By Kate Bartlett
Mansfield has always been a hidden gem. Its character has been preserved with intention and care, and now, with Aranar Landscape Hotel, people will start to understand the beautiful nature of this town.
Jake Creely, owner and developer of Aranar, grew up in this area and graduated from Ellicottville Central Schools. This region is home to him and he appreciates the tranquility of the town. “It’s tucked in close to everything you could want but it has never been overdeveloped or commercialized,” says Jake. There is something about it where you feel completely away from it all, and yet you are right in the middle of everything. That is actually one of our slogans for Aranar, because that feeling is real, and Mansfield is where I first experienced it. I have always believed Mansfield, New York is the best kept secret in Western New York.”
When Jake developed the concept for a landscape hotel, he knew exactly the type of setting it needed. “Aranar is a place where the land itself is the experience and not just the backdrop. We found a beautiful single building lot off Bibbs Road in Mansfield, New York, overlooking the back ski slopes of HoliMont.”
Aranar opened their single villa prototype in 2023 and has been one hundred percent booked ever since. “That told us everything we needed to know,” says Jake. “We knew it was exactly the right location for this concept.” The landscape hotel property is located just around the corner from the single villa on Bibbs Road. “It’s a perfect piece of land in Mansfield with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the entire region. It feels like the very best of Western New York, tucked away in a town that has kept itself exactly as it should be. That is rare, and that is Mansfield.”
Jake has thoroughly enjoyed working with the town of Mansfield, and has appreciated how smooth and easy it has been. “I’ve heard stories about how difficult the town approval process can be, but my experience with Mansfield has been the complete opposite,” explains Jake. “Carl Calarco, Mansfield’s town supervisor, along with the town board and planning board were thorough and have a high standard. They pushed back where they needed to, but it never felt like opposition. It felt like collaboration. There is a big difference between a town that makes things hard and a town that makes things right.”
Jake explains how Carl Calarco created an environment where things could be done properly. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Carl. His tone filtered through every member of the town board and planning board. These are people who clearly love Mansfield and want to protect what makes it special. The planning board was meticulous and professional. They asked hard questions and made sure this project was right for their community. That is not something every town does and it is not something you forget.”
As a landscape hotel, Aranar peacefully blends into the natural environment of Mansfield. Jake describes it as a place where people come to breathe, slow down, and connect with where they are. “It is exactly the kind of development that belongs in Mansfield,” explains Jake. “Aranar is not a tall hotel. It is not a commercial strip. It sits on the land the way Mansfield itself sits in this region — quietly, beautifully, and without apology.”
The single villa is currently available, with construction for the landscape hotel underway. Upon completion, the property will include 17 private villas with private amenities as well as an on-site restaurant, bar, and small event center. The property is anticipated to open in late 2026/early 2027. For more information visit Aranar.com and follow on social media for updates. Call 716-870-0382 or info@aranar.com. Villas are intended for 1-2 guests who must be 21+.