seelye mansion

I have visited many restored mansions throughout the U.S. Many have been restored to reflect the lifestyle of the original owners. What sets the Seelye Mansion apart from the others is that the owner actually lives there, and gives visitors a first person tour of his home. It hasn't been "restored," but it has been well maintained in spotless condition with much of the original furniture still being used. (visitors can sit on the chairs, sofas, etc.--no areas have been roped off.) The priceless collection of china and silver original to the home are still in use and on display. And as the tour progresses, we learn of the original occupants and the story of how this elegant mansion survived through the years.With two historic building in Abilene destroyed by fire (the Great Plains Theatre burned just a month prior to our visit), I was dismayed that the owner has not installed smoke detectors in this jewel of a building. It would be a tragedy to loose it to fire.

Our group of five (aged 18 - 84) thoroughly enjoyed our tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided an excellent tour full of history and amusing anecdote. Terry, the friendly owner, did not give the tour but came out to greet us when we arrived and later chatted with my father-in-law about the small Kansas town where my father-in-law lives.We went to the Eisenhower Museum also, but preferred the Selye tour. Well worth going to if you're in Abilene.

Allow 2 hours for an excellent guided tour of this time warp house.The owner is such a genuine guy you could talk to him for hours.Definetely recommend this

Terry terry terry... What can i say, he is very long winded and had story for everything in this massive house. I understand that he wants people to get their money s worth but come on man 3 hours! Would be interesting if it was a third of that time.

Lkie a time capsule, looking at a way of life that most could only dream off. Also got to meet the current owner, terry. Lovely chap

This Grande old Girl is a very Luxurious home of 1905. Many ideas and items coming from the worlds fair. I enjoyed meeting the host/owner Terry. Lovely gentleman and an extraordinary gift he is sharing with the community and State of Kansas. Very informative and friendly staff. There were some changes in the home that kind of haunted me. The Fresco in the front hall. That was a shame it had been removed and something repainted. Seek the stories in the story. Those are the best. It is worth traveling to Abilene to enjoy this spectacular estate.

I visited this place recently with family and on first impressions I thought my socks were going to be bored off of my perspiring feet. A nice old lady who looked like the female version of Cornel Saunders showed us in and fair play for being 90+ years of age and still climbing and wailing up two flights of stairs to our guide. The place was very interesting and we were encouraged to handle antiques which were very expensive. Little do they know I slipped a few into my pockets*. The guide was very informative and we even met the man who still owns and lives in the mansion. Overall I enjoyed the place alot, but was dissapointed there were no fish in the nice pond outside. * this may not be true.

The Seelye Mansion is a spectacular 18th century building, lovingly maintained and full of treasures. Tours are small and led by friendly staff. It is on the national historical register and supported by donations.

I was privileged to be at an evening reception and group at the Mansion for dinner and reception. Our Host-Owners were awesome and generous with tours throughout the estate.

We always love to visit historical houses in the areas that we travel to. This was a great surprise find. We were in town to visit the Eisenhower Library and found this historical home. The tour guide Michael was wonderful. All the furnishings are original to the homeowner. Very interesting story regarding the home owners. So glad we toured this home. A must if you are in the area or traveling they. Stop. You won't be disappointed.

You would not believe this wonderful home. The preservation is remarkable and story behind the home is one that visitors of any age will enjoy. Please make sure to see it when you are in the area or just make a special trip to Abilene.

Oh what a home!! Very impressive. Thank goodness for Mr. Terry! Highly highly highly recommend this tour! So much history. Everything is original - they will let you try put almost everything. You really get a sense of the family history. Our tour guide did an excellent job too!

My family recently visited Abilene, KS with the destination being the Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum. We visited in the morning and on a whim after reading the reviews about the Seelye Manson on tripadvisor we thought "why not" stop by and do the tour. What a great decision. Our tour lasted approximately 3 hours. Our tour guide was the current owner of the Mansion, Terry Tietjens, His love for the house and its furnishing were obvious. The background and history about the house, its furnishings, the Seelye family, and the A.B. Seelye Medical Company was fascinating. The majority of the furnishings and fixtures are from the early 1900's. It's fortunate that the Seelye's discarded very little and kept what they had. Also, lucky for us that the Seelye sisters decided to sell the home to Mr. Tietjens. They left in good hands. Thank you, Terry!

This is my second time at this house and it continues to excite me. Warning...the tour lasts up to 3 hours. Terry, the owner, has great stories and you see the entire home. Everything from the early 1900's remains in gorgeous condition. These people were wealthy and purchased all the luxury items from the 1904 World Fair. Frank Lloyd Wright even helped decorate. If you love vintage, you will love this house.

We visited in mid-November of 2013. The tour itself took about 2 or 2 1/2 hours. That may seem long but there is so much to see in the house so it really flys by. The house is beautiful and there are a ton of little things to see and to note. From the Edison lighting to the furnishings, etc. There is so much to see and Terry has so many stories to share. They were setting up for the Christmas season where they have something like 80+ christmas trees and other decorations. We did this tour after lunch at Brookville Hotel. Made for a great day.