First Impressions & Architecture
As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida, is no stranger to historic architecture, yet few properties capture the romantic essence of the Gilded Age quite like the Penny Farthing Inn. Nestled quietly within the coveted Cedar Street Corridor, this striking 1897 Queen Anne Victorian immediately commands attention from passersby, functioning not merely as a place to lay one's head, but as a living, breathing monument to late-19th-century craftsmanship. Approaching the property, the eye is instantly drawn to its asymmetrical façade, steeply pitched roofs, intricate gables, and the unmistakable charm of two stacked levels of broad, wraparound rocking-chair porches that invite a slower, more deliberate pace of life.
The exterior paint palette is a masterclass in Victorian restoration, highlighting the home’s ornate gingerbread trim, decorative shingle siding, and soaring sash windows without feeling overly precious. True to its moniker, whimsical British touches—most notably vintage high-wheeler bicycle accents integrated subtly into the landscaping and exterior décor—hint at the personality of the innkeepers within. Stepping past the threshold feels less like entering a commercial hotel and more like crossing the grand foyer of a well-traveled, deeply eccentric aristocrat's country estate. The scent of polished heart-pine floors, old paper, and fresh floral arrangements mingles in the heavy, sun-dappled air, instantly dissolving the modern stresses of the outside world. Here, time seems to obligingly stretch out, setting the stage for an immersive historical retreat.
The Room Experience
Accommodations at the Penny Farthing Inn eschew the sterile, cookie-cutter minimalism favored by modern luxury chains in favor of an authentic, deeply tactile period experience. Each guest room is individually appointed, ensuring that no two stays are ever identical, yet all share a common devotion to Victorian opulence fused with contemporary comfort. Entering the chamber, guests are greeted by soaring ceilings that enhance the natural light pouring through tall, double-hung windows draped in rich, heavy brocade and lace.
The focal point of the bedroom is invariably the bed itself—often a towering antique mahogany or iron-frame masterpiece outfitted with feather-soft mattresses, high-thread-count crisp linens, and an abundance of plump decorative pillows that beg you to sink in after a long day of touring Castillo de San Marcos. Period-correct antique furnishings, from marble-topped washstands and velvet-upholstered fainting couches to carved armoires, dominate the floor plan, while clever modern integrations—such as discreetly placed flat-screen televisions, silent individually controlled climate units, and high-speed Wi-Fi—ensure guests never have to sacrifice modern convenience for historical ambiance.
Lighting is warm and layered, cast primarily from vintage bedside lamps and polished brass sconces that create long, dramatic shadows against patterned wallpaper. The bathrooms, while varying in size due to the structural constraints of a late-1800s floor plan, have been thoughtfully updated. Expect gleaming subway tiles, pedestal sinks, clawfoot soaking tubs in select suites, and a generous array of locally sourced, botanical bath amenities that transform a simple evening shower into a spa-like ritual. Sound insulation is surprisingly effective for a historic home; once the heavy wooden door clicks shut, the gentle rustle of the surrounding oak trees and the distant chime of church bells are all that remain of the bustling historic district.
Signature Amenities & Atmosphere
The true beating heart of the Penny Farthing Inn lies not within the private chambers, but in its exceptional communal spaces designed expressly for lingering. The aforementioned two-level rocking-chair porches are architectural triumphs of Southern hospitality. Outfitted with comfortable wicker and wood rockers, hanging ferns, and small tables for holding a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine, these porches serve as the ultimate social hub of the inn. There is a profound, old-world pleasure to be found in sitting here at dusk, feeling the gentle Florida coastal breeze while watching horse-drawn carriages clip-clop down the quiet, tree-lined avenue of the Cedar Street Corridor.
Beyond the porches, the inn features meticulously manicured interior and exterior garden spaces. Wrought-iron bistro sets are tucked away beneath shady pergolas and surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea, cascading ferns, and tropical flora, creating secluded nooks ideal for losing oneself in a thick paperback novel or journaling about the day's discoveries. The interior parlor functions as a cozy living room, complete with a curated selection of hardbound books, board games, and a welcoming ambiance that encourages quiet conversation among fellow travelers.
The atmosphere throughout the property is expertly calibrated by the innkeepers, striking that elusive balance between attentive, white-glove service and relaxed, unpretentious warmth. Guests are treated not as transient room numbers, but as honored houseguests, receiving bespoke itinerary recommendations, insider dining tips, and a level of personalized care that massive luxury resorts simply cannot replicate.
