Steeped in historical significance, the Laurel Oak Inn is a grand 1885 Victorian mansion in Gainesville, Florida, exuding timeless status appeal as the historic crown jewel of one of the city’s most prestigious streets. Meticulously restored in 2005, the home features nearly 1,000 sq ft of covered porches, stunning woodwork, soaring ceilings, and original heart-pine floors throughout its expansive layout. Boasting 7 bedrooms and ample communal spaces, the inn is perfect for a success-driven individual seeking versatile live/work opportunities, be it as a luxurious primary residence, event venue, or ongoing inn with new business potential. Nestled among majestic laurel oaks yet walking distance to downtown, this iconic, licensed property spans over 13,000 sq ft (with combined parcels) and is offered at $1,494,900.
Covered Front Porch
A charming covered front porch offers a welcoming outdoor living space, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The warm yellow exterior is enhanced by classic white trim and decorative columns, while a natural wood ceiling adds a touch of rustic elegance. Ample seating with cushioned chairs invites family gatherings or quiet afternoons, and a ceiling fan ensures comfort on warmer days. A brick pathway leads up to the porch, surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, making the area both visually inviting and family-friendly. The porch’s open design seamlessly connects to the spacious yard, perfect for children or pets to explore.
Grand Entryway and Hall
Warm, honey-toned woodwork defines this spacious entryway, showcasing intricate railings and beautifully polished hardwood floors that flow seamlessly into the adjacent rooms. Thoughtfully placed furniture such as an antique console table with fresh flowers and a classic hutch adds charm and function. Large openings lead into a bright, inviting living area accented with soft blue walls, providing a glimpse of plush seating perfect for family gatherings. Generous natural light floods the space, highlighting rich architectural details and making the home feel open and welcoming for all ages. The layout makes it easy to move between rooms, enhancing both comfort and connectivity.
Dining Room Details
This elegant dining room creates a welcoming space for gatherings with its light blue walls and rich wood trim around doors and windows. Natural light streams in from the bay window, illuminating the classic hardwood floors that add warmth and timeless appeal. The dark upholstered chairs around the square and rectangular tables offer a comfortable and family-friendly setting, perfect for meals and celebrations. A carved wooden fireplace with a decorative mirror adds sophistication, while the open layout provides easy movement throughout the space. The chandelier overhead and thoughtful details create a serene, inviting ambiance for family and guests alike.
Open Kitchen Island
Warm wood tones and abundant sunlight create a welcoming, family-friendly kitchen. The spacious central island offers granite countertops, plenty of storage, and built-in wine racks, making it perfect for cooking, homework, or casual meals. A brick accent column divides the workspace efficiently while adding rustic charm. The kitchen features glass-front upper cabinets, open shelving for easy access to plates and dishes, and stainless steel appliances. Light yellow walls complement the gleaming hardwood floors and large windows, which provide natural light and a view of the backyard. Modern pendant lights add a touch of elegance to this inviting, functional space.
Sunroom Lounge
Natural light streams through generously sized windows, illuminating this inviting sunroom lounge. A spacious L-shaped sectional in soft grey offers ample, comfortable seating for family gatherings or playdates. The wooden floors and double French doors add classic warmth, complemented by pastel yellow walls for a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The area rug introduces a playful yet sophisticated pattern, pairing well with subtle blue and cream throw pillows. Simple side tables and a standing lamp provide convenient accents, while ceiling fans keep the space cool. Surrounded by lush outdoor views, this family-friendly retreat is perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round.
Cozy Bedroom Retreat
Bright and inviting, this bedroom features soothing lavender walls paired with crisp white wainscoting and classic trim details. Warm, polished hardwood floors add character, complemented by a striking exposed brick chimney and a traditional white stove for extra charm. The space feels airy from generous windows and French doors that lead outdoors, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. Family-friendly touches include plush robes, ample natural light, and soft bedding with pastel accents. A pair of armchairs by the window provides a perfect reading nook, while a stained glass lamp adds an artistic, whimsical note for a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
Clawfoot Tub Bathroom
Soft lavender walls paired with crisp white wainscoting create a tranquil and inviting bathroom retreat. A classic clawfoot tub graces one wall beneath a large window, filling the space with natural light and offering a cozy bathing experience ideal for families. The pedestal sink and toilet continue the timeless charm, while open shelving and a glass ledge above the sink provide practical, accessible storage for toiletries. White tile flooring enhances the room’s clean and fresh look, while delicate crown molding and a vintage-inspired framed mirror accentuate the refined, yet welcoming design. Perfect for both adults and children alike.
Sunny Front Porch
A welcoming front porch invites relaxation and conversation, featuring cheerful yellow siding paired with classic white wooden railings and decorative columns accented in vibrant red and green. A pair of wrought iron chairs with plush striped cushions surrounds a petite round table, perfect for morning coffee or a quiet moment outdoors. The bright, airy setting is both kid-friendly and safe, thanks to sturdy railings and open sight lines to the yard below. Natural light floods the space, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere. The backdrop of mature trees and the gentle breeze create a peaceful oasis ideal for family gatherings or personal retreat.
Master Bedroom Retreat
Bright, airy, and welcoming, this master bedroom balances sophisticated charm with family comfort. Large windows framed by classic white trim flood the space with natural light, highlighting the warm honey-toned hardwood floors. The inviting bed, adorned in soft blue and crisp white linens, offers a tranquil focal point. A vintage wooden fireplace with a striking blue accent wall creates visual interest and a cozy atmosphere. The room features family-friendly seating in the form of a plush loveseat, making it ideal for bedtime stories or morning relaxation. Thoughtful touches, such as a wooden dresser and elegant mirror, add warmth and timeless appeal.
