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History

The French Manor Inn & Spa’s Interesting History

The French Manor Inn & Spa’s Interesting History

While most of the world was struggling to survive in the midst of the Great Depression of the1930’s, mining magnate Joseph Hirshhorn found himself awash in money. He decided to build a manor house to spend summers and the Christmas Holidays with his friends and family. To this end, he brought some 165 German and Italian craftsmen and artisans to 500 acres on Huckleberry Mountain in the heart of the Poconos of Pennsylvania to construct his “summer retreat.”

A historic photo of the French Manor Inn, a stone building with a wheelbarrow in the foreground.
A collage of old black and white photos with people inside and oustide.

Using natural lumber and fieldstone from local quarries, the men spent the years 1935 to 1937 building Hirshhorn’s stone chateau with care and distinction. The roof is made of imported Spanish slate, the windows are all leaded glass and much of the interior wood is pecky cypress and cedar. The manor has an elegant Romanesque arched entrance way and massive stone fireplaces in the Great Room, now used as the Dining Room.

Upon its completion, Hirshhorn filled the home with part of his vast art collection. Many of the artisans and craftsmen settled in the area, and their descendants continue to live here. Hirshhorn (who eventually donated much of his collection to the Smithsonian) eventually sold his home to Samuel H. Kress.

One of Joseph Hirshhorn’s daughters, Naomi Hirshhorn Campbell (AKA the “Old Lady of the Hills”) kindly posted some great “Then and Now” photos of what her family lovingly called the “Huckleberry Hill Farm”, now known as The French Manor Inn & Spa. Visit her blog here.

A group of people relaxing on the patio of a historic stone building.

Ongoing History

Biographical references to Samuel Henry Kress (1863-1955) typically divide his life into three distinct phases: the hard-won struggles of his youth in rural Pennsylvania, the brilliance of his mercantile success with the S.H. Kress & Co. variety stores, and the extraordinary philanthropy associated with his incomparable collection of Italian art. Once common knowledge, the Kress story epitomized American opportunity and the virtues of stern discipline, vigorous hard work, and patriotic generosity. Upon his death, his wife gave the manor and its vast grounds to Bucknell University. Bucknell used the manor briefly for art restoration but eventually sold it to a developer who broke up the estate into smaller parcels. Dan and Carolyn Balish bought the manor house and the land around it and opened it up as a bed and breakfast in 1984.

A historic photo of Eaton Hall, a stone building with a tower and a red roof, surrounded by trees, with 2 women in the foreground picking berries.

After Dan’s death, Carolyn sold The French Manor to Ron and Mary Kay Logan, owners and operators of the nearby Sterling Inn. Ron had thirty years of inn-keeping expertise and saw The French Manor as an opportunity to create a uniquely elegant inn. Since purchasing the property in 1990, the Logans have transformed The French Manor into a full-service romantic country inn.

A historic photo of Eaton Hall, a stone building with a tower and a red roof, surrounded by trees.

They have endeavored to keep the elegant flavor of the manor while making subtle and important changes. The kitchen was upgraded to accommodate dinner service and the unoccupied Carriage House was remodeled into a guesthouse with two rooms and two suites. Most recently the Logan’s constructed the La Maisonneuve building (meaning the New House in French), which now houses six romantic suites each with a fireplace, whirlpool tub and a private balcony with the view of the Northern Pocono Mountains.

A stone entranceway to The French Manor with a circular sign featuring the establishment's name and the phrase "Guests and Residents Only." The sign is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful autumn foliage.

How to Stay at the French Manor Inn

While we cherish our rich history and of the surrounding area, enjoy our new additions to The French Manor Inn & Spa! Our new Green Spa, Le Spa Foret, offers 5 additional fireplace and whirlpool suites all with private balconies with inspiring views. An indoor pool, as well as a dry sauna, will add to the experience on your next stay to The French Manor Inn & Spa!

Our historic inn is perfect for any getaway, and it is designed with everything you need for a hassle-free trip. We even include a few extras like a complimentary gourmet breakfast, an on-site spa, and gorgeous views. So, pack your bags, and head to the Poconos for the vacation of a lifetime!

If you’re ready to find out everything our stunning region has to offer, check our availability, and book your stay. The Pocono Mountains are waiting for you!

A cozy outdoor patio setting with two wicker chairs, a small round table, and two mugs filled with a warm beverage. An apple and fallen leaves are scattered on the table, and a scenic view of autumn foliage is visible in the background.

What our Guests are Saying about The French Manor Inn & Spa

  • Jennifer M.
    "Fantastic place for a quiet, secluded, romantic getaway. We stayed in one of the Spa Rooms and it felt like we were staying in a home master bedroom. It felt so comfortable and homey – not commercial or hotellike if that makes sense. Make sure you check out the stars at night!"
  • Mark F.
    "WOW!! My wife and I stayed at the French manor this week and it was wonderful beyond our expectations which were high to begin with. First, The place is amazing. The main building is stunning and the grounds are beautiful. We stayed in the Nice suite which is freshly renovated and it was awesome. The decor is clean and romantic and modern with charm. Two two person tub was great, The shower was amazing and the fireplace was a great night cap after long days of hiking and site seeing."
  • Yasmin B.
    The experience at The French Manor and Spa Inn was amazing. The staff were so attentive. The room is amazing. We got the couples retreat package and stayed in the Jardin room. It was huge nice size whirlpool bath tub in the room, fire place and the bed was so comfortable. It felt like we were sleeping on clouds. The scenery is beautiful and lucky for us hence, we are locals it is only 40 Minutes away. We are definitely coming back.