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Lesley's is the most intimate and unique
restaurant on Chestnut Ridge

Call Jerry or Lesley and make your reservations today.

(800) 392-7773
or
(724) 593-6349

Newspaper Article by
Kathy Kerestes
April 2001

       A couple of months ago, quite by accident I discovered an inn which should definitely be shared with the Pittsburgh area.   Lesley's Mountain View Country Inn is nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, making it a great place to visit, particularly now that spring is on the horizon and Fallingwater, the inn's neighbor, is once again open for the season.
       It was a Saturday afternoon in February when I began browsing through the Entertainment Book, hoping to find someplace different to have dinner.  That's when I noticed an ad for Lesley's Mountain View Country Inn in Donegal.  Since time was not a concern, Steve and I made the trip along Interstate 70, jumping on the Turnpike at New Stanton.  We drove 18 miles east to the first exit, which was Donegal.  Lesley's was located about two miles from that exit.
       What we found upon arrival was breathtaking and fascinating.  Situated high upon Chestnut Ridge, this quaint, historic property is a section of a 300-acre land patent issued to John Alexander in 1788.  The warrant for this patent was actually signed by Benjamin Franklin in 1786 and the farm was named "Alexandria" on the patent.  In 1855 the property was purchased by Henry and Michael Hoyman, who then divided the land and began construction of the current structures.  In 1984, Gerard and Lesley O'Leary were looking for a place to restore.   The real estate agent was actually hesitant about showing them the property because it was in such poor condition.  In fact, when the O'Learys applied for a mortgage the bank actually denied the application, stating the property was uninhabitable.
       That didn't stop this determined couple who are originally from Pittsburgh.  They worked out a plan so that they could begin work on restoring the property, beginning with the Georgian farmhouse.  From 1984 to 1987, the couple spent weekends slowly and carefully making the needed repairs.  Mr. O'Leary a restorationist carpenter and builder said he and his wife were solely responsible for the renovations because it was so difficult to find contractors willing to do such delicate work.  For years the husband and wife team have been picking up antiques that would fit the structure.  All of the current furnishings are pre-circa 1850, such as the staircase in the lounge of the restaurant, which was actually salvaged from a closing parsonage in Uniontown.
       Somehow it was tough to get past the fact that this warm, wonderful restaurant is actually located in what was once the barn.  Where horsed were once housed, authentic oriental carpets and antique tables and chairs now fill the spacious dining rooms.  Four guest rooms are also located in the former barn - each is appropriately decorated in the 19th Century decor.  The foundation of the chestnut barn dated from 1855, but was rebuilt in 1918 following a fire.
       The farmhouse, where four other guest rooms are located, is a fine example of mid-19th Century Georgian architecture.  Mr. O'Leary explained that Georgian means balanced, or four rooms on the first floor and four on the second.  He added that the hand-hewed beams rest on a banked stone foundation, which originally had a mud and lime wash.  The interior woodwork is hand planed and appears to have been done by the same craftsmen who remolded the National Historic Landmark, Friendship Hill.  Oversized windows have the original blown glass panes intact, and with the exception of one interior partition being moved in early 1900, the house is as originally built.  Other authentic features include the walnut staircase, Westmoreland/Somerset Entryway and the English basement.
       We had only intended to eat at Lesley's but quickly found all of the history to be fascinating.  I was also delighted by the friendly demeanor of the O'Learys.  Upon arrival, customers are promptly greeted with a friendly handshake and warm introduction from Lesley.  What made the evening even more memorable was the outstanding cuisine we enjoyed in the dining room.  The Chef    prepares a gourmet menu each Sunday for the following week.  We supped on such delicacies as baked Portabello mushrooms with roasted pepper, artichokes and cheese.  Lesley's house salad of lettuce, egg slices, tomato, Bermuda onions and olives with lite raspberry vinaigrette was a delightful prelude to the entrees we had chosen.  The Mountain View Wellington, an aged fillet mignon, mushroom duxelle and goose liver pate was pan seared, wrapped in puff pastry and oven baked to order.  The filet melted in your mouth!  Another mouthwatering entree was the Tuna au Poivrade, which was a tuna steak pan seared in a green peppercorn, mustard-cream sauce.  Other choices include Veal Chausser, Trout Almondine, Chicken Parmigiano or Lobster Ravioli.   Lesley's also boasts of an impressive and extensive wine list.  Lee our server, highly recommended the Orange Raspberry Cream Cake for dessert.  It was superb.
       Lesley explained that the reason she and her husband decided to open the restaurant was because of a definite need.  "Our bed and breakfast guests would ask where they could have dinner, and we ended up making reservations for them at other dining establishments."  She is quick to add that she is responsible for preparing all the breakfasts for their overnight guests, but Chef Meinke handles the dinners, which are served 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
       Lesley predicts a busy season ahead.  "Once Fallingwater opens in March, our reservation book begins to fill, particularly as travelers anticipate the much proclaimed blossoming of the Mountain Laurel and rhododendrons."  What Lesley considers to be even more impressive is the spectacular view and peacefulness of the area.
       If you would like to experience casual yet elegant accommodations and fine dining in a country setting with convenient access to the area's finest attractions give the O'Learys a call at 724-593-6349 or 1-800-392-7773.

Grace is an unearned gift