Vintage Bathroom Retreat
A beautifully restored bathroom features a classic clawfoot soaking tub set against beadboard wainscoting and soothing blue upper walls. Natural light pours in through large windows, creating a warm, inviting space. Family-friendly amenities include an elegant wooden vanity with ample storage, a modern vessel sink, and practical shelving for essentials. The polished wood floors add rustic charm, while the plush armchair and neatly folded towels infuse comfort and luxury. Thoughtful finishing touches, such as a vintage-style chandelier, chrome fixtures, and decorative lighting, enhance the timeless elegance and functional design of this tranquil retreat, perfect for relaxing at home.
Master Bedroom Retreat
Soft pink walls create a serene and welcoming atmosphere in this spacious master bedroom, showcasing a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. An elegant, carved wooden bed stands at the center with crisp white linens and powder blue accents, complemented by a cozy gray area rug. Nearby, a romantic alcove features an antique loveseat and coffee table, perfect for relaxing or reading by the bay windows with flowing sheer curtains. The highlight is a luxurious corner soaking tub with a privacy curtain, ideal for relaxation. Warm hardwood floors and plush robes add to the sense of homey comfort, making this space inviting for all ages.
Cozy Bedroom Retreat
Warm hardwood floors and classic wood furnishings create a feeling of welcome in this inviting bedroom. A stately wooden sleigh bed anchors the space, positioned opposite a beautifully detailed fireplace with a carved mantle and a vintage-style mirror above. Soft pastel curtains frame tall windows, bathing the room in natural light while offering privacy and an airy touch. Tasteful family-friendly details include a seating nook, sturdy side tables, and a ceiling fan for comfort. Pale neutral walls and muted blue accents foster relaxation, while traditional trim and mouldings showcase architectural charm ideal for both relaxation and family living.
Bright Bathroom Retreat
This bathroom creates a welcoming and calming atmosphere with its soft blue walls, crisp white fixtures, and abundant natural light filtering through sheer curtains. A wide porcelain sink with chrome faucets sits under a large mirrored cabinet, providing both elegance and functionality for families. The bathtub features classic white subway tiles and a curved shower curtain rod for extra space, ideal for young children or relaxing baths. The room’s layout maximizes efficiency without feeling cramped, while details like the framed wall art and neatly folded towels add a touch of sophistication. Clean lines and a simple color palette promote a fresh, serene environment.
Dining Nook and Lounge
A bright, inviting space with a round wooden dining table and four chairs sits atop wood flooring, anchored by a textured blue rug. The area features cathedral ceilings with crisp white paint and soft blue accent walls, enhancing natural light from large arched windows. An exposed brick chimney adds rustic charm, while a cozy built-in window seat with plush cushions and colorful stained glass panes offers a perfect reading or family hangout spot. The open layout includes a compact kitchen area with modern amenities, blending convenience and warmth for family meals and gatherings, ideal for relaxation or entertaining guests.
Kitchen Nook and Window Seat
A charming corner kitchen area featuring warm honey-wood cabinetry with ample storage and a compact wine fridge set against patterned blue and white accent tiles. The angled ceiling architecture adds a cozy, cottage-style appeal. Beside the sink, a long window seat framed by stunning, multicolored stained glass windows creates an inviting spot for family reading or relaxation. Soft, neutral wall tones and matching light upholstery with delicate floral pillows enhance the airy ambiance. Light wood flooring ties the space together, making it both functional and family-friendly, perfect for casual meals, crafting, or enjoying morning sunshine.
Living Room Layout
Bright and inviting, this living room features an open layout perfect for families. A large, comfy sectional sofa in soft beige tones is paired with a dark leather ottoman, creating an ideal spot for gathering or relaxing with loved ones. Warm wood floors contrast beautifully against the light-blue walls, while an exposed red brick column adds an urban-rustic accent and architectural flair. The mounted TV and minimal built-in shelving ensure an uncluttered look. Large windows and a ceiling fan bring in natural light and airiness, and the open access to the dining area enhances the spacious, welcoming atmosphere.
Family Living Room
A spacious family living room featuring an inviting L-shaped sectional sofa arranged around a large, comfortable ottoman, perfect for gatherings or relaxing family movie nights. The room boasts light blue walls and warm wood floors, accented by colorful stained glass windows that bring cheerful natural light into the space. A plush gray area rug anchors the seating area, while architectural details like the vaulted ceiling add an open, airy feel. Subtle pops of color from contemporary artwork and the mix of classic and modern furniture create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere ideal for children and adults alike.
Bathroom Shower and Vanity
A bright, spacious bathroom features a functional layout with a bold blue countertop atop warm wood cabinetry, paired with a charming, patterned framed mirror above the sink. The glass-enclosed walk-in shower sits in a corner, designed with clean white tiles and a practical bench, making it suitable for all ages. Practical hooks and storage nooks within the shower offer family-friendly convenience. The soothing pale blue wall color gives the space a calming, fresh ambiance, complemented by soft lighting from contemporary fixtures. Tiled floors provide durability, while the generous vanity counter invites shared use and organization.
Listing Agent: Jonathan Mills of KELLER WILLIAMS GAINESVILLE REALTY PARTNERS via Zillow