky. Given a quick tour of the estate, then shown our room. Comfortable. Good mattresses. Good pillows. Claw Foot tub (hooray!) Many expensive toilletries set out for our use. A good recommendation for dinner, assistance with reservation and directions, and there we were, gazing out at the Genessee River, pinching ourselves, amazed at our good fortune. The weather cooperated, and for most of the weekend we had lovely breeze and blue sky. We enjoyed nearby activities including a stroll along the paths of the Mount Hope Cemetery. Sat on a bench by a duck pond, just listening to birds and chipmunks. Explored the South Wedge neighborhood. Then back to the Ellwanger for lazy afternoon tea outdoors with the house cat. Rosemary is an excellent cook, and both breakfasts were more than pleasing. Delicate vegetable frittata, steel cut oatmeal, pear butter from Ellwanger garden pears, fresh butter shaped by butter molds, croissants, and breads---my favorite, the cranberry orange nut bread. I crave it now, as I write. Hot strong coffee for those who need hot strong coffee with breakfast. She's a gem, that Rosemary Janofsky, just like the Estate she stewards. How wonderful that she had the desire to bring the Ellwanger Estate to life. I will return in the late Spring, when the peonies open and the garden walks are lined with flowers.

We recently moved to this beautiful area and fell in love with this gorgeous Estate! We stayed in "Travelers Rest" ~ A beautifully appointed, warm and welcoming retreat. We especially loved the Egyptian cotton sheets and rain shower. Breakfast was healthy, amazing and delicious and the table conversation with the other guests was lively and spirited. Rosemary is the consummate hostess and we look forward to returning again and again. Leslie and Charles Sellers

The Ellwanger B & B is a wonderfully appointed historic building. The bedroom was immaculate, quiet, large and most comfortable. The common rooms were warm and welcoming. Rosemary's breakfast was bountiful and delicious. It was delightful walking around the neighborhood - beautiful Highland Park and (believe it or not) one of the first and finest urban park cemeteries in the country (designed by Olmsted). I look forward to returning.

Elegant comfort, attention to detail, outstanding breakfasts and great service.

This place is beautiful. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated. The grounds are lovely and the porch is a fantastic place to gather for wine, cheese and good conversation!

We spent an absolutely wonderful weekend at the Ellwanger Estate. From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and spoiled. The room was spacious, tastefully furnished, and immaculate. Every personal need was met. And there are no words to adequately describe breakfast--it was a feast for eyes and tummy! No wonder all the guests enjoyed each other's company and lingered.

My husband and I stayed for one evening the beginning of May. Rosemary was fantastic. Very gracious and welcoming. The setting is lovely. The breakfast was elegant and yummy delicious. Highly recommend.

It's a wonderful place. The inkeeper was very nice and easygoing. The breakfast was super good. Highly recommend this B&B.

I myself, or often with a friend, visit B&B's quite frequently. The Ellwanger Estate has to be one of the very best. It is a beautiful estate filled with the most perfect furnishings and has such a welcoming feel to it. Rosemary is an exceptional host and the breakfast she serves is superb.

Extremely friendly and accommodating. Quiet and serene atmosphere. Fantastic breakfast.

We recently spent the night and were completely impressed. It is truly a mansion estate with amazing woodwork and rooms. The garden and grounds were wonderful. Rosemary was an excellent, unobtrusive host an she made a very tasty and elegant breakfast. I would highly recommend this B and B.

We had the pleasure of spending our honeymoon at this wonderful bed and breakfast. We were greeted by our host Rosemary and made to feel very welcome. The estate was just beautiful, very clean and had that warm home feeling. We were pleasantly surprised to find fresh flowers and candles in our room which was a nice romantic touch.We also had the pleasure of sharing a glass of wine with our host on a grand porch which was just so peaceful and charming. Then there is the bright and cheerful dinning room where we were served a wonderful homemade breakfast at a lovely set table. This wooded and spacious estate will make you forgot u are in the city.We highly recommend this B&B ! Ray & Carol

We happened upon the Ellwanger and it was a completely amazing experience. our hostess was accomodating and reccomended several local sites and restaurants. all were winners. we are not a fan of Rochester NY and will be returning each year to the Ellwanger. Rooms were great...breakfast was amazing. highly reccomend!

This was a surprise Birthday gift to my husband .... Rosemary is ONE FANTASTIC HOSTESS our Woodland Suite was complete with a private shower and lovely sitting room. The bed was VERY comfortable, spacious and peaceful . After settling in, we enjoyed relaxing with a glass of wine on the expansive wrap around porch (we insistd that Rosemary join us) - later after dining at Portobelo's which is a short distance from the Elwanger Estate we relaxed on the wonderful porch where we were also joined by Rosmary and another guest who was staying at the Estate . Breakfast was awesome - Especially the magnificent croisants and the home made pear jam. It was an experience we will remember for a long time. My husband still talks about his WONDERFUL surprise!

Rosemary is a wonderful hostess. She was very accommodating of our guests and family during our visit. Our room was perfect and well kept. Breakfasts were elegant and delicious.

Can't say enough good things - great hosts, yummy breakfast, and a beautiful estate!

We selected the Ellwanger Estate primarily based on its proximity to other locations in the Rochester area we were planning to visit, and were delighted to find that it was a winning choice in every way possible. The mansion has an enchanting charm about it, the accomodations and amenities were extremely comfortable and relaxing, and Rosemary has cooking and hospitality refined to an art. We heartily recommend the Ellwanger Estate for a weekend getaway... you might even meet us there on a return trip sometime.

