Best Historic Stays: The Grand Gables Inn in Palatka
Perched in Palatka, the now 140-year-old Grand Gables Inn stands as a testament to timeless elegance. Declared as “Perhaps the most palatial home in all of Florida” in 1884 by the Palatka Daily News, this majestic mansion has weathered the test of time and is now on the brink of a new chapter.
History
Visitors are treated to a stunning example of Queen Anne architecture, designed by the renowned New England architect Rufus Sargent. The three-story mansion was commissioned by Major Sherman Conant, a Civil War veteran and former Florida Attorney General. The house, now known as the Grand Gables Inn, was a significant landmark during Palatka’s golden years.
In fact, in the 1880s, the bustling town boasted 5,500 hotel rooms, a thriving rail line, and a deep-water port.
“It was a pretty special place for a pretty special house," said Tate Miller, who now owns the Grand Gables Inn.
Restoration
The house has endured tough times over the past century. Abandoned in the 1980s and left to vandals, it was eventually boarded up by the City of Palatka. Pauline Pellicer later bought the house for $50,000 and invested nearly a million dollars over the course of a nine-year renovation. Unfortunately, she couldn’t open the bed and breakfast as planned, and the house was left vacant for another fifteen years.
Miller and his wife purchased the house in 2016 and, after addressing some deferred maintenance, opened it as a bed and breakfast.
“It’s in incredibly good shape now," Miller remarked, as he highlighted the modern air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Visitors today will find four suites to choose from. In total, the house has eight bedrooms and 6.5 baths. For special events or family gatherings, the entire inn can be rented for $850 per night, with individual rooms ranging from $179 to $269 as of July 2024. Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast in the morning and "Guest Hour" in the evening where wine, cheese, crackers, and nuts are served. When the weather is nice, relax on the rocking chairs on the wraparound porch with views of the Saint John’s River.
The Future of Grand Gables Inn
Once again, the home is on the brink of a new chapter.
"As incredibly gratifying as this place is for us, we are going to go ahead and sell it," said Miller, who plans to move back west with his wife. "Even if it doesn’t sell before we leave, we’re going to find someone to operate it for us. However, I think it’s going to sell in the next few months. There’s a lot of interest.”
Miller hopes the next chapter of the Grand Gables Inn includes continuing as a full-service bed and breakfast, preserving the charm and elegance that has defined it for over a century. The price tag for the Grand Gables Inn is now $1.3 million.
Exploring Palatka
The Grand Gables Inn is (and hopefully will continue to be!) the perfect jumping-off point to explore Palatka. It’s a hub for nature enthusiasts because of the hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities. Plus, there are plenty of community events to enjoy.
"If you visit Palatka today, I can guarantee you it’s not what it was 20 years ago and it’s not what it will be in five years. We’re definitely on that upward slope of getting new things down here and rejuvenating the downtown marketplace," says Stephanie Reems, Visit Palatka Community Engagement Coordinator.
Some of my favorite stops included:
The Magnolia for Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch
Lemon Street Market & Mercantile for shopping local
Angel’s Dining Car for breakfast (and shakes), It’s Florida’s Oldest Diner!
Miss D’s Quilt shop to browse a ton of fun prints
Whether you’re drawn by the history, the architecture, or the allure of Old Florida, the Grand Gables Inn in Palatka is a destination worth exploring. It's a place where you can step back in time and immerse yourself in a bygone era, all while enjoying modern comforts. Come for the history and stay for the hospitality. The Grand Gables Inn is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that captures the heart and soul of Florida's past and present.
Thank you to our series sponsor!
Thank you to Visit Palatka for sponsoring this series about Grand Gables Inn. Visit Palatka is dedicated to spreading the word about the great things happening in Palatka and Putnam County. Check out the Visit Palatka website for information about upcoming events, festivals, concerts, stays, and restaurants.
