Camellia Rose Inn

Specialties

The Camellia Rose Inn is just a short stroll from the historic downtown area of Gainesville, Florida. We are less than two miles from the UF main campus and Shands Hospital. We are the perfect place to stay for a Gators game, or for a relaxing weekend in North Florida, away from the high tourists spots, yet within driving distance of some great attractions. The Camellia Rose Inn offers six spacious, comfortable rooms — each with a private bath. There is also a separate cottage for those wanting a touch more privacy. Relax on our wrap-​around porch and 2^nd floor veranda. Enjoy a delicious full breakfast, complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day, and an evening happy hour with complimentary beverages and snacks. The Camellia Rose Inn is a non-​smoking facility.

History

Established in 2007.

The Camellia Rose Inn is a beautiful 1903 Queen Anne home, originally known as Swearingen House, as built for Thomas J. Swearingen. Swearingen, who owned one of the first automobile dealerships in Gainesville, lived in the original house (which featured a one-​story kitchen in a detached building behind the main house) for fifteen years.

In 1918, Gainesville Grocer George A. Dell purchased the house, and three years later it was sold to Hal C. Batey, a wholesale grocer who would later become mayor of Gainesville.

The house was next bought in 1957 by Dr. Oliver Austin, former Curator of Birds at the Florida State Museum. During this time many changes were made to the house, and in 1978 new owners Mark and Mary Barrow restored the old Swearingen House.

The house was purchased by us in 2006 and renamed the Camellia Rose Inn. After living and working in South Florida for many years, we decided we wanted to work for ourselves, doing something we loved!

Meet the Business Owner

Pat M.

Business Owner

In January 2005, we celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary by staying at the Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn in Gainesville, Florida, which is owned by our cousins, Joe and Cindy Montalto. We were soon to be empty nesters after raising three sons and were planning on doing «something» different, but weren’t quite sure what that «something» would be. After spending one night at the Magnolia Plantation with our cousins our wheels starting turning…“you know, I think this would be a great way to spend the rest of our lives,” says Pat. As soon as we got home we started researching the B & B industry on the Internet, purchased books and even contacted some B & B’s that were for sale. Two weeks after the research we were on our way to Mount Dora to look at a B & B for sale. On the way to Mount Dora, though, we decided to call our cousins and tell them the good news! Well, that was the beginning of our two-​year adventure!