Our stay at Magnolia House Saint George was astounding.
First of all, although we don't have a track record on this account, we have stayed in a dozen AirBnBs in the past and we have never encountered such a charming and solicitous host. Danforth Prince is one of a kind - cultured, sensitive, and a most excellent curator of an exceptional property.
If you are lucky enough to be approved to stay at this home, all seasons will have something special to offer you. We stayed in the first week of summer and had extremely pleasant weather (although Marjorie was a bit too cool, with the breeze coming off the Hudson and the Atlantic). I can visualize how cozy the winter months at the mansion must be, with the working fireplaces and sumptuous furnishings beckoning you to stay even longer than you might have intended.
Our conversations with Danforth - a man for all seasons - were deep and revealing. You may not want to engage with him in this way, but believe me, if you enjoy interacting with your host, it would be worth your time to take the measure of this man and to open yourself up to him. Perhaps the many statues of the Buddha that grace the living quarters have imbued him with a sense of being present for however you wish to relate to him, or maybe it's just his easy-going attitude, but whatever the case, I am glad we got to know him.
Danforth and his partner Darwin Porter have published many books about celebrities and other topics, which enables Danforth to call on a vast repertoire of interesting anecdotes, which he can share with his guests.
The availability of food and drink; the comfortable furnishings and mattresses; the excellent location (a mere 5 minute drive to the Staten Island Ferry); and the palpable sense of history of this place all recommend it to the discriminating traveler. And, I should mention the view of the NYC skyline is exquisite at all hours of the day. I could have lounged on the balcony for hours, just enjoying the birdsong and the lush garden that is on display below.