The Magnolia Inn was built in 1926 at the height of the Florida boom as the residence of Mr. L. R. Heim.  Mr. Heim was very wealthy as a manufacturer of ball bearings in Connecticut and held patents of the Centerless grinder used in their manufacturing.  After visiting Mount Dora, he returned in 1924 and purchased what had been Chautaugua Park on the South side of Lake Gertrude and the land to the west that extends to the Golden Triangle Shopping Center today.

Mr. Heim started the sub-division called Sylvan Shores; he also helped found the First National Bank being one of its largest stockholders, and in 1929 he personally wrote a check for $50,000 to help the bank survive.  Mr. Heim at one time not only owned the town newspaper but donated the street lighting still seen along old #441 on the shore of Lake Dora and the land and stadium known as "Heim Field Ball Park".

Magnolia Inn has been a Bed and Breakfast since 1994 and is now owned and operated by David and Betty Cook.  It features 4 guest rooms in the main house and 1 carriage house suite separate from the main house.  Each room has a private bath / shower, King or Queen beds, antiques, oriental carpets, lace, stereo TV's, CD players and a full breakfast is served.  There is a Gazebo with a Jacuzzi and Game tables to spend your time or sit on the patio, read a book, swing in our "couples" swing or lounge in the Hammock under the huge oaks.  You're invited to experience the splendor of our Mediterranean estate.