Port d Hiver Review

	by Heather Holman on Friday, July 24, 2009
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Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast Inn - A Secret Treasure of the Atlantic

           An eclectic blend of an East Hampton Mansion and a Luxury Cuban Villa, Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast Inn is a destination on to itself. Pronounced "port de vair" meaning port of the winter, Port d'Hiver is one of the most luxurious accommodations available on the eastern shore of Florida. The ambiance is so relaxing you won't want to leave and you will be planning your next visit before you even check out.

           Located right across from Melbourne Beach, Port d'Hiver is a restored historic house formerly called The Pink House. The original home was built around 1916, a weathered plaque found in the house states that the land was originally sold by the Melbourne Beach Improvement Company to Neffie S. Long who then sold to Florence Peel in 1922. Around 1925, the house was bought by Walter Brown, a Calvary instructor who taught in nearby Eau Gallie during the winters.

           Mr. Brown spoke several languages and was an accomplished horseman, oil painter, cook and gardener. Mr. Brown and his family traveled extensively but always spent winters in Melbourne Beach, hence the name he gave the estate, house Port d'Hiver or Winterport. After an extensive four year restoration, the house, carriage house and two new additions became the Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast Inn in the winter of 2007.

           When you enter your room you are greeting with soothing music that is accompanied by a cooling breeze from the ocean and a personalized welcome note, which gave the feeling we were staying with friends rather than at a hotel. Our stay at Port d'Hiver was certainly one of the most tranquil and serene vacations we've ever had.

           The rooms are filled to the brim with luxury and tools for relaxation. The amenities are all top of the line, from the high thread sheets and down duvet to the complimentary bath salts, jacuzzi tubs and plush robes - be prepared to be pampered.

           We stayed in the Carriage House which was used as an art studio by Mr. Brown in the 1920's. The studio style bedroom, large closet, sitting room, office and bath are all accented by gorgeous windows that provide beautiful natural lighting and views of the ocean. If you would like to sleep in, the windows also come with wooden blinds. To give the feel of history to room, the large flat panel television is hidden in a charming armoire, antique chandeliers and bamboo fan hang from the high ceilings. Antique pieces are mixed with modern furniture and clean crisp colors that were picked purely for your relaxation fill the room along with fresh flowers. Two sets of French doors can be opened to a terrace with distant views of the ocean and courtyard.

           One of the most memorable parts of my husband and I's visit was the delicious gourmet breakfasts, which can be served in the main dining room, in your room, or on your terrace over-looking the ocean. They are very vegetarian and vegan friendly, the inn-keeper Valerie even invented her own “Vegan Eggless Tofu-Pesto Quiche” for my husband. The breakfast is lovingly prepared each morning and they are happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions without losing out on any of the courses. Also provided is a Flavia Coffee Center which allows you to have a flavor of coffee or tea of your choice hot and fresh in seconds.

 

           Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast provides a slew of complimentary activities such as evening wine and hors d'ouvres, a romantic heated fountain pool, free bike rentals, video/book library and of course beach supplies in case you left your towels and umbrella's at home. You can even load up a provided cooler with complimentary bottled water, sodas, snacks, coffee, tea and cookies available 24 hours a day. Also to be mentioned is the fine collection of board games you can play while overlooking the ocean and sipping your evening wine in the Mansion's sitting room.

           The luxury, privacy and exceptional service makes this hotel fit for royalty and the lack of paparazzi makes it perfect for an unrecognizable get away for celebrities. Located just a short drive from Orlando or quick flight from Miami, the Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast Inn is truly a Hotel for the Rich and Famous.