Lodge at Glendorn, Bradford, PA

OVERVIEW of the Lodge at Glendorn

Built in 1929 by the Dorn Family and used as a retreat for family and friends The Lodge at Glendorn began welcoming guests in 1995. Today it is owned by Cliff and Tracy Forrest, former guests who purchased Glendorn when the Dorn family put it up for auction in 2009.  It is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateau group, has earned the Four Diamond Award from AAA, has been called one of the “20 Coziest Getaways in North America and Europe” by the Huffington Post and one of “America’s Most Romantic Hotels” by Travel + Leisure Magazine

Surrounded on one side by Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, Glendorn is located on 1500 acres of dense forest in northwestern Pennsylvania.  The enchanting property is crisscrossed with babbling brooks, trout streams, tranquil lakes and an abundance of wildlife. The grounds are impeccably maintained and the gardens offer colors and fragrances that are just breathtaking.

THE ROOMS at the Lodge at Glendorn

As you pass through the entry gates, a long driveway, bordered by lush foliage, leads to The Big House, home to a group of rooms and suites, the main dining rooms, the Billiard Room and other public rooms. Guests can also select one of 12 rustic and charming cabins spread throughout the property in the secluded woodlands. The cabins are ideal for friends or families traveling together as many have multiple bedrooms. Each accommodation is uniquely decorated with fresh flowers, quality antique furniture, “built in” cabinetry and bookshelves, vintage memorabilia, luxury draperies, monogrammed  linens, thick, plush towels (that have a wonderful fragrance) and all have at least one wood burning fireplace.

All the accommodations have their own personality so it’s difficult to pick a favorite. My cabin, Hutch, was nestled in a ring of ancient Hemlock trees. It had a king-size bedroom with a raised hearth wood-burning fireplace, a large bath with separate shower and tub and an additional queen size bedroom with private bath.  The cozy living room had a wood-burning fireplace, there was a full kitchen, and a wonderful screened porch with another wood burning fireplace. Outside, there was a fire pit and lawn furniture. John’s Cabin and Guesthouse are also beautifully decorated and have wonderful views of Skipper Lake.

DINING at the Lodge at Glendorn

The culinary team is led by Executive Chef Katelyn Steffan. Starting as a line cook at The Point, a Relais & Chateau property in New York, the summer before her senior year of high school, her love of culinary arts blossomed. He studied Culinary Arts at Paul Smith’s College in New York, and went on to work at another Relais property, Lake Placid Lodge as an assistant pastry chef and mastered each station in the kitchen before being promoted to sous chef, where she deepened her relationships with local farmers and purveyors to source the freshest seasonal ingredients for the lodge’s two restaurants. In 2014, Steffan set out to learn the secrets of artisan bread making at The Old School Bakery in Colorado Springs, Colo., before returning to Pennsylvania to join Glendorn’s culinary team.

The team blends classic French technique with fresh local ingredients and much of the produce, herbs and flowers are grown right on the property. Every meal is an occasion and may be served at various locales around the property. A Wine Spectator award winning cellar adds to the fantastic experience. This is a “foodie” paradise.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the Big House dining room and weather permitting on the outside terrace.  You’ll start with fresh baked muffins and fresh squeezed OJ and then  breakfast choices include; homemade granola, buttermilk pancakes topped with Pennsylvania maple syrup, fresh local cage free farm eggs, breakfast sausages made in house from Heritage breed pork and more.

Lunch
Lunch can be enjoyed in the Big House dining room, by the pool or on the terrace. If you would like to explore the property the staff will prepare a back pack lunch and they will also do a BBQ lunch along Fuller Brook.

Dinner
Dinner is served in the Big House dining room with soft candlelight, a roaring fire and tables set with crisp linens and gleaming tableware. It is a most intimate and romantic setting. Dinner is a four-course prix fix and while the menu changes often it might include  Ricotta Ravioli with peas, parmesan and tomato; Venison Carpaccio with cherry, hazelnut and Stilton; a veal chop with wild mushroom risotto and for dessert, =banana with pecans, Dulce de Leche and vanilla ice cream.

The wine list offers some 350 selections and is well conceived, if a little pricey. After Dinner, guests relax in overstuffed couches in front of the Main Lodge fireplace or play a game of pool in our billiards room. There is an excellent selection of choice hand-made cigars in the humidor should you wish to top off a great meal with a fine cigar.

On Saturday evenings, there is a bonfire at Skipper Lake with complimentary smore’s and beer and tall tales about the fish that got away.

THE SERVICE at the Lodge at Glendorn

From patient Orvis endorsed guides, Shane and Damon, who taught us to fly fish, to Natalia’s beautifully choreographed dining staff, to housekeepers who always seemed to get to my room before I did, to Director of Hotel Operations Stephanie Schafer, the service level was as good as we have ever experienced.  While you expect that at a Relais property, it is such a pleasure to experience it first hand. Complimentary coffee, tea and mineral water  are always available as are jars of delicious chocolate chip cookies.

THE RATES at the Lodge at Glendorn

From $525 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About the Lodge at Glendorn

Relais & Chateau member
AAA Four Diamond Award
Forbes Four Star Award