A restored beauty makes for a perfect romantic getaway

By Wendy O. Dixon

Restored in 2023, Sunbright Inn is a relaxing retreat for love birds. Filled with Victorian furniture, the inn offers a blend of historic charm with modern amenities. 

Located at 30 Live Oak Avenue in historic DeFuniak Springs, the inn is the labor of love for Pat O’Neil and his children, who have completely renovated the oldest house in the county. 

“Our intention in design is to balance the merger of the past and the present,” Pat says. “We wanted to embrace the history, but not at the expense of modern comfort and modern luxury. Each of the rooms has independent Daikin ducted high-efficiency air conditioning units, which obviously were not available for comfort 137 years ago.” 

The decor includes original fireplace mantles, two-inch hickory plank flooring, Victorian-era chandeliers and furniture, and wallpaper and ornamentation.

Part of the inn’s history includes Sidney J. Catts, Florida governor from 1917 to 1921, who purchased Sunbright Manor in 1924. He and his wife, Alice, lived in the mansion until his death in 1936 and her passing in 1949. For many years, local residents referred to the old home as “The Catts House.”

The inn has eight bedrooms, each with a fireplace, a parlor and a reading room. Guests enjoy daily deliveries of fresh organic coffee, tea and specialty baked goods from Perla Baking Co. 

Sunbright Special for February:

With reservations, you get a $50 dinner gift card for a local restaurant partner in the Historic District on Baldwin Avenue. 

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!