Food, Drink & Local Nightlife
Mornings at the Penny Farthing Inn begin with an aromatic prelude that gently coops guests from their slumber: the scent of freshly brewed artisanal coffee and baking pastries drifting up the staircase. Breakfast here is not a transactional, grab-and-go affair, but a celebratory, gourmet morning ritual. Depending on the morning's weather and guest preference, meals are served either family-style around a magnificent antique dining table indoors or al fresco in the sun-dappled courtyard garden.
The menu changes daily, showcasing the culinary creativity of the kitchen with decadent, hearty, and locally inspired dishes. Expect culinary masterpieces such as:
- Fluffy baked goat cheese and spinach frittatas utilizing locally sourced farm-fresh eggs
- Decadent brioche French toast stuffed with sweet mascarpone and topped with fresh Florida strawberries and a drizzle of local honey
- Savory sweet potato hash paired with heritage-breed breakfast meats and house-baked buttermilk biscuits
- A rotating selection of artisan breads, seasonal fruit parfaits, and freshly squeezed juices
While the inn does not operate a full-service restaurant or bar for lunch and dinner, its prime positioning within the walkable core of St. Augustine places guests mere minutes away from some of the city's finest culinary hotspots. A short stroll leads to vibrant St. George Street and the scenic bayfront, where world-class dining awaits.
- The Ice Plant Bar: Located in a restored 1927 ice manufacturing plant, offering craft cocktails carved from purified block ice and farm-to-table American fare.
- Columbia Restaurant: Florida’s oldest restaurant, legendary for its 1905 Salad and traditional Spanish-Cuban masterpieces in a sprawling, tile-adorned historic setting.
- Catch 27: An intimate, brick-walled neighborhood eatery specializing in sustainably caught regional seafood and imaginative low-country dishes.
- St. Augustine Distillery: Situated right next door to the Ice Plant, offering daily craft spirits tastings and educational tours of local rum, gin, and vodka production.
Who This Stay Is For
The Penny Farthing Inn is not a destination designed for every type of traveler, but for a specific discerning demographic, it is absolute perfection. This property speaks directly to:
- History Buffs and Architecture Aficionados: Travelers who appreciate the irreplaceable character, authentic woodwork, and historical pedigree of a preserved 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian.
- Romantic Couples: Those seeking an intimate, slower-paced couples’ getaway characterized by porch-sitting, champagne toasts, and candlelit strolls through America's oldest city.
- Boutique Hotel Enthusiasts: Visitors who actively avoid homogenized corporate luxury chains in favor of properties with distinct personality, eccentric British-infused charm, and deeply personalized hospitality.
- Walkable Explorers: Vacationers who prefer to park their vehicle upon arrival and traverse the historic core entirely on foot, bicycle, or via horse-drawn carriage.
Conversely, travelers seeking ultra-modern minimalist design, sprawling mega-resort swimming pools, late-night room service, or high-octane nightlife directly on the premises may want to look elsewhere. The Penny Farthing Inn proudly embraces a quieter, more contemplative style of luxury.
Practical Travel Notes
At an exceptional value point of approximately $155 per night, the Penny Farthing Inn offers an astonishingly high return on investment, delivering boutique historic luxury at a fraction of the cost typically associated with properties of this caliber in prime tourist corridors.
- Location & Parking: Situated in the Cedar Street Corridor, the inn benefits from being just slightly removed from the deafening tourist crowds of the main drag, yet remains within an easy 10-to-15-minute walk of major downtown attractions. On-site parking is provided for guests, a major premium in historic downtown St. Augustine.
- Accessibility: Due to the authentic historic nature of an 1897 Victorian structure featuring multi-level wraparound porches and staircase access to second-story rooms, the property may present mobility challenges for guests requiring complete ADA compliance. Prospective guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the inn directly prior to booking.
- Booking Strategy: Because the inn maintains a limited number of individually appointed guest rooms to preserve its intimate, exclusive atmosphere, advance reservations are strongly recommended—particularly during peak festival seasons, autumn weekends, and the winter Nights of Lights celebration.
- Check-In & Policies: The pace here is relaxed, but standard arrival protocols apply. Be sure to communicate your estimated arrival time to the innkeepers to ensure a seamless, personalized welcome upon your entry through the grand front doors.