Winding roads carved into the heart of the Pocono Mountains lead travelers to South Sterling, Pennsylvania where a glorious lodging place and restaurant called The French Manor hides out of sight on top of Huckleberry Mountain.

The French Manor is one retreat that should not be kept secret. Not when its spectacular setting above the magnificent crests and ridges of the northern Pocono range have the potential to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. In any season, the views from balconies and outlook deck on the manor's grounds are nothing short of spectacular. There is much to do to stay busy - or not - because of its proximity to Promised Land State Park and Bushkill, known as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. Cross country skiing, hiking and simple walks through the woods all beckon.

Elegance abounds in every corner of this chateau, from the meticuously manicured grounds to the elegant custom decor of each room. The French Manor deserves not only five stars but the sun and moon, too.

This is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or stopover for ski enthusiasts and is within easy reach of people who live in the Northeast or eastern Canadian provinces.

From Boston, for instance, the drive is just about five-and- a-half hours through Connecticut and New York. In autumn when the foliage is in full color, the trees command attention and prepare travelers for what is certain to be a relaxing holiday in the country.

The manor house was built during the Great Depression by mining magnate Joseph Hirshhorn who hired165 German and Italian craftsmen and artisans to handle construction.

Products such as cypress and cedar, fieldstone,
Spanish slate and lead glass windows were used to create this architectural wonder, which also includes a Romanesque arched entryway and massive stone fireplaces in the dining room. Many of the craftspeople who worked on the construction of the manor settled in South Sterling and their descendants still live there to this day.

The home changed several pairs of hands until Ron and Mary Kay Logan, former owners and operators of the nearby Sterling Inn, purchased the French Manor and turned into a full-service country inn.

The carriage house was remodeled into two rooms and two suites. The La Maisonneure building (new house) contains six beautiful suites complete with fireplace, Jacuzzi and private balcony. The French Manor has already prepared a Valentine's Day package featuring an in-room welcome fruit and cheese plate and sherry wine, turn-down service with Godiva chocolates and fresh roses.

If accommodations shine like a Harvest Moon, then dinner at The French manor sparkles like a brilliant diamond in a glass of champagne. A husband and wife team who are also Johnson & Wales graduates use their culinary flair to dream up French cuisine worthy of Louis XIV. For dinner filet mignon sur Mille-Feuilles d'Homard Napoleon ($50) is char-broiled to perfection and topped with seared lobster and mushrooms. A fire grilled Australian rack of lamb chops fanned over whipped potatoes and encrusted with goat cheese and almonds and finished with a glaze of currant, clover, honey and Dijon will suit any meat-loving palate.

Seafood lovers will adore the potpourri of various delicacies such as sauteed lobster, shrimp and diver scallops layered with phyllo wafers, fried leeks and a tomato Bernaise cream sauce. For the more adventurous diner, The French Manor also offers duck and ostrich.

Soon, Genevieve and Bridget Logan, daughters of Ron and Mary Kay, will focus on the many pleasures associated with Valentine's Day. Elegant candlelight dinner for two, live piano music and special extras such as Godiva chocolates, champagne and fresh roses will set the mood for an over-the-top romantic getaway.

Visit www.thefrenchmanor.com or call 1-877-720-6095 for more information and reservations.