Business Details
35 Years
experience
Historic Bed & Breakfast in Gainesville, FL
Established in 1991, we are Gainesville's first bed and breakfast inn, offering guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Our property, originally constructed in 1885 as the Baird Mansion, has been meticulously restored to preserve its Victorian architecture while incorporating contemporary amenities. Located in Gainesville's historic district, we provide easy access to downtown attractions while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere. Our accommodations include themed rooms in the main inn, private cottages, and vacation rentals, all designed to create memorable stays for romantic getaways, business travelers, and families. Owners Cindy and Joe Montalto personally oversee operations, drawing on decades of hospitality experience to ensure exceptional service.We have received numerous accolades, including 'Best Bed and Breakfast in Florida' by Florida Living Magazine, and our property has been featured in publications like Southern Living and Victorian Decorating Ideas. Our commitment to quality extends to gourmet breakfasts prepared daily using fresh, local ingredients. The inn's rich history, including its role in the local hippie movement of the 1960s, adds unique character to our guest experience. We maintain the original floor plan with double parlors, five bedrooms, and ten fireplaces, while offering modern conveniences like high-speed internet and climate control. Our proximity to the University of Florida and downtown Gainesville makes us an ideal base for exploring the region's cultural and natural attractions.
Services
Accommodations
Cottages
Vacation Rentals
Event Hosting
Breakfast Service
Historical Tours
Pet-Friendly Stays
Group Bookings
Special Packages
Local Attractions Guide
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We are Gainesville's first bed and breakfast established in 1991
- Our property is a restored 1885 French Second Empire Victorian mansion
- We received 'Best Bed and Breakfast in Florida' by Florida Living Magazine
- Our location offers walking access to historic downtown Gainesville
- We maintain original architectural features including ten fireplaces and a mansard roof
What people say
Beautiful historical respite
Breakfasts top notch
Magical gardens
Warm welcome
Perfect location
Services
Accommodations
Our historic inn offers themed rooms with period furnishings and modern amenities. Each space combines Victorian elegance with contemporary comfort, featuring unique decor ranging from earthy tones to vibrant styles. Guests enjoy access to common areas including gardens and parlors.
Cottages
Our cottages provide private accommodations with varying themes from romantic luxury to family-friendly spaces. Each cottage offers full amenities including kitchens and living areas while maintaining historical character elements throughout the interiors.
Vacation Rentals
We offer fully equipped vacation rentals for longer stays without daily services. These properties maintain historical charm while providing modern conveniences like full kitchens and laundry facilities for comfortable extended visits.
Breakfast Service
Daily gourmet breakfasts feature locally sourced ingredients served in our garden setting. The menu combines traditional Southern cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques, offering both hot entrees and fresh baked goods prepared on-site each morning.
Event Hosting
Our property accommodates special events from weddings to corporate gatherings. The historic setting includes multiple indoor spaces and outdoor gardens, with capacity for up to 100 guests in a unique Victorian atmosphere.
People
Cindy Montalto
Co-Owner
Cindy Montalto co-owns Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast Inn with her husband Joe. She oversees daily operations and guest services, drawing on extensive hospitality experience since restoring the property in 1990.
Joe Montalto
Co-Owner
Joe Montalto co-owns Magnolia Plantation Bed & Breakfast Inn with Cindy. A former civil engineer, he manages property maintenance and restoration projects while ensuring guests experience the mansion's historical significance.
Questions
What types of accommodations do you offer?
We offer themed rooms in our historic mansion, private cottages, and vacation rentals with varying amenities to suit different guest needs.
Are pets allowed on the property?
Yes, our cottages are pet-friendly. We welcome well-behaved pets with advance notice and a small additional fee.
Is breakfast included with room reservations?
Yes, all inn room reservations include our gourmet breakfast served daily in the garden or dining room.
How far are you from downtown Gainesville?
We're within a five-minute walk to historic downtown Gainesville through quiet residential streets.
Do you host special events or weddings?
Yes, our property accommodates weddings and events with indoor and outdoor spaces available for up to 100 guests.
What historical significance does the property have?
Built in 1885 as the Baird Mansion, our French Second Empire Victorian home is listed in local historic records and features original architectural elements like ten fireplaces and a mansard roof.