The Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Manor House occupies 115 acres between the two
tracts of the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. Although operated
primarily as a retreat destination for educational seminars, business meetings,
weddings, and other get-togethers, it is open to the public for tours and
events.
Originally known as "Mount Airy", the area
was settled by Colonel Bird Pearson in 1847 as a sugar and corn
plantation. the property occupies the highest point of the entire Florida Nature
Coast, with scenic views across the countryside. In 1905 the property was
acquired by Raymond and Elizabeth Robins, who named it Chinsegut - an Intuit
indian word meaning "the spirit of things lost and regained". Robins eventually
deeded over 2,000 acres of the land to the federal government for agricultural
study. A portion of that gift included the nearby tracts of the Chinsegut
Wildlife and Environmental Area.
After the death of the Robins, the 115 acres comprising the Chinsegut Hill
Retreat was transferred to the State of Florida. It was leased by the University
of Florida for a short time, then beginning in 1974 it was used by the
University of South Florida as a retreat site for academic conferences. The
cottages, classroom, and dining hall, were all built by USF. In 2009, USF
notified the State that it was no longer interested in leasing the property ...
and the non-profit "Friends of Chinsegut Hill, Inc." organization convinced
Hernando County to lease the property. The manor house was renovated using a
grant from the Florida legislature. The renovation was completed in 2014.
The centerpiece of the retreat area is the 1850's era manor house that has been
exquisitely restored, and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic
Places. Located a short walk from the manor house are seven cottages, a dining
hall, classroom, and restroom facilities. The cottages are air conditioned, with
four bedrooms, kitchen and large porch. Each bedroom has two twin beds and a
private bathroom. Cottages may be rented by individuals or groups.
A variety of lunches, teas, and dinners are held at the retreat - and are open
to the public. Hourly tours of the manor house are offered several days of the
week. Special public events and programs are also scheduled each month. Be sure
to check the event schedule on the official website (see link below).
Activities & Facilities
Museum or Visitor Center
Short hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Cabins