Historic 200-year-old home in the the Pocono Mtns

About Jonathan

Tech executive residing in the Pocono Mountains

Why Jonathan chose Bethany

This home is over 200 years old with all the charm and history paired with modern amenities for today’s travelers. It was formerly operated as a bed & breakfast from 2008 until 2020, when the previous owners sold it to us and the model was shifted to a full vacation rental property.

What makes this House unique

James Manning, a merchant from Connecticut, arrived in the Bethany area in 1815. He served as Register and Recorder and later as Associate Judge for Wayne County for many years. Honorable Judge Manning is also on record for starting the first Sunday school, as well as keeping the daily book for the Bethany Glass Works. He is known for starting the first newspaper, “The Wayne County Mirror” in 1818. James liked his neighbor’s house so much he designed his house in a similar Federal style. This fine brick structure is two-and-a-half stories with an ell added in the rear. The exterior brick was from England and used as ballast in the ship, then brought to Wayne County by oxen from Newburg, NY on the Hudson. The original house had a porch extending across the front. Some of the finer features include a Palladian doorway, fan window in the southern gable, and thick, double tongue-and-groove hemlock floorboards, cut from the property. The stair railing was put together without nails. James did not build this house only for himself. He courted and married Charity Wilder, daughter of his next door neighbor. The house was finished and residence set up for the Mannings in 1819. To this day, the James Manning House is located on a full acre of well-manicured yards and a dozen blooming gardens.