Aurora, N.Y.—The Inns of Aurora, a collection for historic properties restored to luxury, will open its new inn, Rowland House, on May 1, 2014. Built by Alonzo Morgan Zabriskie in 1902 on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, the handsome building on Main Street in Aurora is surrounded by ancient trees and rolling lawns.
Rowland House will feature twin parlors, a library, and a private dining room—all with restored and working fireplaces, original paneling, and other period architectural details. An executive boardroom, housed in the original billiard room, will serve as a state-of-the-art location for meetings and small corporate retreats. Rowland House will house ten guest rooms, four of which compromise the entire third floor, decorated with MacKenzie-Childs’ distinctive furniture designs and accessories.
The restoration of Rowland House has enhanced its lakefront location with a two-story boathouse, fire pit, and extensive docks to accommodate guests arriving by boat. One of the inn’s most unique features is a small Grecian temple of significant historical importance that sits on a low bluff overlooking the lake. Originally a garden jolly popular in the nineteenth century, the temple will be used today for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Restoration of the property commenced in 2013 under the stewardship of philanthropist Pleasant T. Rowland, an alumna of Wells College, noted educator, and author of early childhood literacy programs, and founder of American Girl. Ms. Rowland restored ten historic properties in Aurora between 2001 and 2007, many of which today comprise the Inns of Aurora.
“Rowland House is named after Pleasant to honor her vision, hard work, and generosity in the preservation of these historic properties and the revitalization of this lovely village,” explains Sue Edinger, general manager. “Each building is a part of Aurora’s rich history and tells a piece of its story. When the story of Aurora is told in the future, it will certainly contain a chapter on the critical role she has played.”
“Pleasant Rowland's businesses in Aurora and contributions to Wells College have had a significant impact on the Village, and I’m pleased that the new Rowland House will bear her name as an acknowledgement of her generosity,” remarks Aurora mayor Bonnie Bennett.
“We are excited to share Rowland House with our friends and neighbors,” adds Meryl Davis, director of marketing. “We look forward to hosting open houses for the residents of Aurora and surrounding communities as our opening date approaches.”
Rowland House joins the ranks of the Aurora Inn (1833) and E.B. Morgan House (1858), both luxury AAA four-diamond properties described by Fodor’s as the “the most beautiful place to stay in the Finger Lakes.” Additional holdings of the Inns of Aurora L.L.C. include the Fargo Bar & Grill, Dorie’s Bakery, the Village Market, and Skillet & Embers Catering Co. More information can be found at innsofaurora.com or by calling the Aurora Inn at 315-364-8888.
