Fern Hall Private Estate & Crystal Lake Boathouse

Entire home in Clifford, Pennsylvania, United States

  1. 16+ guests
  2. 9 bedrooms
  3. 15 beds
  4. 7 baths
Hosted by Melanie
  1. Superhost
  2. 7 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews and reliability.

Historic stone estate with Tiffany details

A 12,000 sq ft stone mansion built in 1916 with original Tiffany fixtures and Dorflinger glass

Consistently top-rated stays

Highly rated across 13 stays, with top marks for accuracy, communication, and value
Enjoy 12,000 square feet of stately, historic mansion warmed with touches such as premium bedding and Nest air monitoring. Spring-fed lake with private boathouse, mountain scenery, hiking, farm tour, eagles and 10 acres of privacy. Minutes to Elk Mountain Ski Resort.
Your hosts, who live nearby nurturing the 100 acre sheep farm, invite you for a breath of fresh air. Eat off the grass as we don't use chemicals. The country beckons, just 2.5 hours from NYC or Philadelphia.

The space
Fern Hall, named for the lush greenery found on the 100+ acres, was crafted from local stone in 1916. Located in the town of Clifford, it sits between Crystal Lake the majestic Endless Mountains. The upper stone patios have stunning views of the mountains, farm and lake. You'll have complete privacy, natural spaces and a view of the organic sheep farm. The wooden boathouse has soaring ceilings, wooden patio and 75 feet of private lakefront.

Welcome to the former family homestead of the Johnson family. The Johnson family dining room is accented with the original leaded glass doors by Dorflinger Glass Works. Many of the bathroom features are original as are the windows. We've updated bathrooms with new fixtures and Toto commodes. The kitchen still retains the original built-in wooden ice boxes which used to be stocked by ice cut from Crystal Lake. The kitchen updates include farm house sink, Aga stove, new appliances and gathering island.

The bronze wall sconces and chandeliers by Tiffany, one of the first electric lifts in the area, the marble and ivory floors and the chestnut woodwork are all original.

For larger groups, there is a SECOND historic home on the property available to rent with Fern Hall (for gatherings greater than 22). It has four bedrooms and 1.5 bath and is adjacent to the estate house, remodeled and pet friendly.

Guest access
Guests have the entire estate to themselves. You'll have access to 10 acres of yard space with weeping beach, four outdoor covered patio areas and a private boathouse for your swimming and lake recreation.

Other things to note
High speed internet now provided by Starlink. 02nd house availability on property that can accommodate pets. Twelve minutes to Elk Mountain.

https://www.airbnb.com/h/brownie

Follow us on Insta “fernhallestate” to see farm updates and local happenings for your stay

Where you'll sleep

1 of 5 pages

What this place offers

Mountain view
Garden view
Lake access
Kitchen
Wi-Fi

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Rated 4.94 out of 5 from 121 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 94% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 6% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guests mention

Where you’ll be

Clifford
This listing’s location is verified.

From the host

Located in Clifford Township, Crystal Lake is a private 45-acre lake community nestled in the Endless Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania. The Estate property adjoins an organic sheep farm. The Lake community boasts two restaurants (one with outdoor lake dining), delivery, grocery store and year-round seasonal fun including golfing, fishing, hiking/skiing at Elk Mountain and horseback riding. Guests can enjoy a ~3-mile walk around the lake, a peaceful canoe ride, swimming in clear water and relaxing afternoons at the Estate's boathouse. Kayaks are for your use at the boathouse. You can hike or bike the Rails Trails located ~4 miles from the estate.

Meet your host

Superhost
194 reviews
4.93 out of 5 average rating
7 years of hosting
Lives in Pennsylvania, United States
We are recovering high tech professionals who live nearby. We have been renovating the historic property. We're also reintroducing sheep to the estate. We have some experience as shepherds, as we have a family sheep farm in Ireland, where my husband was hatched. Join us for a breath of fresh air.

Melanie is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly-rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-Hosts

  • Kate

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within a few hours
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