We believe this beautiful historic home was destined to be used for many different purposes!  It was first designed to be a Winter home for its first owners Mr. and Mrs. James Taylor Sherman who would flee the snow covered state of Wisconsin for the warmer weather here on the Emerald Coast and to attend the Chautauqua Assembly.  

The home switched hands a couple of times before becoming a Governor’s Mansion in 1924.  It was not necessarily the full-time residence of the governor at the beginning and may have been leased out as a Hotel for a couple of years.  Governor Catts.  His family did eventually reside here at Sunbright.  It remained in their family until the death of his wife Alice in 1949.  

Then, perhaps one of the most massive changes occurred, it was purchased to be turned into Apartments.  Outside staircases were added and unfortunately,  all of the beautiful outside features, including cresting and gingerbread molding were removed.  We have since, been in contact with several residents from that time,  They all expressed their love for the structure and sweet memories of their lives during that time.  The owner even registered the house with the National Historic Register in 1979.  He also tried his hand at painting the house yellow but it became too much for him after gallons and gallons of paint so the effort was thwarted.   

Soon after, the home was sold to a gentleman by the name of Burl McCormick and he lovingly restored the home around 1980.  In speaking with his relatives, it was a clear work of love for him and his brother.  They brought it back to its glory at the time.  Some of the pictures show wallpaper and antique furniture once again graced the halls of Sunbright.  

As mentioned in a previous blog, the next season of life for Sunbright was Sunbright Manor Bed and Breakfast during the 90’s.  We recently met someone who knew John and Birdie, The Innkeepers, during that time.  She remembers a prayer room that Birdie kept in the Turret Room of the Attic.  We are so proud that we could bring a little bit of that memory back with the Bible and Stand that now grace that special room. 

Reese and Sally Orlosky bought the property in the 2000’s.   During this time it was used as a foster home for their many foster children throughout the years.  Sally was also known for her many themed Christmas trees that she would install in every room of Sunbright every Christmas.  They also were quite the collectors of antique furniture, most of which was sold with the house in 2021 and currently used in the hotel today. Mr. Reese has since walked though the Sunbright and enjoyed seeing his furniture lovingly restored to fill these rooms once again. 

Before, it was sold in 2021, the county was approached to purchase the house with the idea that it would become a Visitors Center.   Unfortunately, the vision was not shared for a use that may have been quite lovely for the Sunbright. That was definitely a missed opportunity.   

However, it has become a beautiful Inn to share with everyone and hopefully represent Walton County too.  Many new memories are being made in perhaps one of the most beautiful stages of life for this 1886 Victorian Queen Anne Style home.