Sitting on the veranda of the Chinsegut Manor House, it is difficult remain in the 21st century, moreover subdue that inner land baron or baroness. For an instant you can imagine yourself as such a person, sipping a cool sweet iced tea and enjoying the brisk breeze that makes its way through the surrounding hills while overlooking your estate.
This vision is enhanced by the recently completed renovations made possible by a $1.5 million grant from the state. The home is also exquisitely decorated for the Christmas season.
On Wednesday December 9th, Chinsegut hosted an open house and ribbon cutting in celebration of the renovations. As with any large undertaking, the renovation process was not without setbacks. However, the atmosphere at the event focused on what is in store for the future.
“This is going to be the drawing card for Tourism Development. This is going to be what puts Brooksville back on the map… I envision that every cottage we have, 7 of them with 56 beds will be rented continuously,” stated Sherry Pedonesi who serves as President of Friends of Chinsegut Hill.
County Administrator Len Sossaman eluded to the renovation as a “rebirth.” He described the process of helping the Friends acquire the funds and the happy surprise when the state agreed to fund it.
Jan Knowles emphasized the great involvement of volunteers, the county and the city in order to pull together the restoration. “This is exactly what I dreamed of,” Knowles stated. Knowles led the group during the transition from USF management and played an important role in establishing the 501c3 organization.
Mayor of Brooksville and Chinsegut Hill Retreat Manager Natalie Kahler admitted that she lived in Brooksville for 16 years without having visited the Manor House, but once she came up here she felt the “extraordinary peace and clarity that comes with this property.” She stated that the goal is to let everyone know about the great asset we have on this hill.
Kahler also explained that they recently completed setting up banners in the upstairs library, which provides a chronology of historical developments on the hill.
Upcoming events at Chinsegut Hill include A Christmas Storyteller and Carol Sing on December 12th at 4pm; An Old Fashioned Candy Demo on December 18th 11 to 1 and 7 to 9 (free demo on the hour); and a Cookie Swap December 23rd 12 to 7 – bring 3 dozen cookies to trade. Please RSVP Old Fashioned Candy Demo. 799-5400.
So grab your monocle and your favorite smoking pipe and head over to Chinsegut to indulge your inner land baron. You may also find some fascinating history of Hernando County.
Chinsegut is open from 10AM to 4PM Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.
Address: 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road Brooksville, FL 34601
