History
History of the Mansion
A past rich with history

John Nicholas Rose completed the construction of Esperanza Mansion in 1838. He was the son of Robert and Jane Rose who had journeyed to the Finger Lakes region from their plantation in Stafford County, Virginia in 1804. Esperanza Mansion is a distinguished example of Greek Revival residential architecture, a style popular in the United States from 1820 to 1850. The house's rectangular form, balanced proportions and classical details are firmly rooted in the Greek Revival tradition. At the time it was built, Penn Yan was a very small rural village. It was in this setting that John Rose succeeded in farming to become one of the areas wealthiest citizens. He died at the Esperanza Mansion in 1873. Esperanza is a National Registered Historic Landmark.

Over the years Esperanza has served as a vineyard, 1000-acre farm, distinguished home to several families, a link in the Underground Railroad, The Yates County Poorhouse, and Chateau Esperanza Winery.

Esperanza Mansion was purchased in 2002 by area developer David Wegman and his wife, Lisa. The Wegman family has worked to restore and renovate Esperanza to its 19th century splendor. In addition to its original Greek Revival structure, a full service fine food restaurant, state-of-the-art banquet facility, 9 mansion guestrooms and the 21 rooms at the Inn at Esperanza have been incorporated to make Esperanza Mansion a full service destination resort. Esperanza Mansion not only features a first rate culinary, lodging and event hosting experience, but perhaps the areas most spectacular long view of Keuka Lake, which many have likened to views of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.
 
  • Scenery unlike anything we have in Central Florida!  We thoroughly enjoyed dining on the terrace as the sun set.  What a setting!  And our compliments to the chef--delicious!
    Dave and Jo Anne Kelch
    The Villages, FL
     
  • Our visit was given to us as a gift---and what a great one it was!  The scenery from our room was spectacular and the food was excellent!
    Barb & June
    Oakville, Ontario, CA
      
  • We are year-round neighbors of the Esperanza Mansion, and we are also very happy customers.  We have been to the Mansion for dinner three times in the past month.  Each visit has been better than ever before.  We appreciate the affordable menu.  We were at the Esperanza Mansion with friends last night, and I believe that they will consider the Mansion when making their own dinner plans.
    Gary
    Keuka Park, NY
                                              
  • What a dream come true for the families who have watched this mansion change over the years - it's a fabulous setting! Thank you for adding to the beauty of Keuka Lake. As a child who grew up nearby, I had hoped someone would preserve the history and the building - and you did!
    Shawn Bailey
    Williamsburg, VA