The only South Main Street mansion open to the public is the Prouty-Chew (543 S. Main St., 315/789-5151, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Sat., free admission). Built in the Federal style in 1829 by a Geneva [1] attorney, the house was enlarged several times in the 1850s and 1870s, which accounts for its eclectic look. Now home to the Geneva Historical Society, the museum showcases changing exhibits on local history and art.
Three miles east of downtown lies Geneva’s foremost visitor attraction—the fine 1839 Rose Hill Mansion (Rte. 96A, 315/789-3848, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 1–5 p.m. Sun. May–Oct., adults $3, seniors and children 10–18 $2), built in the Greek Revival style with six Ionic columns out front. The mansion was once home to Robert Swan, an innovative farmer who installed the country’s first large-scale drainage system. Tours of the house take visitors past a fine collection of Empire-style furnishings. Next door is the former carriage house; out front, an emerald green lawn slopes down to Seneca Lake [2].
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-finger-lakes/seneca-lake/geneva
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-finger-lakes/seneca-lake