The Camellia Rose Inn: 120 years of Ownership History
The Camellia Rose Inn
120 years of history
120 years of history
Did you know the Inn was originally known as the Swearingen House? Built in 1903 by Thomas J. Swearingen who owned one of the first automobile dealerships in Gainesville, lived in the original house for 15 years. Swearingen then sold to grocer George A. Dell who sold it 3 years later to a wholesale grocer Hal C. Batey who would later became a mayor of Gainesville. 36 years later the house was bought by Dr. Oliver Austin, during this time many changes were made to the house and in 1978 new owners Mark & Mary Barrow restored the old Swearingen House. 28 years later the house was purchased by Pat and Tom McCants and whom renamed it to the Camellia Rose Inn. The McCants shared this beautiful home with many visitors to Gainesville and out the ground work for what it is today! The Camellia Rose inn is now owned by a local Gainesville Company
@staygainesville
& Southern Comfort Properties who believed the Camellia Rose Inn would be a wonderful addition to their short-term properties, bringing you your home away from home
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StayGainesville's May 2025 Newsletter
At StayGainesville, every guest experience is special to us — whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime graduation weekend, a cozy family getaway, a visit with a beloved pet, or a spontaneous adventure exploring all the beauty Gainesville has to offer.
We believe that the memories made during your stay are the true heart of what we do — and now, we want to celebrate your story!
Introducing the StayGainesville "Best Memory" Photo Contest — your chance to share your favorite StayGainesville moment and win a prize that helps you make even more memories!
Whether you stayed in one of our historic downtown mansions, a charming Duckpond cottage, or a modern home steps from UF, we want to see and hear about the moments that made your stay unforgettable.
