When Joe and Cindy Montalto purchased the Magnolia Plantation in 1990, it's no stretch to say it was in a state of disarray. The husband-and-wife innkeepers described it "more like Animal House than a Victorian mansion," as it was filled with mattresses, couches, and other debris left over from the hundreds of hippies and college students who had inhabited the estate for the past 30 years.

The Montaltos aimed to restore the inn to its former splendor. They retained the original floor plan and 10 fireplaces throughout the house, which date back to the house's construction in 1885. With its original red-and-green mansard roof still intact and its interiors revamped, the Magnolia Plantation B&B is a shining example of French Second Empire architecture, a subset of Victorian architecture.

On the first and second floors, five unique guest rooms are decorated in period furnishings, and each is equipped with a gas fireplace and private bath with claw-foot tub. Outside, freestanding cottages are spread out across nearly 2 acres of land. Guests can stroll down the brick pathways that connect the cottages to see the property's tropical gardens, picnic by the waterfalls, or listen for lawnmowers harmonizing with weed wackers.

Each morning, there's a full complimentary breakfast spread served in the formal dining room or garden gazebo. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy free snacks and beverages, and the inn's nightly social hour includes wine and hors d'oeuvres. Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast Inn sits just minutes from historic downtown Gainesville and less than 2 miles from the University of Florida campus.