History and About


Historic Magnolia Inn B&BA grand, historic estate circa 1926 in beautiful downtown
Mount Dora, Florida

The Magnolia Inn was built in 1926 at the height of the Florida boom as the residence of Mr. L.R. Heim.  Mr. Heim was a very wealthy manufacturer of ball bearings in Connecticut and held several patents.

After visiting Mount Dora, he returned in 1924 and purchased what had been Chautaugua Park on the south side of Lake Gertrude, and the land to the west that extends to the Golden Triangle Shopping Center today.

Mr. Heim started the sub-division called Sylvan Shores.  He helped found the First National Bank and being one of its largest stockholders, in 1929 he personally wrote a check for $50,000 to help the bank survive.  Mr. Heim also owned the town newspaper, donated the street lighting still seen along Old 441 on the shore of Lake Dora, and the land and stadium known as “Heim Field Ball Park”.

The Magnolia Inn has been a bed and breakfast since 1994.  The current innkeepers, Sandy and Joe, will assist you in every detail of your stay.  The inn features 4 guest rooms on the second floor of the main house and a spacious one bedroom suite on the ground floor a few feet away.  Each of the main building rooms has a private bathroom, king or queen bed, antiques, carpets, lace, and are cable ready.  The suite has a private entrance, independent air conditioning, a sofa bed, and dedicated parking.  All of our rooms and suite have high speed wireless internet and come with a delicious multi-course breakfast.

There are comfortable chairs and tables to spend your time.  Sit on the patio, read a book or lounge under the huge oaks listening to the sounds of the water fountains. You’re invited to experience the splendor of our Mediterranean estate.

The Magnolia Inn has received numerous awards such as, “Best Breakfast in the Southeast” and has appeared in several printed articles.

We’re one of the few true bed and breakfasts remaining in Mount Dora and still maintain the same standard of breakfasts each and every day.  Come and spend a wonderful relaxing time with us, and experience the charm of “Something Special” Mount Dora.  The Magnolia Inn is Mount Dora.