Skene Manor Is An Amazing Upstate Landmark. Take a Tour. (Is It Haunted?)

In Washington County, just east of Lake George and south of Fort Ticonderoga, sits the pretty and historic little village of Whitehall.  It is less than ten minutes from the Vermont border.

And, boy do they have a house worth exploring.

Skene Manor, built in the 1870s for a prominent judge, appears to be hanging off a mountainside overlooking the village below.  It is an incredible place, off the beaten track and (I would guess) mostly unknown to many New York road warriors.

The three story mansion with the tall clock tower is made of gray sandstone and has a remarkable story.  Once just days away from demolition, the village of Whitehall came to its rescue and saved it (bumper stickers were everywhere reading "SOS: Savor Our Skene").  Today it plays host to community events, elegant tea brunches, and public speakers.  This author was invited to speak about one of his many Upstate New York books years ago and I went.  It was my first visit.

Amazing.

The restoration of the interior is beautiful, and public tours are given.  The view down from the mountain to Whitehall is picture-postcard perfect.

I encourage all who read this to put Skene Manor on your summer Upstate New York bucket list for travel.  And take a tour.  I won't give away any secrets here, but be sure and ask about the suggestions that this old manor is haunted.  It is a fantastic story.

Here are a bunch of photos to try and get you up and out and on the road to Skene Manor in lovely Whitehall, New York.

Go!  You won't regret it!