Chosen from a large field of 19,000 inns, the Buhl Mansion recently received a prestigious Top 10 romantic Inns award. Dating back to 1896, the Richardsonian Romanesque Castle was originally built as a wedding present. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Buhl Mansion Guest House and Spa still makes for the perfect romantic getaway. Just after Pennsylvanian steel magnate Frank Buhl married Julia Forker in 1888, Frank made certain he lived up to his promise, building this fitting Buhl family home.
     The successful Buhl name dates back to the early 1800s, when Christian H. Buhl teamed up with his brother, Frederick Buhl, in the fur trade. Christian Buhl branched out into wholesale hardware, railroads, banking and the Sharon Iron Works. located in his native Pennsylvania. His son Frank Buhl went on to establish a modern Sharon Steel Company.
     The Buhls generosity is seen throughout the city of Sharon. The gifts of parkland and a free nine-hole golf course survive today. The Buhl name is also connected to an area hospital, a library, girl's club and Oakwood Cemetery.
     After Frank and Julia's death, it was discovered Buhl Mansion was the only Buhl property omitted from a perpetual endowment fund. The mansion changed hands numerous times, sinking further and further into disrepair. Just before the wrecking ball was used to bring down the mansion, an eleventh hour rescue was lead by a local couple, James and Donna Winner. After an extensive multi-million dollar refurbishment, the Buhl Mansion was returned to its former glory.