Our Story

As you approach the majestic Victorian mansion nestled between Seneca and Keuka Lakes, you'll notice the distinctive slate mansard roof reaching toward the sky, its "oeil de boeuf" windows keeping watch like gentle eyes over the tranquil gardens below. This is Aubergine, where every detail tells a story of passion and dreams fulfilled. 

Step inside, and you'll find yourself transported to 1869, though with all the comforts of modern luxury. The rich chestnut woodwork gleams with history, while period furniture whispers tales of centuries past. The gentle crackle of the gas fireplace invites you to sink into the living room's warm embrace, perhaps with a book borrowed from the inn's collection, or simply to watch the world go by from the covered porch. 

Your mornings begin with the enticing aroma of freshly baked treats wafting up from the kitchen, where Christine, your host, prepares breakfast with the same care she tends to her beloved gardens. Imagine starting your day with homemade yogurt topped with berries picked just steps from your window, followed by a main course prepared with the same attention to detail that's evident throughout this lovingly restored home.

Christine's story intertwines perfectly with the house's own. After years of summers spent in her Airstream on Keuka Lake, she transformed this corner of Penn Yan into the inn of her dreams. The name "Aubergine" cleverly plays on the French word for inn – l'auberge – reflecting both her background as a French teacher and the rich purple and green hues that accent the home's Victorian charm. 

Each of the three guest rooms tells its own story. Two king rooms and one queen, all appointed with luxurious LL Bean bedding, offer sanctuaries inspired by Christine's favorite destinations: France, Italy, and the beloved Finger Lakes. Her years of collecting antiques have created spaces that feel both grand and intimately welcoming. 

As a Certified Specialist of Wine, Christine delights in sharing her knowledge of local vineyards, helping you plan the perfect wine-tasting adventure through the region's world-class wineries. When you're not exploring the lakes or visiting nearby museums, you might find yourself wandering through Christine's gardens, where vegetables, berries, and flowers create a tapestry of color and life. 

Here at Aubergine, you're not just booking a room – you're becoming part of a story that began in 1869 and continues to unfold with each guest who crosses its threshold. Whether you're watching the sunset from the porch, sharing travel stories by the fireplace, or planning tomorrow's adventures over breakfast, you'll find yourself writing your own chapter in the ongoing tale of this special corner of the Finger Lakes.