From the moment you ascend the winding driveway to Sweetgum Manor (SWTGM) and take in the idyllic surroundings, your shoulders begin to relax. A thoughtfully restored urban oasis with sweeping panoramic views, the 4.5-acre property is perched above the bustling streets of Avondale. The Manor is the home of founder Abby Allen and an offering to the community. It’s a social sanctuary steeped in nature and historical significance where visitors can get off their screens, explore hands-on creativity and simply exhale.
Allen, who is also the mastermind behind branding agency Neon Butterfly, felt a strong calling when she noticed the home on the market. A decades-long student of yoga, Buddhism, and wellness, she desired to create a retreat that made it easy for people to get away, even for an afternoon.
“I wanted to reimagine what home means and create a place where everyone feels a sense of ease and belonging. How can we live differently so we can take care of each other and thrive together?” she explains.
Visitors to SWTGM are greeted in the entryway by a swirling staircase, anchored by black-and-white imported Italian tiles and illuminated by a sculptural chandelier. This chandelier is a vestige of the previous owner, the late Dr. Odell Owens, former President of Cincinnati State and Hamilton County coroner. The residence was both a family home and host to luminaries, including Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou.
The original chandelier was transformed into cascading art for SWTGM by local visual artist Celene Hawkins, in collaboration with the home’s interior designer, Latondra Newton, a former senior executive at Disney.
“It’s a great example of how we took what was already here and reimagined what it could be,” Allen says. “We were able to stay true to the core of the home, while highlighting the architectural details and beautiful views. It feels upscale, while staying cozy and approachable.”
SWTGM is deeply rooted in Cincinnati, with a conscious effort to celebrate local artists, creators and small business owners. This is exemplified by their signature "Dewy Ground" scented candles, created with Columbia-Tusculum’s Manitou Candle Co.
The local connections extend to experiential workshops and dinners with Cincinnati culinary favorites, Juniper Seed’s Alecia Patroze and Nolia Kitchen’s James Beard-nominated Chef Jeff Harris. Even the Sweetgum Manor name, inspired by the native tree with spiky seed pods, is a nod to the surrounding landscape and region.
“Everything we do here is infused with a high level of intention, care and detail,” Allen notes.
The main floor of SWTGM, featuring a spacious, light-filled yoga studio, living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen, offers a serene, nature-infused backdrop for a variety of events. These include their ongoing Present Day Digital Detox series, bi-weekly Restorative Yoga, Sound & Savor sound baths and Joy of the Table sessions with epicurean masters such as Top Chef’s Carla Hall. The home's lower level “speakeasy” offers more space to unwind, with a separate entrance, full bar, pool table and lounge-style seating.
Additionally, the SWTGM team curates unique experiences and off-sites for corporate teams and provides well-appointed options for creating your own. They offer personal and executive workspace memberships (a distinctive alternative to conventional coworking) and venue rentals for private events and productions.
“People actually look differently when they leave here,” Allen shares.“They can let their hair down, connect and be vulnerable. We provide a safe space for them to just be, which allows for transformation even in a short time.”
This month, the SWTGM team is giving back, launching neighborhood improvement and youth outreach programs, funded by the City of Cincinnati Safe and Clean Neighborhood Fund, administered by Keep Cincinnati Beautiful. Looking ahead, they plan to convert the pool house into a wellness haven with a sauna, steam room and outdoor bar.
“We hope to bring people back together in a way that reminds us all of our shared humanity,” Allen imparts.
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