Chalet Suzanne...

There is this magical, ideocyncratic, hodge podge tangle of buildings that has evolved over the past 80 years or so  into a whimsical Hansel and Gretel faux Bavarian village hidden away in the middle of 100 acres of orange groves that Jackie and I have had the pleasure of staying at whenever we are in the Lake Wales, Florida area called the Chalet Suzanne.  The rooms are a soft, warm, clutter of familiar old furnishings, kind of like staying over in the guest bedroom of your grandmother's old summer house.

This anomalous relic of old Florida dates from a time when there were no Ramada/Comfort/Holiday Inns.  It has, until now anyway, remained under the ownership of one family, and has managed to avoid the wrecking ball of progress.  Well, we just received an e-mail the other day from the Hinshaw family, that after 80+ years in the business, they are closing forever on August 4, 2014, this Sunday.  No real explanation of why, but that's that.  Being a mile from the highway, those 100 acres look like  prime real estate for a Walmart Distribution Center or some other equally odious monstrosity.  Hope not!!!  We in America have little respect for our cultural/architectural heritage, especially when it impedes progress, so I shouldn't get too judgmental quite yet, maybe someone will save the Hinshaws from themselves, although their 100 acres has to be worth a small fortune that can't continue to be wasted on something as whimsical as the Chalet Suzanne.  There doesn't seem to be much room for whimsey around here anymore. 

Just a few more pictures I took last time we stayed a while.  If I had only known that the end was near,  I would have done more, maybe.  Took all the pictures I needed at the time as best I could.  If I had only known there wouldn't be a next time...   As I often say, it is hard to get the big picture of some places, but at least you get the idea.

Last time we were there, we stayed in the last room on the blue side, under the peaked roof.   Guess that's it.  Thanks for everything Hinshaw Family, thanks for the warmth, the magic, the delicious breakfasts, the little flask of sherry you left for us when we checked in, and most of all, for the memories.  There will never be another Chalet Suzanne!!! 

                                                                   Pablo