by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Just like going to grandma’s quaint cottage in the country, Lena Castro and Paul Hout hope to evoke similar feelings about their newly remodeled bed and breakfast, The Heritage, a historic home built around the turn of the century.
Adjacent to Klutho Park, the 5,000 square-foot inn is nestled in the heart of Springfield and slated to open by spring.
“We always thought of doing a bed and breakfast but never thought it was in our reach,” said Castro.
Staying at a similar establishment in St. Augustine is what triggered the idea. Although the owner was selling, the price was out of their budget.
“We thought we would love to find an old painted lady who needs some T.L.C. It’s a wonderful lifestyle,” she said.
As luck would have it, Castro’s nephew bought property in Springfield and introduced the two to the neighborhood.
“We saw a lot of renovations in Springfield,” said Castro. “We met the people and their camaraderie impressed us.”
“They are determined to bring Springfield back,” added Hout, her husband.
Formerly known as the E.L. Ryan House, the property had been well-maintained by the previous residents, an elderly woman and her daughter.
The original plumbing and lighting remain in good working order.
“She could not maintain the home any more,” explained Castro.
Boasting five bedrooms, four sitting parlors, four grandfather clocks and seven fireplaces, the home needed few repairs.
Closing on the property the day before Thanksgiving, the pair painted, cleaned and decorated just in time to be included in the Springfield Victorian Holiday Tour of Homes in early December.
With the help of family and their new neighbors, Hout and Castro settled into their new home and new business.
“We’re not doing it to get rich,” said Hout. “I take pride in my cooking skills with a Southern flavor and Lena has a talent for style. It’s fun for us.”
Belying long-held notions of Springfield being synonymous with a bad section of town, the new innkeepers appear far from concerned about their location.
“There’s more crime in Baymeadows than there is in Springfield,” said Hout.
“It’s not free of problems but no neighborhood is,” concurred Castro.
The location was a big draw for the couple because of its proximity to museums, performing art centers, the airport, restaurants and the Landing.
To prepare for their grand opening in May, there’s still plenty of work that needs to be done. A warm, European feel is the objective. Landscaping to lend an English garden appearance is one item on the agenda. Wallpapering and the addition of a pool and gazebo are other considerations.
An interior designer from New York, Castro previously restored old homes and designed model homes in Washington, D.C.
Prior to her latest endeavor, she was a nurse at Brooks Rehabilitation Network. Hout was a law enforcement officer in Georgia until 1988 when he relocated from Georgia to coach at Temple Christian School on the Westside. The two met and were married in Jacksonville a year ago.
Guests will be treated to a continental breakfast, afternoon tea and cookies and a spread of wine, cheese and crackers in the evening.
Private bathrooms come with each suite. Gift baskets, area maps and guide books will be complimentary as well. Public parking is available in the nearby park or side streets. Concierge service is provided as well. Room rates will run $125-$145 nightly.
Special occasions, luncheons, small weddings, receptions, dinners, reunions or anniversaries can be accommodated as well. Weddings are tentatively priced at $450.
To make room for caterers, the kitchen is being fully revamped. Violinists and horse and carriage rides can be arranged for events such as weddings but because of size restrictions, only one party can be scheduled at a time.
The Heritage will have four rooms available when it opens. Personal touches like a courting bench in the parlor, a butler’s pantry and personal mementos exude a comfortable, cozy feel.
Throughout the house, Castro has antique vestiges of days past. Black and white photographs, quilts, old-fashioned cameras, letters and other memorabilia from her family grace mantels, curio cabinets and tables. Each room in the house is named after one of Castro’s relatives.
Although they are not marketing to a particular age group, Castro believes women travelers would feel safer in the more intimate environment.
“This is our home,” said Castro. “There is nothing more satisfying than someone who is enthralled with your home.”
“We’re sharing it with guests. While they are here they will be treated like family,” added Hout.