Oliver, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, was among the first guests when the pet-friendly Fauchere reopened in summer of 2006.
DISCOVER SEDUCTIVE LUXURY AND EXCITING CUISINE
For an unforgettable escape this spring or summer, just 250 miles from Baltimore, the Hotel Fauchere is a must destination. Located in the scenic town of Milford in Pike County, Pennsylvania, the Fauchere is an unbeatable address for hospitality and fine dining in the heart of the picturesque Delaware River Highlands. Recently this classic 19th century Italianate-style architectural treasure underwent a meticulous five-year restoration and now boasts inimitable contemporary lifestyle as well as unrivaled cuisine at its celebrated Delmonico Room.
First opened in 1852 by Swiss-born Louis Fauchere, who had been the master chef of New York City’s famous Delmonico restaurant (an early trend-setting dining establishment dating back to the late1820s), the Fauchere was instantly a magnet for the rich and famous seeking great accommodations and the best meals. From the outset, the renowned chef Louis attracted the luminaries of the day. And, with the Fauchere family running the place during the heyday years, the guest book registry became a true “Who’s Who” list, including American presidents, captains of industry, and early stars of stage and the silver screen.
After a long run of 125 years, the Fauchere family closed their business in 1976. The hotel was converted into offices and for decades it sadly deteriorated until Milford businessmen Richard Snyder and Sean Strub set out to beautifully restore the inn to its former glory as a rural retreat.
In the summer of 2006, after a rigorous restoration, the newly revitalized Hotel Fauchere reopened to reclaim its position as a preferred destination for haute country getaways. The reinvented property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now blends the contemporary requisites of a boutique hotel with the enduring legacy of the historic inn. Today the Fauchere offers sophisticated, understated elegance. The New York design team of Kureck Jones confidently executed clean and tailored interiors that enhance the detailing and scale of the traditional architecture. The overall decoration scheme is luxurious with a modern edge. Throughout, antiques mingle with light modern fabrics and inviting textures. Distinctive wallpapers recall the 19th century but with a crisp and modern feel. The surprises include aged Moroccan-style tiles in the sunroom and early 20th century chandeliers designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann in the Delmonico Room.
Over its long and colorful history, the Fauchere attracted “Who’s Who” notables such as the Carnegies, the Rockefellers, and other titans of industry like Henry Ford; stars of stage and films including Sarah Bernhardt, Charlie Chaplin and Mae West; American presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy; along with other such unique and remarkable Americans as baseball legend Babe Ruth and poet Robert Frost.
The restored Hotel Fauchere is located at its original site — 401 Broad Street, Milford, Pennsylvania.
Guests are especially drawn to the collection of original Hudson River School paintings. The collection began as the acquisitions of co-owner Sean Strub who has investigated the strong relationships between a number of Hudson River School painters and artists in the Milford area. Several of the paintings are of local scenes that communicate warmth and intimacy, evoking the serenity of the time of the hotel’s founding more than 150 years ago.
But, most guests consider the highlight at the Fauchere to be the Delmonico Room for the superb local cuisine. This restaurant draws raves for its classic dishes that incorporate fresh natural ingredients from local and regional producers as well as the Fauchere’s own organic farm. At the intimate and elegant 50-seat restaurant, acclaimed chef Michael Glatz presents modern interpretations of such gourmet classics as Lapsang Souchong-cured salmon gravlax, fresh thyme-rubbed guinea hen roasted with pan juices and mushroom risotto, and the signature dessert, Baked Alaska, an enduring favorite.
After a fabulous dinner, guests retire to one of the 16 luxuriously restful and soothing guestrooms that harmonize gracious traditions with every modern convenience. For instance, the Fauchere bed is dressed in Egyptian cotton Frette linens and dual down comforters, adapted from a style typically found in the mountains of northern Italy. The marble bathrooms have radiant heated Pennsylvania bluestone floors as well as heated towel racks. Keeping pace with the 21st century, there are flat panel television screens, iPod docking stations, and high-speed wireless Internet access.
The reinvention of the Fauchere took great dedication. Indeed, it was a complex project that had to adhere to the highest standards for authenticity in historical preservation. “It was a labor of love,” says Sean Strub. “Richard Snyder and I believe in Milford, in its history, and this hotel with a particularly rich heritage.” Thanks to the dedicated new owners, the Fauchere is making history again as a special destination for getting away to enjoy a rewarding lifestyle experience at one of America’s prettiest country spots.
John Francisco Andreu is a Contributing Editor for ChesapeakeHome.
Contact:
Hotel Fauchere: hotelfauchere.com or 570-409-1212
