This historic mansion was built by the Schmidt and Schoellkopf families around 1914. Lovingly named ‘SunCliff Manor’ and often referred to, simply as ‘The Big House,’ they occupied this home on the Lake Erie shore for over 30 years.

In 1947, SunCliff Manor was sold to the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. For the next 70 years, the St. Columban Center was a place where thousands visited, dined, gathered and retreated, enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

In the winter of 2017, when the Diocese phased out operations, the Johnson and Shaw families of Western New York purchased the Retreat Center, visioning this as the perfect atmosphere for workshops, where individuals and groups will experience harmony and learning. Be it music, art camp, yoga, cooking classes, ballroom dancing, language or boat building, there are numerous opportunities where one may enjoy a stay for 2-7 days with a resident director and teacher. 

The large size, seating capacity, grand ballrooms, and lodging space also provide the most unique and upscale atmosphere for a destination wedding and B&B venue.

Back to its beginnings, ‘Suncliff Manor’ emerges as ‘SunCliff on the Lake.’ The mansion has been given new life and breath as a comfortable and unique place for many to enjoy for years to come!