Hispanic Innkeepers CREATING A MASTERPIECE
Ft. Lauderdale Owners Bring Flair to One of America’s
Grand Historic 19th Century Inns
St. Augustine, Florida (February 2008) The Casa de Solana (circa 1821), in historic St. Augustine, Florida, is surrounded by Spanish history and style. Owned by Jeffrey Sonia and Luis Castro (L to R), the Inn is undergoing an impressive restoration Most recently residing in South Florida where they were professionally engaged in the interior design & decorating business (Castro) and the airline industry (Sonia), they are now spending mega hours at their new endeavor – transforming the historic inn into their own fashionably chic masterpiece.
According to Castro “I enjoy the preservation of historic properties; we are bringing back the glory of the Casa de Solana by researching and purchasing exquisite British Colonial furnishings and accessories that are restoring our classic home and gardens into a 4-star property. “
The Inn and tranquil gardens are located on Aviles Street, which was known as Hospital Street during the British occupation, while the house was built by Don Manuel Solana, a native to St. Augustine born in 1740. The original part of the house was constructed at some time between 1803-1820 and is recorded in the Historical House of America listing in the Library of Congress.
Sonia is not only running the day-to-day guest experience at the Inn but is meticulously tending their garden, the portion of the Casa re-design that can be viewed daily by tourists riding by on sightseeing trains or just walking by . “The main house is constructed of blocks cut from native coquina stone, the same material used to build St. Augustine’s fort, Castillo de San Marco. To offset the interior renovations, I’ve already begun bringing a new magic to the peaceful courtyard with magnolias, orchids, lilies and a ‘period’ fountain.”
From exquisite gardens to richly luxurious tapestries, paintings, imported candelabras and lavish baths – there’s an air of Spanish Colonial mystery & charm at the 10-room Casa de Solana. Enter the walled courtyard on ancient brick-paved Aviles Street in St. Augustine and you’ve crossed the threshold to an oasis of times past. Aviles Street is documented as the oldest European Street in the United States and each of the Inn’s rooms connect is to the city’s Minorcan history.
Casa de Solana
21 Aviles Street
St. Augustine, Fl 32084
904-824-3555
www.casadesolana.com
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