Charles Cook was an entrepreneur, canal commissioner and state senator who, along with his family, were instrumental in the formation of Schuyler County.  His brother Elbert Cook built this mansion circa 1873 as an Italianate-style villa, a style of architecture popular in Victorian times.

 

It is a large, stately, and handsome home featuring 10 and 12-foot ceilings, large rooms with soaring windows, many fireplaces, seven bedrooms, seven full baths, and two formal dining rooms. Other distinguishing features include its impressive tower and a pergola, which was added in later years; most notably, it rests next to the beautiful Shequaga Falls.

 

The Mansion unfortunately caught fire in November of 2014, but it was quickly extinguished and the house suffered minor damage, thanks to the Montour Falls Fire Department.

 

Lifelong area residents John and Casey Busch purchased the mansion in 2015 and completely renovated it, bringing a contemporary feel to its original charm; the hardwood floors and fireplaces are original, as well as the chandeliers on the first floor.  

 

They opened the home as Cook Mansion Bed and Breakfast in March of 2016.