Scarlet Oaks

Scarlet Oaks is a Romanesque Revival residence in Clifton, Cincinnati, built from limestone and rising two-and-a-half stories with multiple towers and turrets throughout its structure. The mansion contains numerous rooms and spaces designed to reflect the grandeur typical of the era's wealthy households.

George K. Schoenberger, a Pittsburgh businessman, commissioned architect James Keys Wilson in 1867 to design this mansion to support his iron manufacturing interests. The property later became a sanitarium before transitioning to a retirement facility operated in connection with Deaconess Hospital.

The mansion served as a private residence for the wealthy Schoenberger family before transforming into spaces for community care and healing. This shift in purpose reflects how grand Victorian homes adapted to meet changing social needs.

The mansion now functions as a retirement facility while retaining its original architectural details, allowing visitors to see how historic structures adapt to modern uses. It is advisable to contact the facility ahead of time to arrange any visit and confirm accessibility.

When completed in 1867, this limestone mansion held the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest residence and appeared in the architecture magazine The American Architect and Building News. This national recognition highlighted its importance in American residential design of that era.

Location: Ohio

Inception: 1867

Architects: James Keys Wilson

Architectural style: Romanesque Revival architecture

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 39.15694,-84.52556

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08