Historic Tudor Mansion Built for Bausch & Lomb Heiress Hits the Market in Upstate New York for $3.2 Million

A historic nine-bedroom Tudor mansion that was originally built for the heiress to the Bausch & Lomb fortune has been put on the market in upstate New York with an asking price of $3.2 million.

The stately 9,318-square-foot estate, which is known as Twin Gables, has been thoughtfully restored over the years while still preserving many period details—including a dazzling stained glass conservatory and an intricate mural on the entryway ceiling.

Per the listing, the Rochester, NY, home was built in 1912 for Anna Bausch Drescher, the daughter of Bausch & Lomb co-founder John Jacob Bausch, who was credited with pioneering the optical industry in the U.S. with the launch of his company.

"Welcome to Twin Gables, a rare opportunity to own one of Rochester's most distinguished and historically significant estates," the listing states.

Designed for entertaining, the eye-popping interior boasts a grand ballroom as well a sunroom with a "trans-illumination" leaded glass ceiling commissioned by Valerie O'Hara of Pike Stained Glass Studios.

While it has been updated to include modern amenities, the home's beauty lies in its historic touches, which listing agent Robert Piazza Palotto of High Falls Sotheby's International notes would cost a fortune to replicate today.

"The duplication costs would be in the $15 million to $20 million range today," he tells Realtor.com®. "It’s an unbelievable buy for a truly exceptional property."

Historic highlights found throughout the 22-room mansion include original tile floors, custom millwork, hand-painted ceilings, exposed beams, and seven fireplaces with ornate mantels.

"Nestled on 3 private, landscaped acres, this masterpiece offers exceptional privacy and timeless grandeur," the listing description continues. "Inside, refined luxury meets historic craftsmanship. Elegant living spaces, an exquisite stained-glass conservatory, and a grand ballroom set the tone."

In the gourmet chef's kitchen, classic elegance meets modern amenities in a seamless manner, marrying a six-burner Viking range and double ovens with a chic breakfast bar and beautiful wooden floors.

A nearby elegant dining room designed for entertaining has timeless built-ins and a wood-burning fireplace.

A grand upstairs primary suite with fireplace has a modern bathroom with glass shower and dual sinks.

Other impressive amenities include a home office, an elevator, an entertainment area, fitness center, and a 2,500-bottle, climate-controlled wine cellar tucked away behind a custom-painted bank vault door.

Located on 2.94 acres, the landscaped property is surrounded by "award-winning" gardens, fountains, koi ponds, and waterfalls.

When it was built, the home sat on even more land, according to Palotto, who notes that a portion of the larger parcel was later donated to the nearby St. Thomas More Church.

Still, there is plenty of land left for a future owner to enjoy at the property—which last traded hands in April 2020 for $1.4 million, according to records.

What's more, the street on which the historic mansion is located offers plenty of picturesque properties that help to give the community a truly luxurious feel.

“East Avenue is one of the most prominent areas in Rochester. It’s like Mansion Row," Palotto says. "When you look at East Avenue, the George Eastman House and Twin Gables are the two most prominent estates. This property is also significant in that not many homes have 3 acres.”

An added 1,098-square-foot carriage house connected to the primary residence boasts a modern living room with built-ins, a spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances, one bedroom, and a soaking tub. There is also a heated driveway leading from the carport to a five-car garage.

“I think the next buyer will be someone who loves architecture and appreciates what’s there,” he said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind property and truly one of one. You will never find anything like it.”