Inn pampers around the clock

By Dawn Keller

SHARON, Pa. – When we saw photographs online of Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa, we thought we wanted to get married there.

As soon as we walked in the doors of the bed and breakfast in Sharon, Pa., we knew it.

It's not just that the bed and breakfast looks like a castle on the outside. Or that each room has a Jacuzzi.

It's the classy yet ornate detail throughout the whole building that creates a unique
atmosphere. The antique globes they have downstairs are fabulous.

We were amazed at everything from the beautiful artwork to the grand stairwell.

My fiancé and I can't wait to get married with this castle in the background as the sun shines over our ceremony, and its staff to take care of everything for us.

Buhl is not just for weddings and elopements. It also can be used for conferences or vacations, said General Manager Laura Ackley.

"Whatever you want – 24 hours a day," Ackley said the philosophy of how they take care of guests. "You can almost visually see the stress relief."

Perhaps that's why Buhl was chosen as one of the 2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns by IloveInns.com, a partner with American Historic Inns. These 10 romantic inns have been selected for their many attributes – luxurious decor, hospitality and overall romantic mystique, plus a sense of history, according to the Web site.

"The desire to escape and get pampered speaks to everybody," Ackley said.

"You can escape reality."

Buhl's day spa offers luxury and pampering, and the rooms have Jacuzzis and fireplaces. The spa offers 100 treatments, including massage therapy, facial skin care, and body treatments.

Entrepreneurs Jim and Donna Winner opened the bed and breakfast Dec. 31, 1997. A room package includes lodging, bell and valet service, a welcome tray with fresh fruit, cheese and champagne, evening turndown service, breakfast and discounts for dinner at Buhl's sister property, Tara – A Country Inn. Tara is six miles away, and the staff at both properties work together to give guests what they need, Ackley said.

The building took six years to complete by 150 stonemasons.

The bed and breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Romanesque stone castle was built in 1896 by steel baron Frank H. Buhl as a wedding present for his wife, Julia.