The Perfect Gainesville AirBNB Home for Large Groups and Events
StayGainesville has the perfect home for your group stay or event
The Laurel Oak Mansion: Gainesville’s Grand Retreat for Group Stays, Events, and Elegant Escapes
If you’re looking for a stunning, spacious, and sophisticated property to host your next group gathering, wedding weekend, retreat, or special event in Gainesville, Florida—look no further than The Laurel Oak Mansion. Formerly known as The Laurel Oak Inn, this historic property has been lovingly reimagined as a whole-house rental that offers guests privacy, elegance, and over 5,800 square feet of Southern charm.
Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, The Laurel Oak Mansion is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a bridal party weekend, a corporate retreat, or simply want to gather friends for a memorable stay, this beautiful estate offers everything you need and more.
Why Choose The Laurel Oak Mansion for Your Group Stay?
1. Space to Spread Out—Comfortably and in Style
With seven large bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, the Laurel Oak Mansion easily accommodates up to 14 guests. Each bedroom is designed with both comfort and luxury in mind: king-sized beds, private en-suite bathrooms, and fireplaces in every room ensure that no guest feels like they drew the short straw.
Beyond the bedrooms, the home boasts expansive common areas perfect for socializing, dining, and relaxing. The grand living room, formal dining room, and wraparound porches create a warm and inviting space where guests can come together—or find a quiet corner to themselves.
2. A Historic Setting with Modern Comforts
Originally built in the early 1900s, The Laurel Oak Mansion has retained its historic architecture and craftsmanship, from crown moldings and heart-pine floors to original fireplaces and leaded glass windows. But don’t let the historic charm fool you—this home has been updated with modern amenities that make entertaining and staying easy.
The fully-equipped gourmet kitchen features premium appliances, a large island, and ample space for group cooking or private chef experiences. The high-speed Wi-Fi, central air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs throughout the home ensure guests enjoy both elegance and efficiency during their stay.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re booking a weekend event or planning a longer corporate or wellness retreat, The Laurel Oak Mansion offers the space, amenities, and ambiance to suit a wide range of occasions.
Family Gatherings & Reunions
Reconnecting with loved ones is easy when you have space to gather, cook, dine, and relax together. The backyard and porches make great settings for group meals, outdoor games, or a casual BBQ under the stars. Each family member has their own private suite to retreat to at the end of the day.
Weddings & Bridal Weekends
The Laurel Oak Mansion serves as a dream location for bridal parties looking to stay together for the big weekend. With ample space for getting ready, elegant backdrops for photos, and room to host a rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch, this estate is both practical and photogenic. The beautiful manicured backyard and historic porches provide picturesque moments around every corner.
Corporate Retreats
Looking for an inspiring space for your next business getaway or team-building retreat? The mansion’s multiple gathering spaces, private bedrooms, and serene setting encourage both productivity and relaxation. Host brainstorming sessions in the dining room, breakout groups on the porches, and evening cocktails in the backyard.
Wellness & Creative Retreats
Whether you're planning a yoga retreat, writer’s workshop, or an artist residency, The Laurel Oak Mansion is a peaceful and luxurious place to center, create, and recharge. The tranquil garden, inviting porches, and cozy interior spaces create the perfect setting for intentional rest and inspiration.
Location, Location, Location
The Laurel Oak Mansion is situated in the historic district of downtown Gainesville, meaning guests have easy access to:
- Restaurants & cafés (many within walking distance)
- Boutique shops and local markets
- The University of Florida and UF Health/Shands Hospital
- The Hippodrome Theatre and Gainesville’s arts district
- Public parks and nature trails
Guests can enjoy the peace and privacy of a historic home, while being just minutes from Gainesville’s most vibrant experiences. Whether you’re here for work or play, the location truly can’t be beat.
Standout Amenities
Here’s what sets The Laurel Oak Mansion apart from other large rentals in the area:
- 7 spacious bedrooms – all with king beds, fireplaces, and private bathrooms
- 7.5 bathrooms – no sharing or waiting in line!
- Multiple entertaining spaces – formal living room, large dining room, gourmet kitchen, outdoor seating
- 5800 square feet of beautifully maintained interiors
- High ceilings, historic architectural details, and elegant décor
- Private backyard with garden space – perfect for gatherings and events
- Expansive porches for morning coffee or evening cocktails
- On-site parking and plenty of walkable destinations nearby
Who Typically Books The Laurel Oak Mansion?
We’ve hosted a wide variety of groups, including:
- Wedding parties needing a home base close to their venue
- University of Florida alumni groups returning for Gator weekends
- Families traveling in for medical procedures at Shands who want space and comfort
- Traveling professionals or speakers attending Gainesville conferences
- Out-of-town business teams needing long-term executive housing
- Friends celebrating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or just wanting a luxury weekend away
A Stay Worth Remembering
What makes The Laurel Oak Mansion truly special isn’t just its size or beauty—it’s the atmosphere. There’s something timeless and serene about staying in a historic home, where every room tells a story and every corner invites you to slow down and savor your time.
