Old Florida: superb historic compound for 12, WPB

Hi, I’m Stefanie — your host.

I’ve spent much of my professional life working as a writer and journalist, and perhaps that’s one reason I’ve always been drawn to places with character and stories of their own.

Back in 2011, my sister and I came to Old Northwood on vacation with our parents and instantly fell in love with this neighborhood. It was just after the real estate crisis, and many of the historic homes in the area were for sale. Before long, we had traded beach days for house tours and meetings with realtors.

When we found this old house on 28th Street, we knew it needed a lot of work — and, as it turned out, much more than we expected.

What started as a restoration became a long-term labor of love. The house had previously belonged to a well-known interior designer from New York, and while we made many changes, we also kept and restored some of the beautiful original design details that first drew us in.

Over the years, we’ve renovated, rebuilt, planted, repaired, and reimagined the property — always trying to preserve its old-Florida charm while creating a place where people can gather, celebrate, and slow down for a little while.

We chose Old Northwood because it is one of the most beautiful, historic, and character-filled neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. Founded in the early 1920s, it became the city’s first designated historic district in 1991, and today it is home to hundreds of wonderful historic houses in a mix of Mediterranean Revival, Mission, Craftsman, and old Florida styles.

What we love most is that Old Northwood feels like a real neighborhood. The streets are lined with trees and one beautiful house after another. Neighbors know each other, look out for one another, and take real pride in the area. It feels residential, peaceful, and rooted — but never sleepy.

Just a short walk away, Northwood Road offers an amazing variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, antique stores, galleries, vintage shops, and small independent businesses. You can find everything from Thai, Mexican, French or Peruvian. At the same time, the location is incredibly central. Old Northwood is just minutes from the waterfront, downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Island, the beaches, museums, shopping, dining, and everything the area has to offer.

Our property is unique because it feels like a private historic hideaway in the middle of one of West Palm Beach’s most charming neighborhoods.

Built in 1926, the main house has the warmth, proportions, and character of old Florida architecture. During the renovation, our goal was never to make it feel generic or over-renovated. We updated what needed to be updated for comfort and ease, but we were very intentional about preserving the soul of the house — its historic integrity, its old Florida charm, and the nostalgic feeling that so many guests love.

The house and rear cottages are arranged around a lush tropical garden with palms, shaded seating areas, a heated saltwater plunge pool, barrel sauna, fire pit, outdoor shower, hammock, and several inviting places to gather or unwind. It offers a rare mix of togetherness and privacy: families and friends can spend time together, while still having separate spaces to retreat to.

What makes the property special is that it does not feel like a standard vacation rental. It feels personal, layered, and full of character — a restored 1920s home that celebrates its past while offering the comfort and ease of a modern stay.