Home’s History
Built in 1886, this spectacular home offers an unparalleled combination of opulence and practicality, providing an insight into the affluent lives of Buffalo’s elite in a bygone era.
James N. Byers & Son, a building company well-known for their superb craftsmanship, executed the design.
Constructed initially for Charles R. and Ida Richardson Huntley, the house underwent several ownership changes before being converted into the Sisters of Social Service House in 1963.
The Home’s Religious Chapter
From 1963 until 1999, the home served as the motherhouse of the Hungarian nunnery order known as the Sisters of Social Services.
Modifications included converting the dining room into a sacristy and partitioning some bedrooms into “monklike cells” to accommodate the religious occupants.
Victorian Exterior
The exterior of the mansion is a striking example of traditional Victorian architecture.
Every feature showcases careful attention to detail, from the symmetrical facade and exquisite dormer windows to the painstakingly detailed brickwork and wood trims.
Interior Grandeur
The interior greets you with features such as wood paneling, raised ceilings, hardwood floors, and beveled lead glass windows that create a refined and elegant atmosphere.
The windows, which are frequently noticed throughout the house, provide a distinctive light and a little visual interest.
Elaborate ceilings with recessed panels enhance the grandeur and intricacy of the spaces.
This house also has a furnace with a cast iron cover, which is proof of its history.
The rooms, dining area, and kitchen are equipped with modern amenities while maintaining their elegance, beauty, and history.
This house also has a wine-storing cabinet in the basement, which makes it a symbol of royalty.
The washroom features modern, elegant fixtures from the basin to the mirror, and the wall design adds a touch of warmth and refinement.
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