It’s the kind of place where memories are made, laughter echoes through the hallways, and guests leave feeling more connected—not just to each other, but to a sense of history, hospitality, and Southern charm.
Ready to Book?
Whether you're planning a one-night celebration or a week-long retreat, The Laurel Oak Mansion is ready to welcome you. Availability for large homes in Gainesville is limited—especially ones with this level of luxury, privacy, and downtown access—so we encourage you to book early.
Visit our link
to check availability, view more photos, and secure your dates. Have questions about hosting an event or retreat? We’d love to chat and help you bring your vision to life.
The Laurel Oak Mansion isn’t just a place to stay—it’s where unforgettable gatherings begin.
💡 Why Homeowners Choose StayGainesville Managing an Airbnb in Gainesville isn’t just about listing your home online. To succeed, you need a full strategy—one that includes smart pricing, daily calendar management, local guest support, and marketing that converts. Here’s how StayGainesville helps homeowners get more bookings, earn more income, and maintain 5-star guest experiences. 📅 Daily Pricing & Calendar Management We actively manage your Airbnb calendar every single day. This includes: Adjusting pricing to reflect local demand and seasonality Filling gaps between bookings with last-minute deals Raising rates for UF football weekends, graduation, and special events Lowering rates during slower periods to maintain occupancy This dynamic approach ensures you never leave money on the table—and don’t risk long-term vacancies due to overpricing. Many homeowners who switch to StayGainesville see a 25–30% increase in annual revenue, simply because we actively manage their calendar instead of setting it and forgetting it. 🛍 Optimized Listings Across Every Platform We create and maintain your property listings across: Airbnb VRBO Booking.com Our direct booking website at StayGainesville.com Our team uses SEO-rich descriptions, professional photography, and strategic keywords to ensure your listing is: Easy to find in search results Accurately described and visually appealing Tailored to Gainesville travel trends We also update listings seasonally to highlight pool use in summer, cozy indoor spaces in winter, and event-specific perks year-round. 🌐 Direct Bookings = Lower Fees and More Profit Here’s something every homeowner should know: Airbnb and VRBO charge guests and hosts up to 20% in service fees. At StayGainesville, we actively drive traffic to our direct booking site—which saves both you and your guests money. This includes: Weekly blog posts targeting searches like “Airbnb Gainesville FL” and “Vacation rental near UF” SEO landing pages for pet-friendly homes, monthly rentals, and homes near Shands Hospital Email marketing to repeat guests Direct referrals from local medical, university, and event partnerships Direct bookings reduce platform fees and increase your profit per reservation. 🧹 Full-Service Property Care As the top Airbnb host in Gainesville, FL, we offer full operational support so you never have to: Coordinate a cleaning Answer a guest question at 2 a.m. Track down a plumber or handyman Restock toilet paper, soap, or linens Our in-house and local partner teams handle: Turnover cleaning Supply restocking Preventive and emergency maintenance Manage lawn care and basic home services Guest communication, check-in, and support All with 5-star hospitality standards that drive positive reviews—and more bookings. 🤝 24/7 Local Guest Support We’re not a call center. We’re a locally based team who knows your home, knows Gainesville, and supports guests in real time. Every guest receives: Prompt, professional responses Personalized recommendations for restaurants and things to do Fast help with any issue that arises A consistent, hotel-quality experience—without the hotel price This results in better reviews, more referrals, and more return guests. Our average guest rating is 4.9 stars, and that reputation keeps your home visible and booked. 🔁 Repeat Guests Drive Steady Bookings One of our biggest strengths? Loyalty. Because we offer consistent, local service, many of our guests return year after year. This includes: UF parents booking graduation stays Gator football fans renting the same home each season Travel nurses and medical patients returning for long-term care Snowbirds rebooking each winter Corporate guests returning for trainings and project work We market directly to this network of return guests—filling your calendar with low-maintenance, high-value bookings. 📍 We Serve Homes Throughout Alachua County If you own a home in or near: Gainesville Newberry High Springs Alachua Tioga or Haile Near Shands, UF, or downtown Gainesville …you’re in a great position to take advantage of the high demand for short-term rentals in the Gainesville area. Especially if your home has: 4+ bedrooms Outdoor space or a pool Pet-friendly amenities Proximity to UF, Shands, or downtown Your property could be a top performer in our portfolio. 📞 Ready to Earn More from Your Gainesville Airbnb? StayGainesville is actively expanding our portfolio—and we’re especially looking for 4+ bedroom homes in Gainesville, Newberry, High Springs, and Alachua. We offer: A free revenue projection Full-service Airbnb management Transparent pricing and clear communication Proven results for homeowners Whether you’re tired of managing your own Airbnb or just getting started, we’re here to help you succeed. 📍 Learn more: StayGainesville.com/property-management 📧 info@staygainesville.com More bookings. Less work. Better results. That’s the StayGainesville difference.
Formerly The Laurel Oak Inn, tucked away in the heart of downtown Gainesville, The Laurel Oak Mansion offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience Southern elegance, comfort, and grandeur in a way few vacation rentals can.
