Florida Guide > State Parks
EDEN GARDENS
Eden Gardens State Prk is locted in Santa Rosa Beach in Point Washington in Floridas pan handle. It is just off u. s. 98 on C. R 395.
This is one of those lovely State Parks where there is a house as well as lovely grounds to visitand it makes a memorable day out
During the 19th century, Eden Gardens was owned by the Wesley family who made there fortune from timber . Then in the 1960s, a lady called Lois Maxon bought the place and lovingly restored the place and indeed built on an extension and enlarged some of the rooms with extensive building work.
She used the house to show off her collection of antiques and family heirlooms; in fact there is only 1 bigger collection of Louis the 14th furniture in the whole of the states.
The house was built on 2 levels with a porch that runs round the whole of the house and imposing white columns. This was the largest private house in the area and was built in a typical pan handle style; almost Georgian in its symmetry. Windows are large since before the days of air conditioning this was the only way to get air through The building also had to with stand the possible threat of flooding
If you have ever visited Florida in the height of summer you wonder at how anyone could have borne the heat in summer without air con.
There are famous ornamental gardens to visit and a small army of volunteer gardeners get together to keep them up to standard
In the late 60s. Miss Maxell most generously donated the house, its contents and the grounds to the state; thus enabling us to enjoy this lovely and historic place.
You can fish from the boat ramp at Point Washington and take a pic nic to enjoy on the Tucker Bayou (by the old mill site)
Good days to visit are thursdays to mondays as that is when the house is open. You can take one of the guided tours which happen hourly (there is a small charge for this)Tours only go between 10. a. m and 3. p. m. Grounds are open every day of the year from 8. a. m. to sun down so even if you go on the wrong day it will not be a waste of your time.
Do try to put this charming park into your schedule when you get up to this part of Florida; you will be glad that you did.
Eden Gardens State Park
181 Eden Garden Road
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
Phone: 850-231-4214
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