Nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, The Mansion at Noble Lane is a Black-owned luxury boutique hotel and wellness retreat set within a magnificent Gilded Age estate. Originally built in 1903 as the private country home of the founders of the F.W. Woolworth empire, the 25,000-square-foot mansion has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined by entrepreneur and former ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Monique Greenwood. Through her acclaimed Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns collection—one of the nation’s most successful Black-owned boutique hospitality brands—Greenwood has transformed this historic property into an elegant sanctuary for romantic escapes, wellness retreats, destination weddings, and corporate gatherings. Surrounded by 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, guests enjoy luxurious accommodations, spa services, gourmet dining, and sweeping views of the picturesque Pocono countryside.
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Highlights & Amenities
- Black-owned luxury boutique hotel in the Pocono Mountains
- 14 elegant guest rooms and suites with plush beds and modern comforts
- Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and wellness packages
- Indoor heated pool, fitness center, and yoga studio
- Gourmet breakfasts served daily
- Expansive veranda, formal gardens, and walking trails
- Game room, tea room, library, fireplace lounge, and peaceful outdoor lounges
- Ideal for romantic getaways, girlfriend weekends, wellness retreats, and intimate weddings
- Located in Bethany, PA—two hours from NYC and Philadelphia
- Part of the award-winning Akwaaba Inns collection
Why Stay at The Mansion at Noble Lane
For travelers seeking an elevated escape steeped in both history and Black excellence, The Mansion at Noble Lane delivers a uniquely refined experience. Monique Greenwood’s signature blend of style, hospitality, and empowerment shines through every detail—from the spa treatments to the gourmet breakfasts. Whether you’re looking to relax, celebrate, or reconnect, this stunning retreat offers luxury with soul in a serene and unforgettable setting.
Ownership & Heritage: Monique Greenwood and the Akwaaba Hospitality Legacy
The Mansion at Noble Lane is a Black-owned luxury boutique resort and wellness retreat in Bethany, Pennsylvania, owned by hospitality entrepreneurs Monique Greenwood and her husband, Glenn Pogue. The historic property is part of the Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns collection, a pioneering Black-owned hospitality business founded by the couple in Brooklyn, New York, in 1995.
Before becoming a successful hotelier, Monique Greenwood served as editor-in-chief of ESSENCE magazine, one of the most influential publications celebrating Black women and culture. Driven by a passion for hospitality, entrepreneurship and creating generational wealth, she transitioned from publishing to building a collection of distinctive bed-and-breakfast properties that celebrate personalized service, historic architecture and welcoming accommodations.
From a Gilded Age Estate to a Black-Owned Luxury Retreat
The Mansion at Noble Lane’s history dates to 1903, when the estate was developed by John Henry Strongman, a businessman associated with the F.W. Woolworth retail empire. More than a century later, Greenwood and Pogue purchased the deteriorating property in 2011 and undertook an extensive restoration, reopening it in 2013 as an upscale boutique resort.
The transformation carries particular historical significance. During the era of racial segregation, African Americans faced discrimination at Woolworth lunch counters and in many hotels and public accommodations. Today, the former estate associated with a Woolworth founder is owned by Black hospitality entrepreneurs—a powerful illustration of changing opportunities for Black ownership and wealth creation.
A Legacy of Black Hospitality and Wellness
Under Greenwood’s leadership, The Mansion at Noble Lane has become a destination for relaxation, wellness and meaningful gatherings in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. The restored estate combines historic character with contemporary amenities, including the YOUtopia spa, an indoor swimming pool and spaces for retreats, celebrations and group getaways.
The family’s hospitality journey has also reached television audiences through Checked Inn, the OWN network documentary series featuring Greenwood, Pogue and their daughter, Glynn.
For travelers seeking Black-owned luxury hotels, wellness retreats and historic accommodations in Pennsylvania, The Mansion at Noble Lane represents a distinctive combination of Black entrepreneurship, architectural preservation and a multigenerational hospitality legacy.
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