Photo courtesy of Ashcombe Mansion
These days, development often takes precedence over preservation. So, Deborah Myers Welsh is grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to save the historic Ashcombe Mansion in Mechanicsburg.
Built in 1892 and nestled on 22 acres, the stunning Queen Anne Victorian boasts classic period details—steeply pitched roofs, a vibrant color scheme, large bay windows, a wraparound porch and a prominent round turret evoking the Rapunzel fairytale.
“A developer was going to tear it down to make way for 50 homes,” said Myers Welsh, before she swooped in.
Passion Project
The stately abode was built by a man with considerable standing in the community: Henry G. Moser, a prominent iron manufacturer, legislator and county judge. He intended it as a summer house for his beloved wife Margaret.
The home remained in the Moser family for 93 years until it began operating as a bed and breakfast in 1984. After the B&B ceased operations, the mansion sat vacant for nearly eight years until Myers Welsh purchased the property, saving it from the wrecking ball.
For Myers Welsh, it’s been a passion project.
“I am an attorney by trade, serving as in-house general counsel to healthcare companies, but when our daughter went off to college, I decided to take it on,” she said. “I’ve always loved the hospitality business.”
Myers Welsh began renovations in 2018 and completed them about a year later.
“We added on the portico and circular porch, the hallway entrance and a sunroom, which was an old, enclosed porch,” she said. “We also installed a commercial kitchen, restrooms and a Sperry tent.”
For those unfamiliar with the term, a Sperry tent is a high-end, handcrafted sailcloth tent known for its elegant and airy appearance. The 6,000 square-foot, custom-made tent is attached to the building.
“It accommodates more than 300 guests, and we think of it more as a ballroom,” Myers Welsh said. “It has permanent heating and air conditioning and a black-and-white checkered floor.”
Five rooms in the mansion are available for rent, typically in conjunction with events like weddings.
The Willows
Today, the mansion operates as an events venue known as “The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion.” The name “Ashcombe” means “grove of ashes,” a nod to the ash trees that stood on the property. Unfortunately, due to blight, many have been removed.
“We were able to save some, and new tree plantings have already taken place, including the planting of several willow trees, hence the name,” Myers Welsh said.
About a year ago, Myers Welsh hired Harrisburg resident Anthony Bianco to act as manager and executive chef. Bianco had previously worked at the Hilton.
“We started out with a catering company and were a BYO facility, but now we handle everything in-house,” Myers Welsh said. “It allows us to serve our patrons more efficiently when food is prepared onsite, which is how we set ourselves apart from other wedding venues.”
More recently, The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion has opened its doors to the public for English-style teas on Sundays.
“A typical tea menu will include petit fours, scones and clotted cream with ingredients like pear butter, brie and apple, or smoked salmon mousse with salmon roe and chives,” Bianco said.
Sunday teas allow patrons a cost-effective way of viewing the magnificent interior, which boasts ornate ceiling medallions supporting glistening chandeliers, intricate woodwork, marble fireplaces and thoughtfully curated furniture, including plush, elegant sofas.
The public is also invited to dine at the mansion from Monday through Wednesday.
“We put together a small plate menu with items like wagyu beef sliders with truffled goat cheese and pork-braised onions on grilled brioche,” said Bianco, adding that the menu changes seasonally.
And, with warmer weather on hand, the porch is also open.
Myers Welsh said that there’s more to look forward to.
“We’ll be starting a supper club that will take place around nine times a year with a fixed menu,” she said. “And we’re looking forward to hosting more new and exciting events in the future.”
The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion is located at 1100 W Grantham Rd., Mechanicsburg. For more information, visit www.ashcombemansion.com.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
