HISTORY AND HOSPITALITY ON THE HILL: RENOVATION OF THE SUNBRIGHT INN

On a hill in the heart of DeFuniak Spring stands Walton County’s oldest house, newly restored as an inn with its bright yellow façade a beacon to travelers attracted by its rich history and unique style.

Renovation of the new Sunbright Inn, located at the corner of Live Oak Avenue West and U.S. Highway 331, has been the undertaking of local businessman Patrick O’Neill. With 30 years of construction experience and service in the hospitality industry, O’Neill used his knowledge from rebuilding Camping on the Gulf in Miramar Beach and Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs to tackle this historic project.

The Queen Anne-style Victorian home was originally built in 1886 by James T. Sherman of Broadhead, Wisconsin, and used as a winter residence for his family. During the reconstruction, O’Neill was able to embrace the house’s history without sacrificing modern comfort.

“We knew that we wanted to do themed rooms, high-end, with independent air conditioning, all king beds and soundproofing in the walls,” said O’Neill, “…things we’ve learned from hospitality in other businesses to make it an attractive and long-term rental.” 

O’Neill had help from Paul Rushing, a general contractor based in DeFuniak Springs, whose family has worked on numerous houses on Circle Drive in the historic district. “We were very fortunate to find Paul because he’s had a lot of experience with this,” said O’Neill. “His dad did this for 50 years; he’s done it for 30 years; his son’s been doing it for 10 years.”

Passing through the hands of multiple owners, the home was most notably owned by former Florida Governor Sydney Catts. Most locals today still refer to the building as the Catts House.

“We put a lot of thought into the name of the house,” O’Neill said. Like many of the features included during the reconstruction of the property, he drew inspiration from the original constructors. Because of the building’s many windows, “the original builders named the house the Sunbright.”

Each room in the inn pays tribute to historical aspects of the region, and each one features unique themes, color schemes, fragrances and antique décor. On the first floor is the Governor’s Suite recognizing former Governor Catts’ tenancy. This room was the original kitchen and holds the only original brick fireplace; it was also the origin of a historic fire during the 1930s.

The “Magnolia” pays tribute to the magnolia grove that was once on the property. Room 3 is the “Loblolly” and is named in honor of the logging and turpentine industry in Florida.

“Queen Anne” is Room 4 and recalls the subtype of Victorian architectural style of the Sunbright Inn. The “Walton” is named after George Walton who signed the Declaration of Independence.

The home was originally owned by a railroad magnate; the Louisville & Nashville Railroad still runs along the back of the house, and inspired Room 6, the “L & N Suite.” The “Library” room is a reminder of the historic DeFuniak Library, the oldest library in Florida located down the street, while the “Chautauqua Suite” represents – through its blue décor – the lake behind the Chautauqua Building, which still holds education assemblies to this day.

Many of the antiques featured in the home have been in the residence for several years and were acquired from the most recent past residents. The other furniture was acquired online and through donations.

O’Neill and Rushing were mostly aligned about the construction process, including building things right without taking financial shortcuts. “When you’re going to build it, do it right the first time.,” O’Neill said. Though the cost was more than he expected, O’Neill was delighted with the results and said it was worth the investment.

Featured in the turret on the third floor is an 1864 Bible open to a highlighted passage of scripture in Matthew 5:14-16, referencing the city on a hill and how it provides light to all. “I feel like the house is that to the community. It speaks to the restoration of the town that’s taken place and the way we do things,” O’Neill said.

For more information about Sunbright Inn or to inquire about reservations, visit SunbrightInn.com or call (850) 920-9920.