Cornerstone Manor
During our stay in Middletown, we were privileged to be one of the first families to stay in the newly restored Cornerstone Manor or as the kids call it "The Mansion", and appropriately so.
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Built in 1861, Cornerstone Manor (or 68 Cornerstone Manor, with 68 being its address on Main Street) is a 7,123 sq ft. beautifully restored home downtown. That puts you right in the pulseline of Middletown's revitalization district & perfectly sandwiched between the Swire Inn Restaurant & Rolling Mill Brewing Company Microbrewery.
As we approached the Manor you could instantly see the amount of care that was put into it's restoration. Facing the street, the front of the house has a huge full size bay window that the kids loved and used as their own stage for the passerby's on the street.
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The home sits on a corner lot with a fenced in 20, car parking lot which was just big enough for the Tank (I kid). Taking full advantage of the corner, behind the home, is a beautifully-manicured backyard that was more than enough room for the kids to run around full speed with their kites in tow or to toss the football back-and-fourth.
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At night, we all enjoyed the cool breeze from the spacious 2nd floor balcony, while taking in the relaxing vibe of the city below.
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First Floor
The first floor is sprawling and you really start to get a sense of how large the Cornerstone is. Entering thru the back brings you into the bright and modern kitchen. Equipped with beautiful counter tops, appliances and all the cook wear needed to prepare a meal for our troop of 9, not to mention a fridge stocked with regular and adult beverages alike, we easily felt at home.
Even though the home underwent a renovation, there remains an abundance of original touches, including a wood burning stove that serves as a reminder of the homes long and established history. All of the woodwork is original and with 20 ft. ceilings and 10 ft. windows, you will understand why the kids immediately recognized that Cornerstone was a mansion.
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The main dining room is huge and impressive, with a large table the kids would sit around and pretend like they were running a business. An exchange of arguing back and fourth as to who was the boss was quite entertaining. The room is stunning with enough space that we could probably have 10 more kids (don't worry mom) and still have space for everyone. We enjoyed the artwork on the wall and Munchie, a huge purple fanatic, couldn't stop looking at (and trying hard not to touch) the white and purple gemstone on the mantle top.
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Entering the "Great Room" is dangerous and I'll tell you why. It will stop you from wanting to do anything else period. You will not want to leave because the furniture is relaxing and you can look directly out the display window and watch life in "Middletown U.S.A." go right by. The perfect room to hold a conversation or read a book and as stated previously, never want to leave.