The historic "Skylight Studio", one bedroom apartment located in downtown Geneva, New York. This recently renovated 3rd floor space was once a photography studio at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century which was the home to J.E. Hale who photographed famous suffragist leaders including Susan B. Anthony. The space was featured internationally in 2021 when a secret hidden attic was discovered which housed photographs and equipment belonging to J.E. Hale.

The space

The Skylight Studio is located on the 3rd floor (top floor) with views of Seneca Street, Geneva and Seneca Lake. The space features one large bedroom with original wood floors (refinished), a queen size bed with 2 night stands and a 5 drawer dresser. There is a closet for storage and clothing as well in the bedroom, complete with bookshelf and smart TV.

The main room has a large kitchen with an island with Trillium countertops, there are two stools underneath the island for seating. The kitchen features a Keurig coffee machine, is fully stocked with with cooking equipment, utensils, spices and oils for cooking. There is a 4 seat dining room table for eating or working on your laptop, and a storage dresser with games, cards, candles and other guest amenities. The seating area has a smart TV with a moveable mount so you can watch the TV from anywhere in the space. There are two reclining chairs in the space.

The bathroom is large with a stand up shower and guests are provided bathroom essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, a first aid kit, cleaning supplies, and more.

There is a door which leads out to the rooftop overlooking Seneca Lake to the left and the famous Geneva Row Houses to the right. The rooftop is secured with a railing and there is a fire escape ladder accessible through a gate in the railing. Guests can enjoy the rooftop area and patio seats are available.

The entire space is recently remodeled and features original stone walls exposed, original wood flooring (partial), and the original wood banister.

This space was a Skylight Photography Studio from approximately the 1880's through the early 1900's, and was occupied at one time by J.E. Hale who photographed famed suffragist leaders including Susan B. Anthony. J.E. Hale took the photograph which was her official photo in the Library of Congress. In 2021, the new owner of the building discovered a hidden attic that had not been known to previous owners and uncovered a treasure trove of photography materials, cameras, photographs and an original print of the famed Susan B. Anthony photograph that personally belonged to J.E. Hale. The story made international headlines and information about the find is displayed in the space. You can read more about the historic find online.

Located in downtown Geneva, New York, the space is across the street from Seneca Lake, on Seneca Street directly in the heart of the city. Walk out the door and cross the street to Linden Street for food, drinks and entertainment or walk over to Exchange Street for more food, restaurants and shops. Walking distance to almost everything Geneva has to offer in the heart of Wine Country. Schedule a wine tour around the lake or go to the lakefront park and enjoy everything the community has to offer.

We look forward to having you at the Skylight Studio!

Guest access
The space is the 3rd floor of the building. Guest access is through a private door affronting Seneca Street. Coded access, code will be given prior to arrival. Two flights of stairs to the 3rd floor Skylight Studio.