If you’re driving through the rolling hills of Wayne County, Pennsylvania, you might miss the turn for Bethany. It’s a tiny borough—barely a few hundred people—where the clock seems to have stopped somewhere around 1920. But if you follow a long, winding path lined with Norwood Maples, you’ll hit the Mansion at Noble Lane.
It’s huge. 25,000 square feet of Gilded Age architecture that looks like it was plucked out of a Great Gatsby fever dream. Honestly, most people who stumble across it have the same question: How did a massive Woolworth estate end up in the middle of rural PA?
The Woolworth Legacy You Didn't Know About
Back in 1903, John Henry Strongman was making a killing. He was one of the original partners of the F.W. Woolworth five-and-dime empire. While Frank Woolworth was busy building the tallest skyscraper in the world in NYC, Strongman wanted something different. He wanted a "gentleman’s farm."
He bought up a bunch of land—nearly 1,000 acres at its peak—and built this place. It wasn't just a house; it was a statement. We're talking about an executive nine-hole golf course, poultry farms, and dairy operations. After he passed away in 1932, his daughter Hortense and her husband Byron DeWitt Miller (another Woolworth bigwig) took over. They added a third floor just so Hortense's parents had a place to sleep when they visited from Miami.
That's the kind of money we're talking about.
Decay, Teen Flicks, and the Oprah Connection
The story of the Mansion at Noble Lane isn't all champagne and lace. Like a lot of these massive estates, it went through a rough patch. By the 1980s, it was basically a wreck. It was actually used as a set for a slasher movie produced by the Weinsteins because it looked creepy and abandoned. After that, it served as a drug rehab facility and eventually sat vacant for over a decade.
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Then came Monique Greenwood.
If you recognize the name, it’s probably because she was the editor-in-chief of Essence magazine. She basically traded her power-suit for a spatula. She and her husband Glenn Pogue already owned the famous Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, and they had a vision for this place.
They spent millions on the restoration. I'm talking about fixing coved ceilings, polishing intricate moldings, and saving those massive fireplaces. They even had their own docuseries on OWN called Checked Inn. It’s a rare success story where a historic building didn't get torn down to make way for a subdivision.
What It’s Actually Like to Stay There
It’s not your grandma’s dusty B&B. It’s more of a boutique resort.
There are 14 guest rooms, and each one has its own vibe. Some have private balconies overlooking the English gardens; others have views of the tennis courts. If you’re the type who can’t sit still, there’s an Olympic-sized indoor heated pool and a full gym. But most people are there for YOUtopia. That's the on-site spa.
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The food is a big deal here, too. They do a full hot breakfast every morning—think savory grits, fresh waffles, and local fruit. On Saturday nights, they usually do s'mores by the fire pit with champagne. It’s a weirdly perfect combo.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s quiet. If you’re looking for a wild nightlife scene, Bethany isn't it. This is where you go when you want to disappear for a weekend and pretend you’re a 1920s retail mogul.
Quick Facts for Your Visit
- Location: 37 Noble Lane, Bethany, PA 18431.
- Drive Time: Roughly two hours from New York City or Philly.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, spa, tennis, yoga, and a literal ballroom.
- Vibe: High-end history meets modern comfort.
Why People Keep Coming Back
I think what makes the Mansion at Noble Lane stick in people’s heads is the intentionality of it. It’s a Black-owned luxury landmark in a part of Pennsylvania that doesn't have a lot of those. Monique and Glenn have created this "home away from home" atmosphere that’s hard to fake.
They call it "taking your joy off of layaway." Basically, stop waiting for a special occasion to treat yourself.
Whether you’re there for a corporate retreat or just a romantic weekend, you feel the weight of the history. You're walking on the same parquet floors where the Woolworth family hosted summer parties a century ago. It’s a weirdly grounding experience.
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Real Talk: The Logistics
If you’re planning a trip, book early. Weekends at the mansion fill up months in advance, especially during wedding season.
Also, don't just stay in the mansion. Bethany itself is worth a walk. It was once the county seat, and the old-school architecture in the village is incredible. There’s a prayer pod in the mansion’s garden if you need a minute of silence, and honestly, we all probably do.
Check the calendar for their "Health and Wellness Weeks." They do specific retreats focused on fitness and mental health that use the whole property.
To make the most of your stay, reach out to the staff about two weeks before you arrive to book your spa treatments. The spa is open to the public, so those slots go fast. If you’re traveling with a group, ask about the three vacation houses on the property—they give you more privacy while still letting you use the pool and gym. Plan to arrive by 2:00 PM to catch the full afternoon light in the great room; it's the best time for photos before the sun dips behind the mountains.