We really enjoyed our stay at the Centennial Farms mansion. Amazing layout, with lots of public spaces, and a meandering floor plan that pulls you in, making you feel like you were a part of all the decadent parties of times past. It's an incredible set-up for a large amount of people. We were a group of 20+ adults, and there was tons of space for everyone. A couple nights our kids joined us, before and after their baseball tournament, and even with 12 kids added in, it still felt extremely spacious. Outside, the grounds are beautiful, with a pool, multiple patios, gorgeous vistas, a firepit, and tons of big open grassy areas.
We stayed at the home since our sons were playing in a baseball tournament at All-Star Village in Oneonta. The home was about 30-35 mins away.
The owners and house manager were very nice. They all seemed very hands on although we didn't have many needs. The house was set up in a way that was extremely intuitive.
It is a vintage home, and with that definitely comes character, quirks, and some deferred maintenance. It didn't really bother us though, as the spaces were so expanse and detailed. Lots of charming antique furniture throughout but nothing inaccessible or uninviting. There were some small broken windows, and the railings on the main staircase through the home were more for show than practical use. One bathroom had a tub that wasn't working, other bathrooms had some fixture cracks. Throughout the home there's paint and wallpaper peeling, wall marks/cracks, and from some bedrooms there were balconies that were not allowed to be walked upon due to structural safety.
It can definitely benefit from a good, solid overhaul. And as we looked at it all, several in our group being in real estate development, we recognized the gargantuan task it must be to manage a home and property so large and detailed. Even with the imperfections, we all still enjoyed the grandeur of the space, the comfort of the furnishings, and the particularly well equipped kitchen and dining areas.
Every night was spent preparing meals and drinks together, eating as a group, and then heading outside to the patio with fireplace or firepit by the rolling hills vista. The last morning as everyone began to depart, after staying together for a week in this amazing home, felt like the last day of a beloved childhood sleep-away camp. Friends had bonded and shared such great times throughout the entire property that we were all very sad to leave.