2721 N State Route 53, Tiffin, OH 44883

Description

The Hermitage. A century of architectural history along the Sandusky River. Completed in 1926, this English Tudor Revival estate occupies approx. 33 acres of mature grounds just outside Tiffin, Ohio. Commissioned by pottery executive and civic leader George C. Kalbfleisch & designed by Tiffin architect George W. Netcher, the residence reflects the craftsmanship of a substantial early twentieth-century country estate.
Stonework, steep slate roofs and half-timbering introduce interiors rich in original detail: hand-carved woodwork, decorative ironwork, stained glass signed in Paris, and period fixtures. A defining feature is the built-in Skinner pipe organ, designed into the house during construction.
Beyond the formal entertaining rooms and paneled library, the residence offers a variety of living spaces that reflect both the grandeur and everyday rhythms of the original household. A butler's pantry with original plate warmer, separate service areas, multiple staircases and a third-floor dance hall reveal a house designed for both family life and entertaining. A veranda, sleeping porch and small kitchen porch connect the residence to its grounds.
A gated, winding drive leads to the home, with its subterranean four-car tandem garage, workbench and bath. The estate also includes a historic guest house, garden/summer house, a 36' x 48' pole barn built in 1982, and a smaller utility building. Mature trees, broad lawns, a pond and river frontage shape its private setting. Just minutes from Tiffin's historic downtown, The Hermitage offers access to a vibrant small city named one of Ohio Magazine's 2026-2027 Best Hometowns. Local highlights include Heidelberg University, Tiffin University and the historic Ritz Theatre. Columbus is approximately 90 miles away, with Findlay, Toledo and Cleveland also within reach; nearby Seneca County Airport serves general aviation.
Celebrating its centennial in 2026, The Hermitage offers a distinctive opportunity for its next steward.