Along the banks of the Mohawk River in Scotia, New York, a piece of early American history is waiting for its next chapter. The Glen Sanders Mansion, one of the oldest residential structures in the United States, has officially hit the market with an asking price of $8 million.
The main manor dates back to 1713, but its story goes even deeper—some structural elements come from a 1655 building. For 266 years, the Glen Sanders family held the estate across six generations, making it a rare example of long-term stewardship. Over the centuries, it reportedly welcomed notable guests, including George Washington and the Duke of Orléans.
A Colonial landmark with a modern vision
The property transitioned from a private home to a commercial inn in the 1960s. In 1988, hospitality operator Angelo Mazzone purchased the estate and undertook a major expansion that respected the original Colonial aesthetic. The result was a sprawling compound of over 40,000 square feet on three acres, complete with a ballroom, a porte cochère, a riverside terrace, and 22 guest rooms. For decades, it served as a premier venue for weddings and dining in the region.
Now, with the catering operations sold to Compass International and no family successors to take over, Mazzone has decided to sell the real estate. The listing includes fully approved municipal entitlements and architectural plans to build 101 residential apartment units on the grounds. That means a buyer could either move forward with the residential development or reimagine the estate as a boutique resort, a private social club, or even a single-family compound.
Despite years of commercial use, the brick and stone mansion retains many of its original 18th-century features. Historic dormers, a split Dutch front door, and wooden banisters bearing colonial hatchet marks are all still intact. Even the interior doors installed during the original 1713 construction remain functional—a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
For those who appreciate historic preservation, this is a rare opportunity. The property sits in the Mohawk River valley, a region rich with stories of early American life. And while the mansion is a world away from the glitz of Miami's former Playboy Mansion, it offers its own kind of allure—one rooted in centuries of history.
As the real estate market continues to see interest in unique properties, the Glen Sanders Mansion stands out. It's not just a house; it's a living piece of the past with a future still to be written. Whether it becomes a residential community or a private retreat, its walls will continue to hold the echoes of the many lives that have passed through them.
