Historic Writer’s Haven in Old Florida

Tucked away in the heart of Apalachicola, Florida, this enchanting 1860s home offers the perfect retreat for writers, novelists, and artists seeking solitude, inspiration, and the charm of Old Florida. Just a five-minute walk from the town’s quaint shops and waterfront restaurants, the home sits between the marshlands and the Gulf of Mexico, framed by majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss.

A Home with a Story as Rich as the Pages You’ll Write

This home isn’t just historic—it carries a story of resilience and survival. Originally built north of Apalachicola, the house was relocated during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920. In a desperate attempt to escape the outbreak, it is said that the home was placed on a raft and floated down the wetlands to Apalachicola, where it has remained ever since.

This fascinating past, along with its original wood floors, wavy handmade glass windows, and antique charm, makes the home a truly one-of-a-kind sanctuary for creativity. The front porch, shaded by a grand oak, invites quiet reflection with a cozy porch swing and Adirondack rocking chairs, all behind a classic white picket fence. Rain or shine, the covered porch offers the perfect spot to sip coffee, listen to the raindrops dance on the roof, and lose yourself in thought.

A Timeless Space for Creativity

Inside, the first floor features:

   •   Two sunlit bedrooms with historic charm

   •   A clawfoot tub from the early 1900s, adding vintage elegance to the full bath

   •   A spacious dining room with an antique farm table and a mix of rustic wood and wicker chairs, comfortably seating eight—uncommon in homes of this era

   •   A cozy yet functional kitchen, blending modern simplicity with vintage character, centered around a welcoming island with seating for three

   •   A lush brick patio in the backyard, framed by native greenery and towering oaks draped in Spanish moss

   •   A fire pit area, perfect for storytelling under the stars, with a wooden gate leading to a charming dirt road alley

Upstairs, which has its own private entrance but is also accessible from within the home, offers:

   •   A small living area, ideal for reading or quiet contemplation

   •   A kitchenette with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave

   •   A full bath with a traditional tub-shower combo

A Town That Feels Like a Novel

Apalachicola is steeped in history, once the sponge capital of the U.S. and still renowned for its oyster harvesting, shrimping, and fishing. The town hosts festivals year-round, including the beloved Annual Seafood Festival, drawing visitors from across the Panhandle.

For those who crave nature’s embrace, the area offers birdwatching, kayaking, and endless waterfront vistas, while the pristine beaches of St. George Island are just a 10-15 minute drive away.

A Place to Write, Reflect, and Escape

This quiet, tucked-away home is a true writer’s retreat, where the rhythm of lapping tides, rustling oaks, and distant shrimp boats create the perfect backdrop for creativity. With its remarkable history, a porch that welcomes both sunshine and rain, and inspiring surroundings, this home is not just a place to stay—it’s a place to write, dream, and rediscover the art of storytelling.