Step Back into Serenity at Sweetwater
THE SWEETWATER Branch Inn, wants you to take a step back in time, to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. The Inn is made up of two completely renovated houses located in the historic district of Gainesville. The historic McKenzie home, circa 1895, is named after the former owners who lived in the house for over 50 years. The Cushman-Colson House, circa 1885, was one of the original homes along Old Alachua Avenue, known now as University Avenue. The house is named after the Cushman family who lived in the house until 1905 and the family of Dr. James Colson who lived there for 20 years. Over the years the houses became vacant and with the local population moving west, they sadly fell into disrepair.
While the homes have a history of their own, the Holbrook family has a history with them as well. In 1978 Giovanna and Juan Holbrook, purchased the McKenzie home and began restoring it to its original beauty and charm. The Holbrooks later purchased the Cushman-Colson home in 1992. The process from taking these buildings from their dilapidated condition to the beautiful works of art they are today was one of love and patience, not to mention a lot of sweat and hard work.
A photo album in the Cushman- Colson home chronicles the early days and the evolution of the inn. The McKenzie home stood tall and bare, the grounds in shambles. Because of the commercial nature of the project, professional contractors were needed to do most of the building work. Cornelia Holbrook, owner of the Sweetwater Branch Inn, busied herself refinishing woodwork in the house. She brought together colors and the styles of each of the rooms. Combing garage sales and flea markets, she was always on the look out for 
antiques she could bring back to life. Her talent is obvious when you see what she’s done. She had a vision of what she wanted the property to look like and was willing to put in the effort to see her dream come to fruition.
“If I would have known it was going to be so demanding, I probably wouldn’t have even started it,” she explains. “I was young and idealistic. I thought I could do anything.” “When people stay at a bed and breakfast, there are so many good things that come out of it,” she says. “In a bigger sense, they support an effort to keep history alive.”
“People have told me when they came to visit us it was the first time they’d been on this side of town in years. They had no idea how much the area had changed,” says Cornelia. “They start to understand that maybe those of us who renovate old buildings aren’t crazy!” These old homes and neighborhoods are viable entities.
Although so much of the Sweetwater Branch Inn has to do with history and nostalgia, the amenities are 21st century. She admits that in today’s world modern conveniences are a must. That’s why each of the 15 rooms have a private bath, each with its own claw-foot tub and a shower (with the exception of Julie’s Room), cable television, telephones, sitting chairs, writing desks, an ironing board and a blow dryer. Another plus, not usually found at a bed and breakfast, is free wireless high speed internet access.
These amenities make the Inn a perfect choice for romantic couples, parents coming to visit their children in college, Gator fans coming in for a game, and professionals in town on business. Shands even houses residents from out-of-town at the Inn.
Because of so many out-of-town visitors, Sweetwater Branch Inn offers a shuttle to and from their needed destinations to help make their stay even more convenient. Hotels don’t have anything on the Inn!
When a longer stay is in order, the Inn offers two turn-key apartments available to rent by the week, month or longer if needed. Sarah’s Cottage and the Carriage House are turn-key apartments with cable television, private phones and fully equipped kitchens ready for home-cooked meals. Nestled in the gardens of the Sweetwater Branch, these apartments don’t require a lease and are perfect for corporate travelers or even those waiting to close on a house.
Although Cornelia admits her early years were solo, she now knows she couldn’t continue to go it alone. She’s been fortunate to surround herself with wonderful employees who each have their own niche. It’s resulted in a turnover rate of practically nil. That not only speaks well of her and makes her life easier, it benefits guests by providing a familiar voice on the phone and friendly face at the door. As innkeeper Mary Nell Pittman explains, “The best part is that we all have our own jobs and things just flow. It’s familiarity and continuity all around.”
The fact that each of the rooms has its own character is no coincidence. Cornelia put a lot of thought into bringing distinct styles and personality into each one. “I wanted to encourage people’s sense of curiosity,” she explains.
“I wanted them to look around.” Her years growing up in an eclectic house and traveling to Europe, gave her a foundation for her sense of style and décor.
There’s Isadora’s room in the Old McKenzie Home that was originally an attic. Now it boasts cathedral ceilings and a wonderful turret-room enclosed with beautifully crafted stained glass that was privately commissioned by Giovanna Holbrook. The Blue Moon Room in the Cushman-Colson House with its low ceilings and sitting nook, 
features a French provincial queen bed. Here you will find yourself reminiscing about visits to grandma’s house when you were little.
There’s also the Honeymoon Cottage that’s a cozy villa separate from the houses and perfect for newlyweds or even a couple celebrating their anniversary. Snuggled in the lovely gardens and complete with its own Jacuzzi, it provides the perfect atmosphere for a romantic weekend.
In the morning, guests are greeted with a delicious breakfast of savory crepes, quiche and croissants, fresh fruit and juice. To help wake you up and get you moving, the Inn serves their very own blend of Costa Rican coffee.
Sweetwater Branch hosts a variety of events from weddings and receptions, family reunions, to corporate retreats and conferences. Brides and grooms can take their vows in the lush setting of McKenzie Gardens or in the spacious Victorian-style of McKenzie Hall.
Catering is a given at the Inn. Who could resist a brunch menu that includes the likes of poached salmon or pesto cream torte? The hor d’oeuvres are a tantalizing variety of items ranging from imported cheese and spinach stuffed mushrooms to grilled jumbo shrimp skewers. Full meals can be served and include three gourmet courses and a scrumptious dessert, or you can choose buffet style.
Of the different events taking place at the Inn, weddings are everyone’s favorite. “We all like weddings. They’re such a feel good event. You’d think after years of doing them, we’d be tired of them, but we aren’t,” says Cornelia. She understands too that even though she has hosted many a wedding that it’s still your special day—unique and individual to the happy couple.
So for a romantic weekend away, a beautiful wedding and reception, a professional conference in lovely surroundings, visit Sweetwater Branch Inn. It’s a little of old world charm hidden away from the fast pace of today. G
Sweetwater Branch Inn is located at 625 East University Avenue, in historic Gainesville. You can reach them at 352-373-6760 or toll free at 1-800- 595-7760. Visit their website at www.sweetwaterinn.com.