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Elegant Piece of Florida History

A stunning piece of local history which only 4 families have enjoyed since its construction in 1909! Lovingly and completely restored, this beautiful home was built to be a doctor’s office for Dr. McLeran, later becoming a B&B and a family home.

Referred to as "living on an island" because of its privacy and seeming seclusion, it’s hard to believe the house is adjacent to a small town on a paved road with neighbors across the street and within 12 miles of Lake City. The 3.42 acres is great for taking walks to pick various seasonal fruits, check on the Naturalized Habitat surrounding the pond, lie in the hammock in the shade of the wildflower meadow or tend the garden. In cool weather the front porch swings are the 'place to hang' for the entire family or to enjoy a cup of coffee and good book.

Dr. McLeran spared no expense when he built his new Victorian home in 1909. From 1988-1995, my parents poured all of their love and finances into revitalizing this beauty, completely restoring it to its original splendor. All electrical and plumbing was brought up to code, wooden window frames, all 6 fireplace mantels and wainscoting was striped and restained then floors refinished.

I have papered and painted the inside and out in historic colors. You will find such luxuries as the original turn-of-the-century details in the wainscoting which surrounds the entire downstairs entry and main hallway as well as stairwell and upstairs landing, accented wooden window and door moldings, picture rails in every room of the house, wood floors, plaster and lath walls, original wavy glass windows, huge, bright rooms with tons of light coming through the 22 oversized windows. My Dad added flooring to create a walk-around attic on the third floor which could easily become several more rooms. Custom work fills the home with authenticity from the attic stairway, upstairs library to the pecan cabinetry in the kitchen and laundry/utility room paneled with the original cabin's exterior cedar siding.

Modern conveniences have been added, such a whole-house generator, whole-house fan, second septic tank, whole-house A/C. Where necessary, reproductions were included, like the downstairs water closet and pedestal sinks or clawfoot tub. The original carriage house has been converted to a workshop any man would love to use and tons of shelved and open storage. Dad built a large cedar barn with a concrete floor and floored attic with pull-down stairs for himself. There is an attached greenhouse and separate studio/workshop complete with 220v behind the barn which opens to a covered slate patio. In the rear corner of the property there is a large open barn with potable water and electricity suitable for storing boats, RV or whatever.

The grounds also include a gazebo, covered swing and hammock pavilion beside the Victorian garden with another swing, flower gardens and raised vegetable gardens. Several fruit trees, like fig and calamondin, as well as grapes, persimmons and a long row of blueberries keep the fridge filled with seasonal fruits. There are also pecan trees and oaks to provide shade.