Book Your Stay at The Sayre Mansion – A Piece of Bethlehem’s Industrial Legacy

The Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s industrial past. Built in 1858, it was the home of Robert H. Sayre, a prominent figure in the steel industry and a close associate of industrialist Asa Packer.

Sayre, who played a key role in the development of Bethlehem Steel, wisely chose a location near the city’s steelworks. This made life easier for him and his family long before the convenience of modern transportation. The mansion served as his residence for over 50 years and is now a Historic Hotel of America.

The Sayre Mansion is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, set on two acres in Bethlehem’s Fountain Hill district. The area is known for its historic homes, many of which were built by the city’s elite. From the inn, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Hill to Hill Bridge, a 101-year-old steel truss bridge that spans the Lehigh River.

In addition to its rich history, the mansion holds personal memories. It was here that society ladies once gathered to share tea with Sayre’s wives. Pet lovers will be pleased to know that well-behaved dogs are always welcome at the mansion.

The Lehigh University, situated uphill, owes much of its development to Robert H. Sayre’s efforts.

Looking for a charming getaway? Book your stay at The Sayre Mansion today and experience a piece of American industrial history.

Vacation at MWR LIFE: Explore more historic destinations like this through MWR LIFE.

Sayre Mansion: A Charming Stay with History

You might find it hard to leave the Sayre Mansion’s glass-roofed Conservatory (Room 30). This cozy, 19-room property offers a true B&B experience, inviting guests to gather and make new friends. With snacks, fresh coffee, and port wine always available, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

While relaxing on antique sofas by the fireplace or comfy armchairs by the windows, you can enjoy games like chess or board games. Your dog, lying at your feet, will charm other guests and enjoy the attention.

The mansion has a rich history. After Robert Sayre’s death in the early 20th century, the mansion became a Lehigh University frat house for a decade before being converted into apartments. Over time, it suffered from neglect, and its once spacious rooms became smaller. However, the mansion was saved from demolition in the late 1980s by a couple who restored it into an inn.

Sarah Trimmer, the General Manager, shares fascinating historical anecdotes about the mansion. She tells the story of how Sayre’s widow, Martha, auctioned off the home’s contents, including his impressive three-story library with 15,000 books, including a copy of Audubon’s The Birds of America.

The library, added in 1898, is no longer there, but its coffered ceiling was rediscovered during renovations and is now part of Rooms 20 and 21. Above these rooms is the Conservatory (Room 30), which floods with light through its glass roof. On the ground floor, Room 11 holds Sayre’s office, though it’s likely he spent more time in his elegant library with his personal librarian.

Robert Sayre’s Library

Robert Sayre’s vast private library, added later to The Sayre Mansion, still features its original coffered ceiling.

The Structure Remains

The mansion’s core features are intact: the owner’s wine cellar, thick granite walls, and brick-vaulted basement ceilings. The large carriage house is now guest suites, complete with an EV charging station.

Historic Furnishings

Management continues to collect period furnishings, often donated by local families. In Room 21, you’ll find an ornate 1840s baptismal certificate written in old German Fraktur, a Gothic script once favored by Pennsylvania Germans.

Moravian Heritage

The German script recalls Bethlehem’s Moravian roots. Founded by German speakers from the region now known as the Czech Republic, they settled on Lenape land. The Moravian Church Settlements belong to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Central Bethlehem Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby Historic Spots

Built in 1758, the Main Street Sun Inn once hosted Washington and Lafayette and is now a tavern and museum. By the river, The Wooden Match bar and grill occupies the old train station. With its mansard roof, it resembles a French village. Their slogan—Beer, Meat, Cigars—delivers exactly what you’ll find under the covered patio beside the tracks.

Experience Historic Charm at The Sayre Mansion

Historic Roots
The Sayre Mansion parlor, featuring its original fireplace, preserves the building’s historic character. On the same side of Bethlehem, you’ll find the South Bethlehem Downtown Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Directly across from the mansion, the Cathedral Church of the Nativity—another Sayre legacy—stands out for its stunning stained glass windows.

Brilliant Views & Culture
Thanks to the mansion’s hilltop location, guests enjoy sweeping views of the Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. This former steel site is now the vibrant SteelStacks arts and culture complex. Here, the National Museum of Industrial History—affiliated with the Smithsonian—offers fascinating exhibits, from enormous steam engines to displays on local silk and textile production. The museum is housed in the old electric repair shop and easily deserves a few hours of exploration.

Evolving Attractions
A new project is transforming the top floor into expanded exhibit and event space. Outside, the Hoover-Mason Trestle—once a railway for iron ore—now serves as an elevated garden walkway. As you stroll beneath the 230-foot-tall illuminated stacks, it’s easy to picture the powerful scenes of the steel industry’s past.

Modern Ruins & Local Life
Many former steel mill buildings—preserved in their striking, weathered state—are now part of the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino property. Just nearby, the city’s famous Musikfest lights up SteelStacks and several other venues, attracting big-name artists and huge crowds for free concerts (August 1–10).

Ready for a getaway? Book your stay through MWR LIFE and immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Bethlehem!