Summary:
Welcome to your unforgettable riverside retreat in historic downtown Melbourne. Perched above the Indian River Lagoon, this light-filled 1890 home lets you watch dolphins, sailboats, and manatees from the wraparound porch. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, original hardwood floors, a clawfoot tub, and a cozy riverside firepit, every detail blends modern coastal elegance with timeless charm for a one-of-a-kind stay you’ll always remember.
The Space:
This riverfront charmer offers an inspired blend of both old and new to create exceptional memories for your next getaway. Vacation life is easy with river views from so many living spaces – den, living room, primary bedroom suite, casual dining, and formal dining. Soak up the beautiful Florida weather and ocean breezes while you take in the spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the wraparound porch or riverside firepit
The adorable kitchen is fully equipped with state-of-the-art appliances. Recently renovated, the 1890 home can accommodate up to 6 guests very comfortably, with a large primary suite with King bed and two smaller Queen bedrooms. At 1,991 square feet, the home’s cottage layout adds to the character and appeal of this distinctive getaway.
All 3 bedrooms are upstairs via two sets of bungalow style stairs (narrow and a little steep) and the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms have sloped ceilings, small but extra cozy. The oversized master with gorgeous river views also includes the largest bath in the home. The guest bath has a clawfoot tub with handheld shower and a low, sloped ceiling. Note, ceiling heights vary dramatically throughout the home so taller guests should read the fine print and review the photos closely. An additional half bath is located off the kitchen downstairs, next to the full-size washer and dryer. Off-street parking for 2-3 cars is provided. Please review Other Things to Note Section for some historic home details, children and pets info.
Outdoors: Ample outdoor seating makes for relaxing and taking in the river views and outdoor dining. Evenings around the firepit are stellar. There is a Weber gas grill on site. Outdoor string lights are optional for your enjoyment. Cornhole set available for use. Beach gear is provided for guest use: cooler, beach towels and beach chairs.
Guest Access:
You will have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. Property managers live nearby and are available anytime. Guests have full use of the complete property and its private yard accompanied by spectacular unobstructed views of the river. Guests will be engrossed in the property’s charm, complimented by rich wooden flooring that flows throughout and the light and bright layout with over 30 windows in this small home!
Upon arrival complimentary parking is provided on site for up to 3 vehicles. On those many warm days, cool off indoors with our top-of-the-line AC systems. The AC works great in all areas, but guests need to control areas in the rooms on the 2nd floor. A full-size washer and dryer is also on site. There is a large storage garage that is not excluded from guest use.
The Neighborhood:
Only 3 blocks to downtown Melbourne, this charming historic home built in 1890 offers guests a truly unique vantage point to enjoy the best the Space Coast has to offer, both in terms of nature and culture. Or head over the causeway and hit the Space Coast’s best beaches minutes away. Just a few blocks from dining and shopping in downtown Melbourne, enjoy a taste of Old Florida while relaxing in comfort and style!
The Old Melbourne River House is located between the Indian River Lagoon bluff and South Harbour City Boulevard. Historic Downtown Melbourne is a destination just a few blocks away, small but loaded with charm and walkable. Don’t feel like cooking tonight? No problem! The Space Coast’s best dining options can be found in downtown Melbourne only a few blocks away. Whether it is our renowned seafood, craft cocktails or something more casual in the endless café options no guest will leave Downtown hungry – or thirsty!
The whole gang can enjoy a beach filled outing, basking in the Florida sunshine of the nearby beaches including, Indialantic (Nance Park), Indian Harbour Beach & Melbourne Beach. You may even catch a glimpse of a Space X launch in Cape Canaveral! Beach chairs and basic gear provided.
5 min 2+ miles to the Melbourne International Airport and Florida Institute of Technology;
5 min to the Beaches just over the causeway
20 miles to Cocoa Beach and the original Ron Jon Surf Shop;
Close to all the engineering companies and less than a mile to Holmes Regional Medical Center and Wells Park
60 min. to Orlando attractions, MCO Airport
60 min. to Kennedy Space Center
Attractions: 14 miles to the Brevard Zoo; 18 miles to the USSSA Space Coast Stadium; 25 miles to Port Canaveral; 47 miles to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; One-hour drive to Disney, other Orlando theme parks
Getting Around:
Besides walking, biking and car, Space Coast Area Transit bus stops to the beaches and other downtown Melbourne areas are two blocks away. The Melbourne International Airport is just a short drive; both Uber and/or Lyft serve Melbourne and surrounding areas.
Other Things to Note:
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE
• The ‘Old Melbourne River House’ is at the base of the Melbourne (192) Causeway, the street is close to a busy causeway and this unique riverfront home is close to downtown and the street has both businesses and older homes. We are 3 – 4 blocks from downtown, when walking you will have to cross US Highway 1, use the crosswalk!
• HISTORIC HOME DETAILS – Historic home features narrow (27” doorways) inside and outside the home and narrow staircases to the bedrooms. The living areas feature soaring 12’ ceilings – but the kitchen has a lower ceiling. The upstairs hallway is quite low and there are low sloping ceilings in the 2 guest bedrooms and the guest bath upstairs too.
• OCCUPANCY: limit for overnight guests is a maximum of 6 people including children (3 beds).
• CHILDREN: are welcome but total human count is 6 including little ones – stairs are steep and wooden; the edge of the yard has a steep slope down to the river and the house has light fabrics and antiques. Parents – your call!
• PETS: Considered on a case-by-case basis.
• BEDROOMS: Two sets of somewhat steep stairs lead up to the bungalow style 2nd floor. The upstairs hallway and some parts of 2nd and 3rd bedroom have low ceilings, see pictures! Master suite with KING and 2 QUEEN bedrooms
• BATHS: largest bath is upstairs in the master bathroom, includes walk-in shower; 2nd upstairs bath has a clawfoot tub with shower/curtain and sloped ceiling, taller guest may opt to use the master.
• GATHERINGS: Home is ideal for gatherings of 12 PEOPLE or LESS. Please let host know of any plans to host get togethers – which the home is ideally suited for, we just appreciate knowing in advance if you plan to entertain friends or family.
• EVENTS – WEDDINGS, REUNIONS, ETC. This beautiful home is often requested for small events! If you are interested in have any gatherings of more than 12 people, please let us know and we can discuss whether it is an option.
• Central air downstairs and modern mini-split AC units and window units upstairs help keep all areas cool and offer flexibility to guests in separate rooms of the home. The AC works great in all areas, but guests need to control areas individually.
• TVs: in the living room and master; SmartTVs for streaming and cable TV.
• Home includes full-size washer and dryer for guest use on the first floor.
• TRAINS: run through downtown Melbourne. If you want to stay in downtown, you may hear trains.
Interaction with Guests:
Property managers live nearby and are available anytime, but do not live onsite.
