Welcome to the Sunbright Inn, Enchanting DeFuniak Springs Lodgings

The famous Sunbright House was constructed at the birth of Chautauqua Assemblies retreat movement in DeFuniak Springs by railroad magnate J.T. Sherman in the mid-late 1880’s. Sunbright Inn, the oldest house in Walton County, Florida, is now suited for enjoyment for another century offering DeFuniak Springs lodging for relaxing Florida vacations. Learn more about our enchanting destination in the pages below. We hope you and your family choose to stay in the newly renovated Sunbright Inn and let us spoil you with your own historical DeFuniak Springs lodging experience.

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Inn History

Sunbright Manor, Walton County’s oldest dwelling, boasts a vibrant past dating back to its establishment in 1886 by railroad magnate J.T. Sherman. Constructed as a replica of Sherman’s family home in Wisconsin, this nearly 6,000-square-foot mansion served as a winter retreat during DeFuniak Springs’ prosperous era. Situated among numerous homes from that period, Sunbright Manor holds historical significance. Sidney Catts, Florida’s governor from 1917 to 1921, acquired Sunbright Manor in 1924, and added to its lore by installing Walton County’s first indoor plumbing.

In the 1990s, the property transitioned into a B&B, undergoing significant renovations by Reese and Sally Orlosky in 1999. The Orloskys lovingly restored the mansion, making it a cherished home for themselves and the foster children they cared for. In 2023 the Inn was purchased and completely renovated, marrying history with modernity. Thus Sunbright’s slogan ‘The rest is history.’ Learn more about the home, new owners, and the renovation process in the article Light on a Hill by Emerald Coast Magazine.

Read Light on a Hill Article