The Idlwilde Inn has been home to families and welcoming visitors to the tranquil Finger Lakes region for well over a century. The Inn is located at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, just a short walk from downtown Watkins Glen and close to both the Watkins Glen State Park and the Watkins Glen International Raceway. Idlwilde Inn is an 18-room Victorian mansion built in 1892 that sits on two and a half acres in a park-like setting with a great lawn and formal gardens. This charming house has a character given by exquisite craftsmanship of an earlier era, with a meticulously detailed staircase, moldings, ornamental ceilings, slate roof and eight decorative fireplaces. There are several sunrooms, a romantic turret room, a huge breezy wrap-around porch, enclosed gazebo, and carriage house all overlooking the beauty of Seneca Lake. The Inn boasts 15 well-appointed guest rooms. Victorian antiques and comfortable common areas make this Watkins Glen bed and breakfast an unforgettable experience for guests.
With its idyllic rolling hills and sparkling lakes, the Finger Lakes region is one of New York State’s most beautiful. Known for its award-winning wineries and jaw-dropping waterfalls and gorge trails, the region offers plenty to do – including attending events at the world-famous Watkins Glen Speedway, hiking the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park, or visiting local museums such as The Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Corning Glass Museum. All of this make it a great choice for a family vacation or a romantic Finger Lakes getaway. Sorry, no children under 12.
Returning to the Finger Lakes region and getting closer to family are among the many reasons the Dowds are excited to be taking over ownership of Idlwilde Inn. From the moment the Dowds walked in the front door and were swept away by the beauty and historic nature of the Inn, they knew they wanted to share their love of the home and the surrounding area with the many guests that cross the Idlwilde threshold.
