Circa 1826: Corner stone laid for original section of the home. (Builder and owner unregistered - tradition would indicate the first occupant was a homesteader.)
1842: House with 100 acres purchased by James & Elizabeth Sebring. The land was used as a farm, and two generations of the Sebring family were raised in the house. James Sebring lived into his 90’s, and in his later years the building was used as a boarding house.
1920: Property sold by James Sebring to Lloyd & Virginia Sibold from Philadelphia. The Sibolds had significant ties to the Philadelphia and New York theater and stage communities.
Naming the Monroe County estate, Meadowbrook Manor, the Sibolds were determined to create a blissful mountain haven to cater to the metropolitan aristocracy of the day, relying on the well-established connection to the cities by the Lackawanna Railroad to a station five miles away in Analomink.
Between 1926 and 1929: the Sibolds built the additions to the existing structure creating the Manor as it is seen today. During this period, they also built the home across the road, the Stone Smokehouse, the pig house and much of the garden setting.
The stage area in the main dining hall was the setting for many productions. The clientele, tradition tells us, were cronies of Flo Ziegfeld, George M. Cohan, and the vaudeville establishment. Horse drawn sleighs often brought the guests from the train station while a coach shuttle was used to milder weather.
Circa 1947: Property was sold to Max & Florence Fugel. The Fugels were anxious to expand the features of the Meadowbrook while meeting their love of all things equestrian and built the Horse Barn and Colt Barn. This established Meadowbrook as an English riding facility, catering to gaited horse enthusiasts. Many high-stepping Tennessee Walkers were featured. As Meadowbrook’s fame and reputation spread, many came here to learn the equestrian arts including Natalie Wood, the famous actress. This summer haven and winter wonderland flourished in its quaint setting.
1966: Property sold to William Gordon, a local builder. Mr. Gordon purchased Meadowbrook because of his daughter’s interest in horses and with the intention of developing some of the land. Gordon continued the tradition of Meadowbrook.
1969: James Pillet purchased the property. Mr. Pillet, a New Jersey and New York textile manufacturer, fell in love with Meadowbrook after many seasons of being a guest. Preserving the integrity of the estate and continuing its equestrian tradition was the motivation for this acquisition. Mr. Pillet arranged for his daughter and her husband, Jill and Walter Bredel, to manage the facility. The Bredels turned a 3-year commitment into a 12-year career. They quickly increased the size of the existing barn adding 30 stalls and built an indoor school, creating an clear-span arena of 14,400 square feet, one-third of an acre.
1970: A riding school was established which focused on combined training and featured Olympic riders and instructors.
1972: A residential summer riding program was created for girls 9 to18 years of age. The 2 to 4 week sessions for 50 girls featured the Combined Training Program as well as horse shows on-site. The Bredels, avid horse people themselves, once owned more than 50 well-trained
Quarter/Thoroughbred horses at any given time to provide their guests with a top-notch riding experience. In addition to its fine equestrian tradition, Meadowbrook Inn was known nationally for its exquisite dining and country accommodations. Repeat bookings were the heart of the establishment’s success and reservations were a must.
1983: The Overman family purchased the property from the Pillet estate (following the untimely passing of James Pillet). The new owners focused on the Restaurant and Inn, leasing the riding facility. The restaurant became known for its fine cuisine.
November 1997: Property reverted back to the Pillet estate.
October 2002: Joan Fitzgerald and her husband, Scott Heiss, purchased Meadowbrook Inn and Restaurant. Both Joan and Scott are prominent business people in the Stroudsburg area.
The Manor House has been painstakingly restored as a country inn and fine dining restaurant. The Mill House was restored in 2005 and now consists of five luxury suites. Exquisite furnishings and attention to detail are hallmarks of Meadowbrook.
Every attempt has been made to preserve the remarkable history of Meadowbrook and to enhance its elegance with inviting accommodations and superb cuisine. Each member of the staff reflects the high quality of service that is characteristic of the Meadowbrook experience.
February 2007: In recognition of the efforts to restore the Meadowbrook, the Monroe County Historic Association presented the “2007 Preserve, Enhance, Promote Historic Resources Award for Commercial Properties” to the Meadowbrook Inn and Restaurant.”
The Meadowbrook Inn and Restaurant has become the place to be. There is no destination quite like it in the Pocono Mountains.
