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1857 Florida House Inn and Restaurant

Amelia Island, Florida

The 1857 Florida House Inn offers you a charming escape from a hectic, hurry-up world. Here the pace is easy--as active or relaxed as you choose. The accommodations are romantic and timeless, the service friendly and attentive. Regardless of the occasion: vacation, honeymoon, anniversary or getaway weekend. Florida House will provide you with a most enjoyable experience.

The Florida House Inn, located in the very heart of the Fernandina Beach Historic District, is Florida's oldest surviving hotel. We are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Since 1857, when the Florida Railroad opened the inn as a hotel, a famous cast of characters has sought the genteel hospitality of the Florida House. President Ulysses S. Grant paid a visit, as did Jose Marti; the Rockefellers and Carnegies were frequent guests in our dining room.

During its 19th Century heyday, Fernandina bustled with commerce. Fortunes were made in shipping, lumber and the railroad. As you stroll the historic neighborhoods that surround Florida House, you'll be enchanted by the graceful homes and mansions of this era.

Originally, Florida House had 25 rooms and no indoor plumbing. Without sacrificing its historic charm, we now offer 15 comfortable rooms, all with private baths. Ten rooms have working fireplaces, eight have large Jacuzzi tubs. All accommodations are air-conditioned and offer access to our spacious porches, perfect for rocking and relaxing.

Your room will have a nostalgic blend of antiques and period pieces selected with your comfort in mind. Romantic four-poster beds, quaint iron or brass beds, quilts and handmade rugs are just a few of the unique touches that await you. The only worldly intrusions are a television and telephone in each room, but many of our guests happily ignore both.

The inn has a number of common areas for the enjoyment of all guests. These include a parlor for mingling or reading a good book, a brick courtyard with a sprawling 200 year old oak tree, camellia bushes and soft breezes, a small pub for a cocktail, conversation and a friendly game of darts.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:

• Steps away from a Historic Victorian Sea Port Village
• Two Blocks from Spectacular Sunsets over the water. Watch the Shrimp Boats unload their catch.
• Five Minutes by car from 13 Miles of White, Wide, Sandy Beaches
• Shaded by Porches and two 200 year-old Oak Trees, Enjoy the New Orleans Style Courtyard, complete with bubbling fountain, and a Gazebo--Rock, Read and Relax
• Enjoy the cozy English-Style Pub, featuring Cocktails, Wine, and over 100 beers from around the world. Warm your self by the cozy fireplace in Winter.
• Join other guests or visitors at one of our Four large tables of 12, where you will help yourself to an abundance of Fresh; Southern-Style Cooking
• We offer 15 rooms most with Fireplaces and two person Jacuzzi Tubs
• Enjoy a "Social Hour" on the Back Porch shaded by a 200-year old Live Oak, enjoy conversation with other guests regarding their day or plans for tomorrow
• Breakfast is served in our cozy Breakfast Dining Room or outside at a table for two in the Courtyard or Gazebo. We serve a fully cooked entree, as well as pastries, fresh fruit, Florida House Granola, and other goodies--menu varies daily.
• Chosen by Numerous Magazines, Newspapers, Inn Guide Books, for Feature Articles. Seen on TV on "The Travel Channel", "Romantic Inns of the USA",featured on CNN as well as European Travel Channels