Historic Charm Meet Modern Opportunity in Gainesville, FL

Historic Charm Meets Modern Opportunity: The Camellia Rose Inn & Laurel Oak Inn Are For Sale in Gainesville, FL

In the heart of downtown Gainesville, two of the city’s most beloved historic properties—The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn—are now available for purchase. Nestled in the picturesque Southeast Historic District, these Victorian-era beauties have served as elegant bed-and-breakfasts for years, hosting everything from romantic getaways to game day groups and wedding parties. Now, the opportunity is open for a visionary buyer to take the reins.

Whether you're a seasoned hospitality investor, an entrepreneur with a dream, or someone who simply loves the blend of old-world charm and modern income potential, these inns represent a rare chance to own a piece of Gainesville’s past—and shape its future.

A Storied History in the Heart of Gainesville

Both properties are examples of classic Southern architecture, meticulously restored to maintain their historical integrity while offering modern comforts. The Camellia Rose Inn, built in the early 1900s, features expansive porches, hardwood floors, and detailed millwork. Just next door, The Laurel Oak Inn dates back to 1885 and was once home to prominent Gainesville residents. Each room in both inns has been individually designed, creating a unique guest experience that can't be replicated by chain hotels or cookie-cutter vacation rentals.

Together, they tell the story of Gainesville’s growth—from a small railroad town to a thriving university city—and they’ve remained staples of the community through it all.

Prime Location for Tourism, Events & Business

Location is everything in real estate, and the inns are perfectly situated. Just steps from downtown Gainesville, they’re within walking distance to:

• The University of Florida
• UF Health/Shands Hospital
• Hippodrome Theatre
• Dozens of local restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and boutiques
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This central location makes the inns ideal for:

• Gator football weekends
• Medical professionals or patients needing extended stays
• Parents visiting college students
• Wedding parties and event groups
• Corporate retreats or business travelers
• 
  

Few properties in Gainesville offer this level of walkability, historic beauty, and income-producing potential.

Endless Possibilities: Boutique Hospitality & Beyond

While the inns are currently operating as traditional bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals, the possibilities are wide open for a creative buyer. Here are just a few directions you could take:

1. Luxury Whole-Home Rentals

Vacation rental trends are shifting—travelers increasingly seek entire homes for privacy and group gatherings. The inns already perform well as whole-home rentals for weekends and special events. With the right marketing strategy, they could operate year-round as premium Airbnb or VRBO properties targeting large groups.

2. Exclusive Wedding & Event Venue

With lush gardens, shaded porches, and timeless architecture, the inns could be transformed into a wedding and event venue like no other in Gainesville. Small ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, or bridal parties could be hosted on-site, with accommodations included. No other venue in the city offers such an all-in-one experience.

3. Corporate Housing or Boutique Extended Stay

As Gainesville grows its medical, legal, and tech presence, there’s increasing demand for short-term corporate housing. These properties could be repositioned as upscale extended-stay options for professionals—especially those on contract with UF, UF Health, or local businesses.

4. Hybrid Use: Owner-Occupant Plus Rental Income

For the right buyer, living in one part of the property and renting the rest could create a perfect lifestyle balance. Enjoy all the charm and community of the historic district while running a flexible, income-producing business.

5. Wellness or Creative Retreat Center

With spacious layouts and peaceful gardens, the inns could also lend themselves to yoga retreats, writing workshops, or art-focused stays. Gainesville’s arts scene is thriving, and these properties could become a hub for creativity and connection.

Operational Infrastructure in Place

The hard work of setup has already been done. Both inns have:

• Fully furnished guest rooms with en suite bathrooms
• High-end linens, appliances, and décor
• Modern HVAC, security, and keyless entry systems
• Established online booking profiles with 5-star reviews
• Partnerships with local vendors for cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance

For buyers looking to hit the ground running, this is a turnkey operation with instant earning potential.

Gainesville’s Real Estate Market: A Smart Investment

Gainesville isn’t just a college town—it’s one of Florida’s fastest-growing mid-sized cities, with a steady influx of students, professionals, medical travelers, and retirees. Demand for short-term rentals has only increased in recent years, especially as travelers seek unique and local experiences over standard hotels.

Unlike major metro markets, Gainesville’s real estate remains relatively affordable, offering better ROI and appreciation potential. These inns are not only beautiful—they’re smart investments in a rising market.

Zoned for Flexibility

Importantly, both properties are located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals and bed-and-breakfast operations—a rarity in many Florida cities where STR restrictions are tightening. That means you won’t have to fight for the right to operate legally.

This flexibility makes it easier to pivot your business model or expand offerings as the market evolves.

Make It Yours: A Legacy Property Awaits

Owning The Camellia Rose Inn or The Laurel Oak Inn (or both!) isn’t just about acquiring real estate. It’s about preserving and reimagining Gainesville history. These homes have hosted thousands of guests from around the world, witnessed countless celebrations, and stood as architectural gems for over a century.

Now, they’re ready for their next chapter. Will you be the one to write it?

Interested? Let’s Talk

If you’re a realtor, investor, or aspiring innkeeper with vision and passion, now is the time to explore this unique opportunity. Full financials, occupancy history, and operating details are available upon request.

For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact:

📧 info@staygainesville.com
📍 Gainesville, FL

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