Historic estate that played host to President Roosevelt hits the market for $1.55 MILLION 

A lavish mansion that played host to President Theodore Roosevelt has hit the market for $1.55 million.

The seven-bedroom Fairfield Estate, located in the leafy outskirts of Fayetteville in New York State, was built between 1864 and 1875 by local businessman and farmer Nathaniel Gillett. 

In 1900 it was purchased by prominent Syracuse attorney Andrew S. White, and it became a place to entertain many of his high flying friends, including Roosevelt and his uncle who was the first president of Cornell University. 

One of the property’s standout rooms is an ornate library which White’s wife – concert singer Claire Alcee – had designed by famed furniture maker Gustav Stickley, with some of the features including fresco ceilings, a glimmering gold paint effect and a curved staircase.

It was built between 1864 and 1875 by local businessman and farmer Nathaniel Gillett

In 1900 it was purchased by prominent Syracuse attorney Andrew S. White, who was friends with Roosevelt. White’s wife, concert singer Claire Alcee, had the ornate library designed by famed furniture maker Gustav Stickley

When White and Alcee died, the property and 4.5 acre plot it sits on was left to Cornell University

The main bathroom makes for an impressive sight, with Romanesque pillars framing a marble-clad bathtub

The mansion’s office features a trompe l’oeil depicting a country garden scene

The main bathroom also makes for an impressive sight, with Romanesque pillars framing a marble-clad bathtub, while the mansion’s office features a trompe l’oeil depicting a country garden scene. 

When White and Alcee died, the property and 4.5 acre plot it sits on was left to Cornell University. 

In 1982, more than 500 items from the home were sold at auction, from pieces of Tiffany china to Alcee’s fur collection.

Historian Barbara Rivette previously told Central New York Magazine that she had ‘never seen so many Hermes gloves in my life’ with ’14 different lengths in every color.’ 

After being in possession of Cornell University, the stately home was purchased by the Bartolo family in 1983 and it was restored to its former glory with a swimming pool and lower-level fitness center being among the additions. 

It then went to doctors Mark and Susan Merola-McConn, who updated it further and the Dodds took ownership of it in 2007. 

The Dodds, who are now looking to downsize, said the house had a cozy feel and it was a great place to bring up their children. 

Daynia Dodd told Central New York Magazine: ‘Most days, we live in just a few rooms, including the kitchen, family room and bedrooms.’

Paul Dodd also revealed that beneath one rug was a trapdoor leading to the basement as the home was once a stop on the Underground Railroad and offered a safe passage to runaway slaves.

The Central New York Magazine article detailing the home described the master suite as the ‘real showstopper.’

President Theodore Roosevelt, photographed in 1903, was a frequent visitor to the Fairfield Estate

The Dodds, who are now looking to downsize, said the house had a cozy feel and it was a great place to bring up their children

Daynia Dodd told Central New York Magazine: ‘Most days, we live in just a few rooms, including the kitchen, family room and bedrooms’

Michael DeRosa, who is the real estate broker handling the sale, said of the property: ‘The Fairfield Estate is a property of significance with important architecture and craftsmanship that we just do not see today’

The Dodds previously put the mansion up to sale in 2021 for $1.95 million but they removed the listing early last year

Homeowner Paul Dodd revealed that beneath one rug was a trapdoor leading to the basement as the home was once a stop on the Underground Railroad and offered a safe passage to runaway slaves

In terms of its location, the estate is located in the village of Manlius, adjacent to Lyndon Golf Course and across the street from Onondaga Country Club

Moving outdoors, some of the highlights along with the pool include manicured lawns, an assortment of mature trees, an expansive patio space and sundeck area

This area was transformed by the McConns, with them taking the Whites’ his and her bedrooms and Alcee’s closet space and opening them into’ one lavish suite that includes a large adjoining bathroom.’ 

The description continues: ‘The master suite also has a sweeping staircase that leads to a balcony that was created by removing a portion of the original attic, opening up the space to the roof line. 

‘The room is decorated with murals inspired by Michelangelo and on the ceiling, there’s a recreation of the iconic artist’s painting from the Sistine Chapel, showing God giving life to Adam.’

Moving outdoors, some of the highlights along with the pool include manicured lawns, an assortment of mature trees, an expansive patio space and sundeck area. 

The Dodds previously put the mansion up to sale in 2021 for $1.95 million but they removed the listing early last year.

They then relisted it in September 2022 for the same figure before reducing it twice to the current asking price.  

Michael DeRosa, who is the real estate broker handling the sale, said of the property: ‘The Fairfield Estate is a property of significance with important architecture and craftsmanship that we just do not see today.

‘From the moment you enter, you notice a beauty and refinement that is truly rare and almost indescribable.’

What’s more, DeRosa says the ‘whole exterior has just been impeccably painted.’ 

He added: ‘The house has been extremely well maintained, it is sparkling with brilliance, and move-in ready.’

In terms of its location, the estate is located in the village of Manlius, adjacent to Lyndon Golf Course and across the street from Onondaga Country Club. 

For those traveling by private aircraft, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 15 minute drive away.