Eden Gardens State Park Blends History and Beauty

South Walton is well known for its beautiful beaches, but many travelers to our area are not aware of beautiful Eden Gardens State Park. Newman-Dailey Real Estate Agent Eva Pickens is an expert on South Walton and 30A real estate and recently highlighted this South Walton treasure. Here's what she shared : 

Go back in time 100 years where this site was a hub for the Wesley Lumber Company, operating from 1890 until World War I, on the Tucker Bayou. In 1897, William Henry Wesley built an elegant white column wraparound porch antebellum style home. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley House inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry.Wesley built his home near the mill in 1897 and his family lived there until 1953 when his wife, Katie Strickland Wesley died and the home was sold along with 10.5 acres.

Ten years later, Lois Maxon fell in love with the place and purchased it, converting the house into a showplace for her family antiques and heirlooms. Ms. Maxon developed the grounds as ornamental gardens, and in 1968, she donated Eden Gardens to the State of Florida. 

On any given day when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, don’t be surprised to find families enjoying a picnic lunch on the grounds, fishing by the water, or touring the home. Today, Eden State Gardens is also a popular location for weddings and wedding receptions in South Walton and couples love to book the park as a breathtaking venue for their wedding day.

Eden Gardens contains approximately 163 acres of land and is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. Guided tours of the Wesley House are Tuesday and Wednesday. Park Admission $4 per vehicle. Correct change is required. $2 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers. House tours $4 per adult, $2 per child. Address: 181 Eden Garden Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Ready to buy or sell a home in South Walton? Eva Pickens is a great local resource on the Destin, South Walton and 30A real estate market and can be reached by email at [email protected] or call (850) 217-8641. Learn more about Newman-Dailey's Real Estate Division online or call 850-837-1071.

Not ready to buy? Make plans for your next South Walton or Destin vacation by viewing Newman-Dailey's premier beach vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!