Since 1965, Chamounix Mansion has provided safe, clean and affordable lodging to domestic and international visitors. In 1995, the Carriage House renovation doubled overnight capacity. Now, in 2021, groups of 20 to 70 guests enjoy exclusive use of Chamounix’s facilities.
From Country Retreat to Historic Mansion
Chamounix Mansion was built in 1802 by George Plumstead, a successful Philadelphia merchant. He built Chamounix as his seasonal retreat in the country -- within a day’s journey of the city, but far enough from Colonial Philadelphia to escape its crowds and summer heat. Plumstead’s father and grandfather both served as Mayors of Philadelphia.
Topliff Johnson
In 1853, the property was sold to Topliff Johnson, whose family was the first to reside in the house year-round. The Johnson family lost the property in 1867 when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appropriated the grounds, through its eminent domain power, to protect the Schuylkill River, the source of Philadelphia’s drinking water.
Boarding House, Restaurant & Clubhouse
In 1871, the Johnson family vacated the Mansion and possession of Chamounix was transferred to the Fairmount Park Commission which leased the property for use as a restaurant and boarding house. In 1901, the Chamounix Speedway was commissioned. Designed primarily as a race track for light, horse-drawn vehicles, the Speedway stretched southwest of the Mansion after which it was named, attracting large crowds of spectators. In 1904, the Road Drivers’ Association of Pennsylvania leased Chamounix for use as a clubhouse.
First Urban Hostel in the United States
Between 1937 and 1959, the Mansion was the home of a Fairmount Park employee and his family. In 1962, as the Mansion stood vacant, a fire destroyed its central hallway, main staircase and blew out its original, mouth-blown glass windows. The building was boarded and the Mansion fate seemed to be demolition. In 1964, however, a group of young citizens, including members of the Girl Scouts Council, the Council of Churches, International House, the Council for International Visitors and American Youth Hostels, formed the Committee to Establish a Youth Hostel in Philadelphia which actively petitioned to save this historic site for community use. In July of 1965, a ceremony was celebrated at Chamounix Mansion by Commissioner (later Ambassador) Frederic Mann, who represented the City, and Dr. Paul Dudley White, the celebrated Boston physician and honorary president of American Youth Hostels, formally dedicating Chamounix Mansion as the first urban hostel in the United States.
1802
Chamounix Mansion built as a countryside retreat from the crowds and summer heat of the City. The Carriage House was added in 1832.
1904
After becoming part of Farimount Park, Chamounix Mansion becomes the clubhouse for the Road Drivers’ Association of Pennsylvania which operates the Chamounix Speedway.
1965
Chamounix Mansion is dedicated as the first urban youth hostel in North America, offering safe, clean and affordable lodging to promote an appreciation of cultural values.
2021
Chamounix Mansion and Carriage House reopens, following the Covid-19 pandemic, focused on providing extraordinary lodging for groups of 20 to 70 persons.