Are you curious about The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens in St Augustine, Florida? St Augustine is a historic city. In fact, it’s the oldest city in America, founded in 1565 by the Spanish.
The Collector Inn is subsequently a historic hotel comprised of nine historic homes in an opulent setting. In this article we’re going to delve into the property’s history and let you know just what to expect when you arrive. So, let’s unpack The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens of St Augustine, Florida – Know Before You Go.
The Collector Luxury Inn in St Augustine – A History
The property covers a city block and was once owned by Kenneth Worchester Dow. Dow was the only child of a wealthy lumber and real estate mogul. He devoted his life to traveling the world and collecting antiques.
The first house Dow bought in St Augustine was the 1790 Prince Murat House that was once the home of a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the following few years Dow and his wife purchased eight neighboring buildings and used them to house his rather large collection of antiques.
Other buildings featured at the Collector Inn include the Star Building which serves as the entrance lobby. The building was once a general store in 1899. The Canova House was erected by Antonio Canova in 1840. Canova also built what is now called the Dow House a year earlier.
Dow bought the home in 1941 from who was then the oldest living resident of St Augustine. Despite Dow buying the home the 98 yr. old continued to live in the residence until they reached the age of 103.
The property itself is also historic. There are plaques you can find on the property that show the locations of the Kings Road Bridge which was built as early as the 1570s shortly after the city of St Augustine was established. There is also a plaque for the Rosario Defense Line which represents the location where President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was issues in Florida in 1863.
Other Buildings at The Collector Luxury Inn
Another house at The Collector is the Howells House. Built in 1909 it was named after William Dean Howells a famed author who would winter in St Augustine, entertain guests Sinclair Lewis, and Mark Twain.
The Rose House was built in 1907. It was named after Jean Gordon, a local authority on roses who had previously rented the home. The Rose House was built in 1907 and named after Jean Gordon, a rose historian and founder of the Rose Museum in St Augustine, who once rented the home.
The Spear House, built in 1899, was originally a carriage house. The man who purchased the house, John Henry, added a second story and later converted it to a boarding house. In 1906 Henry added Worchester House for his wife. The Collector Inn’s bar called “The Well,’ built in 1915, was actually once the garage for the Howells House.
The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens Today
The property was purchased in 2013 and underwent a 5-year, $9 million renovation before reopening as The Collector Inn, now a boutique luxury hotel. The hotel has since been awarded the title of 4 diamond AAA property. It currently caters only to adults over 16 years of age.
Guests of the hotel are generally retired and in search of a peaceful luxury hotel in St Augustine, Florida. The Collector Inn also hosts wedding parties, romantic couples, and others in search of the whole historic experience.
Each of the 30 luxurious rooms in the nine historic homes at The Collector Inn has a kitchenette, opulent bed linens and bathrobes, and an interactive iPod for hotel services. The hotel also offers a continental breakfast that can be delivered via room service.
The hotel also offers a heated pool, lawn games, and snacks. Bicycles are available and The Well Bar features an afternoon happy hour. The Collector Inn and gardens is located at 149 Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Room rates start at $219.
Are you still planning a vacation in St Augustine? Check out our articles 5 Best Historical Sites in St Augustine, Florida, Top 5 Wineries and Wine Tasting Spots in St. Augustine, Florida, and 5 Exciting Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida.
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