About Herlong Mansion
A Historic Southern Retreat with Heart and Heritage
The Herlong Mansion began as a simple “cracker style” pine farm home around 1845. One of the original settlers of Micanopy built the two-story house with a detached kitchen. The mansion stood along an Indian trading route, now known as Cholokka Boulevard.
After his home and business burned down in Alabama, Zeddy Clarence Herlong came to Micanopy and moved into the farmhouse with his wife, Natalie Simonton. He entered the local lumber industry, and the operations he led generated the wealth to remodel the once humble farmhouse into today’s grand mansion. By 1910, builders had fully encased the original structure within a brick, Greek Revival design that imitated a southern colonial style.
Zeddy and Natalie raised six children in the home. After Natalie passed away, Zeddy remarried and moved with his new bride, Marie Rosborough, to Blackrock, South Carolina. The house then stood vacant until a young couple purchased it in the 1980s and transformed it into a Bed and Breakfast.
A Blend of Classic Beauty and Timeless Craftsmanship
Four stately Corinthian columns rise at the front of the house, evoking a more elegant time. Inside, the Arts & Crafts style dominates, with artisans fitting the home with elegant leaded glass windows, fine wood paneling, and intricately laid oak, maple, and mahogany floors.
Today, the Herlong stands as one of the most popular retreats in the area and welcomes guests year-round as an Inn. It still retains its Victorian beauty while showcasing a unique eclectic style. And it offers ten beautifully furnished guest rooms and two free-standing cottages.
The Carriage House, which once sheltered horses and carriages, now serves as a king bedroom. A cozy queen bedroom can be found in The Pump House, which originally contained the pump and generator. It pumped water from the well up to the water tower, which connected to the mansion by a pipe. Gravity then fed water to the mansion, giving residents electricity and pressurized indoor plumbing long before the area gained “modern” electric service in 1938.
Celebrated as Florida’s Most Elegant Bed & Breakfast
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Herlong Mansion welcomes guests with timeless Southern charm. Set back from the street, the mansion rests among graceful gardens. These gardens are shaded by centuries-old oaks, magnolias, and palms. Azaleas, camellias, roses, and a colorful variety of flowers create a picture-perfect backdrop that the Innkeeper lovingly maintains.
Travelers from around the world choose the Herlong for its elegance and reputation. AAA awards the inn a 3–4 Diamond rating, and national publications continue to spotlight its beauty and hospitality. National Geographic named the Herlong to its “Must Stay List,” while Florida Trend Magazine called it “Florida’s Most Elegant Bed and Breakfast.” The inn has also been celebrated by the New York Sunday Times Magazine and featured on ABC’s Good Morning America.
When you stay at the Herlong, you don’t just book a room—you become part of its rich history and unforgettable charm.
Kim Shore, Owner
I am second generation Florida native born in Hollywood—grew up in Davie, and attended college at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I moved to Southwest Florida in 1990 where I raised my two daughters and enjoyed a successful career in custom estate home construction and real estate.
Once my daughters left the area to begin their adult lives, I felt something was missing. The nature of the area is focused on golf, tennis, beaches, and boating. My heart ached for wide-open spaces and to be in a more rural setting with dreams of having my own horse again as I had years before.
The next step was a visit to the Horse Capital of the World—Ocala of course! I rented a place for a week to get to know the area and absolutely fell in love. I put my house on the market and purchased 10 acres with plans to build a home and a new life in the Micanopy area.
After mowing my new property a few times by myself and pricing construction for a new home I quickly decided that it was just too much work for one person and listed the property for sale. I decided to look at the MLS system to see what businesses were on the market in the area as I had burned out on my residential real estate career.
I saw the Herlong listing for sale and it intrigued me so I took a drive to see what the place was all about. I called the owner a few days later to learn more, and he suggested that I stay one night. I booked the Jasmine room and absolutely fell in love with this amazing house. The rest is history!
I look forward to hosting you.