The Mansion of Saratoga was originally built as an imposing 23-room Venetian, villa-style estate in 1866 by Hon. George West. The Mansion served as the West family primary residence until the family relocated in 1875 to a larger residence located on Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa, New York. That home, now razed, was located across from his primary paper bag mill. Thus in 1875, the building that is The Mansion of Saratoga became the summer home of George West.

West was born February 17, 1823 in Brandon, England and immigrated to the United States in 1840, where he made his fortune as the inventor of the folded paper bag. A man of many accomplishments, George West established an art and archaeological museum in Round Lake, New York and served in the New York State Legislature and the United States Congress in the House of Representatives from 1881 until 1889.

George West was known around the world as “The Paper Bag King” – a title earned as the world’s largest manufacturer of folded paper bags. He died September 20, 1901 at 79 years of age and is buried in Ballston Spa, New York. For a more complete history of Mr. West, click here: George West History

The deserted Empire Mill across from the Mansion dates back to the early 1800’s and was the first of the many he owned after the Civil War. Behind the mill are acres of well-trod jogging and hiking trails, complete with interesting ruins of some of his other mills and the Kayaderosseras railroad – all a delight to explore.      

The Mansion of Saratoga has had many lives over the last century.  From being a private home to running as an antique shop to being turned into a renowned Bed & Breakfast to what we are currently today, one of the top Event Venues within Saratoga County.  

Upon entering The Mansion, you will see that it is still very much the grand home of a 19th Century industrialist; and after 155 years it remains virtually unchanged.  The craftsmanship and detail throughout this house are remarkable.