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Step Back in Time
The Thomas Mellon Lodge in Summer Haven, Florida
The Lodge is on the Matanzas Inlet, which is known for its breathtaking sunsets, bird watching opportunities, sea turtle nesting sites and whale sightings off the coast. Much as it was back then, Summer Haven is a quaint historic beach community that serves as a private refuge where families can escape the city and summer heat. The area drew the rich and famous from the eastern United States to its shores, where day-to-day living was, at once, relaxed and highly sociable. The collection of seaside homes owned by the Mellons served as a vacation spot and fishing outpost for the Pittsburgh family until the late-1950s. The family's influence is highly visible, even today, as you walk the narrow street called Mellon Court. But with the passing of generations, the Mellon compound was slowly sold until only The Lodge and The Hut, a tiny fishing cottage next door, remained. Called a "dogtrot-style" house because of the breezeway down the center of the house, the Lodge is constructed of Florida heart of pine and cedar. Its design includes a sloping roof, detached kitchen and wraparound porch. And the five bedrooms and two bathrooms provide ample space for an extended family gathering. Porches on three sides (one of which is screened in for outdoor dining) as well as a swimming and boat dock on the river allow guests multiple options for enjoying space and privacy. Pets are welcome in the home and on the beach, though leash laws do apply. A cook's kitchen includes ocean views and seating for eight. "It's such a wonderful location, to have the ocean in front and the river in back," says Win Kelly-Joss, owner of The Beach Cottages, a property management company that oversees The Mellon Lodge and The Hut. "The history of it is just so much fun," she says. "It's such a unique little plane and when you step in, it really is like you're stepping back in time. Summer Haven itself is a magical place. We're one step away from the real world." The Lodge has remained in the Mellon family for four generations and has been furnished with family art and historic photographs. Celebrities like author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings used to visit the Lodge to play bridge with the Mellon ladies.
The Lodge is located just minutes from Marineland, Florida's first oceanarium, as well as Fort Matanzas National Park and Washington Oaks State Park. And only 15 miles away, on Old A1A Highway, are the many attractions of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, including the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, San Sebastian Winery, the Alligator Farm, St. George's Street, the Fountain of Youth and Flagler's great Ponce de Leon Hotel. Old Town Trolley Tours covers more than 100 sights of interest and has 20 stops where you can hop on or off to sightsee, shop or dine. The tour includes a three-day pass onboard the trolley, free tickets to the Florida Heritage Museum, and a free pass on the St. Augustine Beach Bus. In the Old St. Augustine Village, you'll discover more than 400 years of history in one city block. Hidden among beautiful courtyards are nine historic houses original to the site. Inside you'll find exhibits reflecting St. Augustine history and a lifetime of collecting by museum benefactor Kenneth W. Dow. Quirky but true, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. Visitors will also enjoy the Landmark Spring, Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium. Flanked by an ocean coast and a river, the Mellon Lodge sleeps up to 10 people. Daily rates range from $437 to $524, depending on the season, with a three-night minimum. Weekly rates range from $2,906 to $3,275, and monthly rates are $5,351 to $6,702. For more information or to make reservations, contact Win Kelly-Joss at (888) 963-8272; or visit www.beachcottagerent.com. nGP
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