Extravagant: “Galerie des Glaces” with big and tall mirrors took inspiration from the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This event room is flanked by gilded mirrors, surrounded by big picture glass and windows restored to its original look and functionality. The ceiling is decorated by beautiful French crystal chandeliers. A bar with a big mirror set behind and glass shelves to give it the high end elegant look. To create a relaxing and warm atmosphere this room has a beautiful fireplace with an antique gilded mirror. From the moment you step in you will experience an unforgettable stay surrounded by classic architecture and modern hospitality.

Inside this vast Palladian villa (Thornwald Mansion) on the first floor, you will not miss the library. This is a large room with a fireplace was once filled with Lewis Sadler’s numerous first editions of English and American classics. In 1914, Sylvester Sadler succeeded his father as Judge of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cumberland. He was elected in 1920 to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. “Keep Sylvester at home,” a rural committeeman supposedly told Republican Party chairman Lewis Sadler during this contest, “and we’ll get him elected.” Sadler’s election to the Supreme Court caused Dickinson Law School to confer upon him an honorary doctor of laws. The library was loaded with law books that he wrote. There was once a safe hidden behind bookshelves. The library is fully restored to its original splendor with every attention to architectural detail and design. Among the things that were restored in the library are the transoms, the windows that open and close with an old security mechanism that leave you wondering how they come up with such an idea back then. The antique furniture brightens up the room and makes it very practical and relaxing with it restored fireplace.

This luxurious porch supports the leisurely living of an empress. This porch features a restored original fireplace, insulated glass windows and doors surrounded by decorative Tuscany clear crystal bevel inserts and transoms. The original columns and wrought iron railings of the porch are restored to keep the integrity of the historic character of the building. The porch is an addition to the library room and increased the square footage of the event rooms. It can be accessed by either the restored double French doors leading from the library or from the outside via an entry French door. It is furnished with upholstered seating, plush pillows and throws, indoor-outdoor rugs and antique tables, piano for music lovers, and a cast iron head lion fountain. The soothing flowing water sound helps to bring you and your environment to a peaceful, relaxing, serene place for body, mind and soul. Either during summer or winter, you will not miss out on the breathtaking view from the porch of the outside park and the surrounding area.

The Rathskeller, or beer garden, is located on the ground floor, or basement. Sadler, who once campaigned for governor, entertained top national politicians in the Rathskeller, which is enclosed by double thick concrete walls, and two hallway doors that kept staff and others out during important meetings. The rathskeller is a masterpiece in the heart of the building with its concave, cathedral-like ceilings, heavy doors decorated with Tiffany amber mouth blown glass roundels. The roundels are art pieces that have been spun into a circular shape, often irregular. They are colorful exciting glass that added an interest to the stained glass creations and unusual compartment. The Rathskeller is arguably the most architecturally compelling room in the mansion. The Rathskeller was restored with its one beer dispenser, small bar sink, and a private bathroom. In the future The Rathskeller will have a double entry access to the elevator once it is restored.The medieval look of the Rathskeller and its architecture still have more hidden mysteries and stories to uncover. There is more items restored in the Rathskeller to its originality covered in the tour and audio. If you want to dazzle your guests, plan an unforgettable event at the Rathskeller.