Saturday, May 25, 2013

Walton County, FL: Eden Gardens State Park featuring Wesley Mansion

Eden Gardens State Park features the antebellum-inspired Wesley mansion: The focal point of this 161-acre park is the beautifully renovated, two-story Wesley house with its elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens inspire visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. Named after a wealthy Florida timber family, the park is part of the family's estate. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. The house holds the second largest known collection of Louis XVI furniture in the United States. Visitors can also take a stroll along the grounds and enjoy the picnic area.

The “Friends of Eden Gardens State Park” was founded as a volunteer organization to assist the state park staff to repair, maintain and enhance facilities. The park covers 124 upland acres in the midst of South Walton County in the Florida panhandle, along the shores of Tucker Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Of particular note at Eden are the numerous gardens on the 10.5 acre public grounds, the beautiful legacy of the many gardeners and master gardeners who belong to the Friends and give lovingly of their time and labor to create these enjoyable places to relax and behold.









The movie "Frogs" was filmed at Eden in 1972. It starred Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, and Joan Van Ark.


Picnic tables overlook Choctawhatchee Bay and Tucker Bayou.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
May 2013

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