Chautauqua Lake mansion sells for $3 million

By Robert J. McCarthy


The mansion built for the co-founder of the Packard Motor Car Co. on Chautauqua Lake has been sold for $3 million.

An undisclosed buyer purchased the manor, according to Richard Benedetto, co-owner of Real Estate Advantage in Jamestown and Bemus Point, which brokered the sale.

Known as the Packard Manor Estate, it was built in 1915 by William D. and Katherine B. Packard on 1.2 acres and 180 feet of lake frontage at the Chautauqua Institution.

"While property values have plummeted in other areas across the country," Benedetto said, "the jewels of Chautauqua Lake and Chautauqua Institution have held their value."

The manor was renovated in 1998 in a style that maintains its historic features but also included modern amenities such as air conditioning, Benedetto said.

The home features a large living room, den, office, dining room, sunroom, gourmet kitchen with pantry, eight bedrooms, terrace, third-floor apartment, nine full baths, recreation room, spa, whirlpool and sauna, an elevator, a four-car garage and eight fireplaces.