Historic Watermelon House

Moon lit strolls along the shore. Gentle salty breezes caressing your face. Kayaking with your dolphin friends. Starry nights and sunlit days. Peace, quiet, and tranquility no matter which way you turn, and a bit of history thrown in the mix. Luxuriously comfortable furnishings and an outdoor oasis that gives you beach and water views in every direction. Historic Watermelon is the vacation home that you have longed for. Come along and hear her story and you will never wish to vacation anywhere else again.

It was the late 1800’s. Summer Haven in St Johns County was a quaint cottage community where the local farmers escaped to cool off during the summers. It was a quiet and discreet place to relax after a season of plowing and planting. It stayed quiet until it was discovered by Thomas A. Mellon, one of the heirs to the Mellon banking and industrial fortune family. From a place where the locals got off the farm and enjoyed the ocean and hunting on the virgin grounds surrounding it, it became further developed by Thomas to allow for a grandiose estate on the beaches and ocean. This set a new vibe to the area which was now beginning to be frequented by celebrities, those of high society, and the wealthy elite. It was not surprising to find guests such as authors, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Robert Frost, and also some of Hollywood’s favorites, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and other most interesting guests such as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, C.V. Whitney, founder of Marineland, Owen D. Young, owner of Washington Oaks and the chairman of GE in the 1930. Rumor has it that the Kennedy family embellished the water way with massive boulders for their good friends, The Mellons, in order to stop the erosion happening there. To this day, properties in this area can flood or completely lose their water, while the Mellon property, now Historic Watermelon, stands high and dry. Grand beaches surround you giving fantastic access to the shimmering Atlantic Ocean in all her glory. A fortress well preserved with the past help of great friends.

Since then, the home has had several owners, each family making their own, never to be forgotten, cherished memories that will be passed down generation to generation. Remnants of days and years gone by of magical moments they were lucky enough to have experienced. Fast forward to today. Today this property, privately owned and aptly named Historic Watermelon for the street it rests on, Melon, and Water, which the beaches beyond are all surrounded by, and historic for the fantastic stories this home has to tell. Don’t you wish the walls could speak! Intracoastal, beaches, bays, and tidal pools, all there as if they were created just for you. So private that you feel that you are on a remote idyllic island where you can spend day after day
without a care in the world or a timetable to keep. To enjoy the pleasures of the ocean, the waves rolling on to the shoreline gifting you with one magnificent sea treasure after the next as you find Sand-dollars, and fabulous shells to collect. Or go for a kayak ride and glide through the ocean alongside your favorite dolphin friend. You will want to pinch yourself to make sure that it isn’t a dream!

Upon check in you will be created by a generous front porch, lined with rockers, just begging you to put down the suitcases and relax. A grand foyer leads to an enormous kitchen of high-end appliances, 2 refrigerators and a separate butler’s pantry where the finest of Chefs would beg to create something sumptuous and mouthwatering for a large crowd, or a most intimate dinner for two. A massive fireplace, room after amazing room leading you to a sun porch where you will find astounding views of pristine beach, river, ocean and exotic island birds feeding and nesting in their sacred habitats. If you are an early riser, you will appreciate the dazzling sunrises, created by Mother Nature, just for you! Don’t miss it as it is the very best way to begin your day!

Outside, you will find your private heated swimming pool complete with a mermaid grotto and waterfall. Can you even imagine! A lush tiki bar and hut with double grill, places to spread out and lounge or enjoy your island meal, because by now you must certainly be in the mood for a barbecue!! Hot tub for a good warm soak, 4 Kayaks and 2 paddle boards that call you to the sea for some Vitamin D, fresh sea air, and a bit of exercise for a most exhilarating adventure. You will enjoy the convenience of your own private dock to cruise on down to the beach and a short jaunt to launch the water vessel. Here you will feel the beaches belong to only you!

After an amazing day of sunshine and seagulls you head inside to shower and prep for your evening. There are 6 bedrooms named for some of the famous guests who have stayed here at this very home. Each room uniquely themed and done with stunning style and taste. But why ruin the surprise! We look forward to impressing you as you enter each bedroom, one finer than the next!

And what to do for dinner? There are wonderful places to eat to the south, such as 386, JT’s and the restaurants in the Italian Village. To the north you will be impressed and amazed by Elk house Eatery, Purple Olive, and one after the next mouthwatering destination until you realize you have driven 15 or so minutes and have ended up downtown. Just like the Historic Watermelon, downtown is full of history. Savory scents and delectable dishes lure you inside for one tasty course after the next.....however, many Historic Watermelon guests bypass all of the talent and temptations and decide on eating at home. After all, who would ever want to leave!

Whether you have an event, family reunion, corporate meet up, baby shower, yoga retreat, or a romantic once in a lifetime proposal to make to your loved one, Historic Watermelon is your best choice to enjoy and impress. The only thing it leaves you wanting is more time here and confirming your next visit! Come experience the history, the comfort, the luxuries, the adventures and the once in a lifetime cherished memories you will make here. Historic Watermelon, no stress and no regrets. Call today and vacation the way vacations are supposed to be.
You must be 25 years of age to book this property and person reserving must stay during the entire booking.
This is a nonsmoking property.
Quiet time is from 10pm to 9am.
No parking on the grass or the street.
Please shower off before entering the pool or jacuzzi. Also before entering the home after time at the beach.
Please leave shoes outside on the patio deck.
POOL HEAT:
Pool heat is included during the cooler months (October- February). If you'd like pool heated outside of those months there is a $150 pool heating fee. Please request this prior to arrival as can take 24-48 hours to reach temp. Pool is set to 85 when heated
You must be at least 25 years of age in order to make a reservation. The person who makes the reservation must occupy the residence for the duration of the reservation.
Pool heat is included during the cooler months (October- February). If you'd like pool heated outside of those months there is a $150 pool heating fee. Please request this prior to arrival as can take 24-48 hours to reach temp. Pool is set to 85 when heate