THE DEBARY INN; FOUNDED ON RICH HISTORY WITH A PASSION FOR LUXURIOUS HOSPITALITY

The DeBary Inn was acquired in 2009 by Joseph Riela and a group of Summit-based business partners and is now managed by Joseph Riela, Louis Helfer and one of the city’s most recognizable citizens, Jim Cramer. The group of investors began their journey to revive the interior infrastructure and furnishings, thereby establishing sixteen unique guest rooms and maintaining the 1880s architectural charm, all while offering luxurious modern conveniences. Primary focus was set on complimenting “Downtown Summit” by reviving and re-opening the Inn. Now thriving, the Inn hosts, and is available for; parties, graduation events, bridal showers, and business meetings and is proud to service numerous corporate accounts from the areas largest companies.
The Inn became the 500^th member of BedandBreakfast.com’s Diamond Collection and maintains a minimum of 4.5 star ratings on the top hospitality review sites. Whether guests are traveling for weekly business meetings, looking for a weekend getaway, or just need extra space for visiting friends and family, the property’s charm, amenities, and location make it a perfect choice. The 16 unique guest rooms feature Air Conditioning, Cable HDTV, private bathrooms, luxurious beds, and various antique furnishings. Several rooms include working fireplaces offering a romantic experience on the coldest winter nights.
DeBary History: Baron Fredrick DeBary was born in Rheims, France in 1815. At the age of 25 he sailed to America at the behest of the Mumm ‘Champagne’ family to be their American agent. The timing was right and DeBary went on to become the largest wine importer in America. After years of continued success, Fredrick’s son Adolphe took over the American business at the age of 27.
The mansion’s history begins in 1871 when Adolphe DeBary, married Augusta Cecil, a young woman from Summit. The couple went on to have 3 children and constructed the vast estate in 1880. The mansion was described by a local paper as “one of the largest showplaces in Summit”, known specifically for “its size, beauty, and elaborateness”. The original estate was over 3.5 acres including several separate buildings, extensive gardens, and stables for six horses.
In 1906 the DeBary family moved out of Summit and the estate was later sold in 1916 to a development company. A road was established through the property, presently called ‘Debary Place’, and remaining grounds were subdivided into residential lots. The three-story Victorian was then moved over 200 feet to its present location with frontage along the present ‘Springfield Avenue’, now home to the majority of the City’s finest restaurants, small-business, and specialty shops.
In 1923 the DeBary’s former home began offering lodging and was called “The Hobart Hotel” but renamed in 1941 to “The DeBary”, honoring the original family. Paul and Peggy Brown acquired the property in 1977 and opened “The DeBary Guest House”, specializing in lodging for 14 senior citizens, and later evolving to provide for various Summit residents facing hardship. The Brown Family of Summit put the property up for sale in 2006, and was then purchased by Anita and Hill Rose, also Summit residents, until the present ownership change in 2009.
Joe, Lou, and Jim look forward to hosting you at the Inn!
Call today to make a reservation and enjoy a slice of Summit history with us:
(908) 277-0005 or www.thedebaryinn.com.