The Parlor

The formal parlor is the crown jewel of the The Historic York Inn / Smyser-Bair House. The most striking feature of the rich, blue room is the one-of-a-kind set of hand-crafted, gold leaf Pier mirrors.

An appraiser sponsored by HGTV said that the set of mirrors is literally one-of-a-kind. There is no other known set like this one in the world. Even antique Pier mirrors on display in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Russia’s Hermitage, and Paris’s Louvre pale in comparison to this unique set.

The mirrors were commissioned by owner Henry Smyser in the mid 1800s and hand crafted in Italy. He then had them transported by ship to the United States. According to the story, gold from Henry's own California Gold Rush expedition was used to guild the mirrors. The mirrors also serve as drape covers and plant stands.

The parlor features two stunning marble mantles, an antique crystal chandelier that was once a candle chandelier, enormous double doors of heavy walnut with ornate hinges and door knobs, and a collection of art and antique furniture that is beautiful to look at and comfortable to relax in. In fact, it's easy to imagine Dr. Smyser and his family relaxing in the parlor, the candlelight of the crystal chandelier reflecting off the gold mirrors.

The Parlor was recently described in a front-page story in The York Dispatch as “a soaring room with sky-blue walls, flowing drapes over the windows and hand-carved mirrors leafed in gold Smyser brought back from his Gold Rush adventures.” The story went on to say that “The parlor could be the perfect venue for receptions.”

Come and see for yourself at The Historic York Inn / Smyser-Bair House Bed & Breakfast. For more information, email us at YorkInn@gmail.com or call 410-980-6746.