At a time when “development” often takes precedence over preservation, Deborah Myers Welsh is grateful to have been in the right place at the right time to save the historic Ashcombe mansion in Mechanicsburg.
A stunning house, built in 1892 and nestled on 22 acres, the
Queen Anne Victorian boasts classic period details--steeply pitched roofs, a
vibrant color scheme which helps one understand why Victorians were called “painted
ladies,” large bay windows, a wraparound porch and a prominent round turret
making it evocative of the Rapunzel fairytale.
“A developer was going to tear it down to make way for 50
homes,” said Myers Welsh.
How It All Began
The stately abode isn’t entirely unique in its origins in
that it was built by someone who had some standing in the community. In this
case, that would be the Honorable Henry G. Moser, iron manufacturer, legislator
and county judge. Moser built it as a summer house for his beloved wife,
Margaret Moser.
The home remained in the Moser family for 93 years until it
began operating as a bed and breakfast in 1984. After the B&B business
ceased operations, the mansion sat vacant for nearly eight years until Myers Welsh
purchased the property saving it from the wrecking ball.
For Myers Welsh it’s been a passion project. “I am an
attorney by trade, serving as in-house general counsel to healthcare companies,
but when our daughter went off to college, I decided to take it on. I’ve always
loved the hospitality business,” she said.
She began renovations in 2018 and completed them about a year later. “We added on the portico and circular porch, the hallway entrance and a sunroom, which was an old enclosed porch. We also installed a commercial kitchen, restrooms and a Sperry tent,” said Myers Welsh. For those unfamiliar with the term, a Sperry tent is a high-end handcrafted sailcloth tent known for its elegant and airy appearance. The 6,000 square-foot, custom-made tent is attached to the building. “It accommodates more than 300 guests and we think of it more as a ballroom. It has permanent heating and air conditioning and a black-and-white checkered floor,” explains Myers Welsh.
Five rooms in the mansion are available for rent, typically
in conjunction with events like weddings.
The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion
Today, the mansion operates as an event venue known as “The
Willows at Ashcombe Mansion.” The name “Ashcombe” means “grove of ashes,” a nod
to the ash trees that stood on the property. Unfortunately, due to blight, many
had to be removed. “We were able to save some and new tree plantings have
already taken place, including the planting of several willow trees, hence the
name,” said Myers Welsh.
Bringing In a Chef
Myers Welsh hired Harrisburg resident Anthony Bianco about a
year ago to act as manager and executive chef. Bianco had previously worked at the
Hilton. “We started out with a catering company and were a BYO facility, but now
we handle everything in-house. It allows us to serve our patrons more efficiently
when food is prepared onsite, which is how we set ourselves apart from other
wedding venues,” said Myers Welsh.
More recently, The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion has opened
its doors to the public for English-style teas on Sundays. A glimpse of the interior
alone is worth the visit, with ornate ceiling medallions supporting glistening
chandeliers, intricate woodwork, marble fireplaces, and thoughtfully curated
furniture, including plush, elegant sofas—all a true feast for the eyes.
Bianco describes the fare served at the Sunday teas. “A typical tea menu will include petit fours,
scones and clotted cream with ingredients like pear butter, brie and apple, or
smoked salmon mousse with salmon roe and chives,” said Bianco.
The public is also invited to dine at the mansion from
Monday through Wednesday. “We put together a small plate menu with items like
wagyu beef sliders with truffled goat cheese and pork-braised onions on grilled
brioche and will soon will be switching to a spring menu,” said Bianco, adding
that the porch will be open when warmer weather arrives.
Myers Welsh said that there’s much more to look forward to.
“We’ll be starting a supper club that will take place around nine times a year
with a fixed menu,” she said. As for additional announcements, Myers Welsh
advises the public to keep an eye on social media for updates. “We’re looking
forward to hosting more new and exciting events in the future,” she said.
The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion is located at 1100 W
Grantham Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Learn more by visiting the website at https://ashcombemansion.com/.