Our stay at the Ellwanger Estate was more than just a retreat; we held our small wedding and reception at the Estate as well. Our host was very attentive to our needs and to all of the details of our stay. Our guests were very well taken care of, the house was beautifully decorated and had a lovely warmth. The breakfasts, elegant settings, and special treats made our stay memorable and allowed for special moments with our family that stayed the weekend with us. The Estate itself is rich in history and it was a pleasure to experience the renovated beauty and enjoy the spacious living areas. We look forward to staying again in coming years. Mike & Charleen

Wonderful place and host. Rosemary was great and the food was excellent.

My son, daughter-in-law, and two young grandchildren and I stayed one night on the way to London, Ontario and it was the perfect break to a very long drive. The estate is magnificent and the warm welcome and abundant breakfast couldn't have been better. We will be back!

The site is enchanting because of its rich history and the rooms are large and comfortable. Breakfast is a feast with a variety of choices all made fresh that day. Especially nice is the large gathering room on the first floor with views of the surrounding gardens and trees. It is indeed an urban retreat.

The stay my Girlfriend and I had at the Ellwanger was tremendous. The hospitality of Rosemary the innkeeper was quite gracious with her delicious breakfasts and meeting our request of taking us on a tour of the house. The traveler's rest room that we stayed in was excellent. Especially with it's green glass tiles in the bathroom and lovely shower. The downstairs is quite comfortable and I wish we would of had more time to spend enjoying those spacious living rooms and reading nooks. Being in the historic part of Rochester with all the mature trees was excellent with the fall foliage. Whether being indoors looking out from a reading nook or out on grounds of the estate it was relaxing. I would definitely recommend this to other family and friends desiring a nice stay in Rochester.

Gracious mansion within the city, nestled in a walled garden -- interesting archetecture, a variety of themed rooms. We were made to feel at home, pampered & well fed. the owner was delightfully warm, a terrific cook, and allowed us to use the entire mansion as a home away from home. The owner offers special rates on "friends" weekend, bridal weekends...

This beautiful mansion is carefully and graciously maintained by innkeeper Rosemary. Spotless, welcoming, beautiful architecture, yummy home-made breakfast. Superb experience.

The house is beautiful, spacious and has some really fun, quirky features. Breakfast was consistently delicious and Rosemary (the proprietor) was as friendly as can be. We will certainly be back.

A wonderful stay in a beautifully redecorated inn near the U of R campus. Cool details like a pipe organ, formal gardens, and porch made the stay.

This house is exquisite, but not formal. The bedrooms are lovely, the public rooms comfortable and beautiful, and the porch is divine, overlooking the historic garden. Rosemary is welcoming, and not hovering, and is a superb cook, judging by the breakfasts. One problem we often have with lodging, both B & Bs and hotels, is lighting, especially for reading. Rosemary has taken care of that, at least in the room we were in, and probably in all. Our stay could not have been more delightful.

We enjoyed our stay, it has been our second time. The house is beautiful and the inn keeper is very hospitable and has a wonderful breakfast.

Ellwanger Estate is an exceptionally nice bed and breakfast. My daughter and I found it to be exquisite. Rosemary, our host, was fabulous. She showed us just enough attention to make sure our stay was comfortable while at the same time allowing us our space to relax and enjoy this beautiful home. We felt as if it was our home away from home. Breakfast was a delight with a new menu each day. The gardens were a treat as well. It was nice to stay at a place with so much history behind it. The estate is minutes from down town Rochester, yet while there on the grounds we felt miles away. You would not have to twist our arms to get us to stay there again.

The Estate is so majestic and beautiful, yet still has such a plush and cozy energy! We enjoyed relaxing in the main sitting room, and then enjoyed a lovely twilight stroll through the garden along with a nice glass of wine. The Traveler's Rest was perfect for us. We loved the unique theme, decor and spaciousness, and slept so soundly. Breakfast exceeded our expectations and also took care of our special dietary needs. It was quite delicious. Rosemary was a delight , and went well beyond the extra mile throughout our stay. This was my best bed and breakfast experience to date by far! -Brenda Washington

A unique experience. Ellwanger combines spacious 19th century elegance with Rosemary’s 21st century hospitality. We were delighted to discover every room was decorated by a different interior designer; the Woodland Suite is imaginative and luxurious. The historical garden allowed us to experience the passion of a 19th century horticulturalist, and sitting there, it seemed we were far from the city. We have been to many B&Bs, and this is one we can heartily recommend.

My friend and I stayed at the estate in June just at the height of the peonies blossoming in the beautiful garden. The rooms were wonderful, very clean and full of history and character. The bathrooms very up to date. We enjoyed a lovely breakfast that included freshly baked cheese scones and quiche. Great ambience and wonderful hospitality was given by Rosemary. I would highly recommend.

This home is simply stunning and the little details in the historical decor create an atmosphere of comfortable opulence. Rosemary's hospitality is exceptional, as is her full breakfast. I highly recommend this B&B.

Rosemary went out of her way to accommodate my husband and myself in the middle of winter even though this inn is not ususally open in the winter time. We stayed in the Travelers room, which is decorated with objects from around the world. The bathroom connected to the Travelers room has a waterfall shower and green glass tile accents. We slept like a log in the comfortable bed and the homemade breakfast the next morning was wonderful. We will stay here again the next time we are in Rochester. Janet McClean