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LOCATION:
Micanopy is located in north central
Florida between Gainesville and Ocala. It is described as a small, quiet
town; a peaceful place with beautiful old homes located on streets "shaded
by huge live oaks draped with Spanish moss."
Address: P.O. Box 667 402 N.E. Cholokka
Boulevard, Micanopy, Florida 32667.
352-466-3322 * 800-437-5664 * Web-Site
DESCRIPTION / HISTORY:
In 1845, the original house was built
by the Simonton family, described as a simple "cracker style" 2 story
pine farm home, with a detached, separate kitchen. The Simonton family
was one of the founding families in Micanopy, and they chose a plot of
land located near a trade route.
In 1910 a Simonton daughter, Natalie
married a wealthy entrepreneur, Zetty Herlong, who did some major remodeling,
turning the house into a splendid mansion, built in the Greek Revival
style. Corinthian style columns greet the visitor in the front, and such
rich touches such as elegant leaded-glass windows, fine wood paneling,
and intricately laid floors using oak, maple, and mahogany are found throughout
the mansion.
Natalie and her husband wound up with
a showcase mansion with plenty of room - Three stories and an attic. They
had six children who grew up in this mansion, and all wanted it when their
parents passed on. Uh Oh!
Mae, Natalie (nicknamed "Pink"), V.J.,
John, Dorothy and Inez wound up in court for 18 years. Finally, Inez Herlong
Miller, by now a retired teacher and dress shop owner, finally had the
money at the age of 68 to buy out her other siblings because her husband
died. She had dreams to renovate the mansion to its former glory. Unfortunately,
she was found dead in her childhood room from a diabetic episode, soon
after taking possession of the mansion.
Unfortunately her son, who inherited
the mansion let it slide further into disrepair. It was sold in 1986,
which was the beginning of its revival and renewal. A series of owners
each did some work on the mansion, with the result of a great renovation,
bringing the mansion to its former glory. It is open as a Bed and Breakfast,
with six beautifully decored guest rooms, three impressive suites, and
three lovely cottages.
MANIFESTATIONS:
1) The ghost of Inez is said to haunt
this fine old mansion. "Inez" died after a diabetic episode, probably
in her childhood room which has been reported to be haunted by the living.
 
a) When the mansion was being renovated,
people working on the mansion would be treated to footsteps and the sound
of doors opening and closing, and specifically the door entering Inez's
room had a mind of its own!
 
b) One of the places Inez liked
to hang out was her old room, now called Inez's Suite, and is located
on the third floor. It is quite a nice room now, with a queen size antique
brass bed,and an elegant sitting area. The room also has a large, white-tiled
deck with a Jacuzzi spa for two under leaded glass windows, handmade
leaded glass lighting fixtures, with a full bath and shower, robes and
a stereo. Inez should be very pleased!
c) In the late 1990s, a couple spent
the night in the Inez Suite. They could hardly believe their eyes. Looking
in the mirror located over the dressing table, they happened to see
a female apparition floating peacefully across the room, wearing a red
shawl over her head, so her features weren't visible. They could only
see her by looking in the mirror itself. Perhaps the entity thought
it rude to appear directly in front of them and chose to let her presence
known discreetly.
 
2) The Verandah -
One early morning, a woman was sitting
in a chair on the second floor, drinking a warm drink. Feeling someone
watching her, she looked up and saw a pleasant looking woman standing
there looking at her benignly. The woman vanished as quickly as she came.
Inez was probably checking to be sure that her guest was properly cared
for and comfortable.
3) The Staircase -
Footsteps were heard and a whiff of
smoke going up the staircase was noticed.
Psychic Research
One Investigation got readings which
were noticeably higher at the top of the stairs and in Inez's room as
well.
STILL HAUNTED?
It depends on who you talk to.
Today, the owners think she has peacefully
gone to the other side, but others think she may still be hanging around.
Sources include: ancestry.com * herlong.com * ghosttraveller.com
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