Mount Dora Historic Inn

Relive the elegance of the past at the lovely Mount Dora Historic Inn. Nestled in a secluded setting in romantic, downtown Mount Dora, the Inn is only 25 minutes from Orlando. The whimsical and quaint little town of Mount Dora is a few steps away, complete with antique and craft stores, gourmet restaurants, nature walks, specialty shops and horse-drawn carriage rides. Mount Dora has everything you came to Florida to enjoy. 

Originally built at the turn of the century as a downtown merchant's home, the Inn was been lovingly restored to its original beauty, by the former proprietors, Lindsay and Nancy Richards. The efforts of their labor of love resulted in a memorable ambiance of warmth and embraceable character. The Mount Dora Historic Inn features fine, beautifully appointed rooms with private baths, each decorated with individuality, and an emphasis on complete guest comfort and tranquility. Enjoy the gracious hospitality, authentic period antiques, and relaxed atmosphere of this charming Bed and Breakfast. Surround yourself with the dreams of yesteryear with a respite from everyday life and a visit you will cherish for years to come.

The house on Fourth Ave. was built in 1886 and was restored by Lindsay, a second generation Floridian and his wife whom he called a "Yankee from Georgia". He used his sense of humor, charm, and years of experience in the corporate world in their small business venture. Although he had a food technologist degree from USF, Nancy reported that Lindsay didn't cook until they bought the Inn. He boasted of egg soufflé and home made peach bread for the breakfasts he cooked. Other skills he learned included plumbing, electrical work, and general home repairs and upkeep. 

A sign on the front door of the historic structure says, "Come In", but the welcome starts at the front sidewalk where bright flowers bloom. The door sticks a bit, as old wood sometimes does, but the view inside is a smooth and pleasant. Polished wood, glistening glass and lace curtains give way to the waves of detail: Needlepoint chair seats and an ornate chandelier in frosted glass, meant to be lit by gas. The minutia of this living museum stops you in your tracks. You suddenly cannot remember what year it is. The room is used as a sitting room and doubles as a dining room when the beautifully polished leafs hold antique dishes and teacups. The furniture came from both Lindsay's and Nancy's family collection, and from pieces they picked up and refinished. 


Recipes included in the cookbook and used by permission of the former innkeepers Lindsay & Nancy Richards: Lindsay's Fresh Mango Bread, Lindsay's Baked Apple Clafouti, Peach Crepes.
Please note, the new innkeepers are Ana & Jim Tuttle!
Follow them now on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.