The History of
Havana Springs
Every place has a story. Few have one that spans nearly two centuries.
The story of Havana Springs begins in the early days of Florida, when the state itself was still taking shape. What was once a working homestead is today a 50-acre boutique resort dedicated to holding the weekends that change people's lives.
A Story in Five Chapters
The Beginning
In the 1820s, Dr. Malcolm Nicholson—a respected physician, planter, and one of the committee members who helped select Tallahassee as Florida's capital in 1824—established his homestead in what is now Gadsden County. Around 1828, he built a seven-bedroom farmhouse using heart pine harvested from his own land. The home's wood-frame construction was reinforced with hand-formed brick, creating a remarkably durable structure that still stands today as one of the oldest homes in the region. For more than a century, the Nicholson House served as a family home, witnessing generations of Florida history unfold beneath its roof.
A Farmhouse Becomes a Destination
After changing hands several times, the property entered a new chapter in 1987 when Paul Nicholson, the great-great-grandson of Dr. Malcolm Nicholson, and his wife Ann purchased the family homestead and surrounding acreage. Together they opened the beloved Nicholson Farmhouse Restaurant. Known throughout North Florida for its hospitality and legendary steaks, the restaurant quickly became a destination where families gathered to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and Sunday dinners. During this time, Paul and Ann began assembling what would become one of the property's defining characteristics: a remarkable collection of historic Florida buildings. Rather than allowing these structures to disappear, they carefully relocated and preserved them on the property, including the Littman House (circa 1890), the Shady Rest dance hall (built in 1927), Patrick's General Store & Post Office (built in 1916), and several additional historic buildings that continue to welcome guests today. Their vision transformed the property into something much more than a restaurant—it became a living museum of Florida history.
Preservation Through Change
Following Paul Nicholson's untimely passing in 1999, Gerald and Teresa Carpenter continued operating the Nicholson Farmhouse Restaurant for nearly a decade before the property entered another period of transition. In 2007, Lynn Badger purchased the property with a new vision. She expanded it into a nature retreat and boutique bed-and-breakfast, restoring additional buildings, creating guest accommodations, planting thousands of trees and native plants, establishing hiking trails, and encouraging wildlife conservation throughout the property. Her work laid much of the foundation for the peaceful setting visitors experience today.
The Birth of Havana Springs
In 2018, John and Jennifer Heal fell in love with the property's collection of historic buildings and envisioned transforming it into a premier wedding venue and boutique resort. Over the next several years they invested extensively in restoring nearly every structure on the property. Guest rooms were renovated, the Littman House was expanded, the Shady Rest received a commercial kitchen, the Nicholson House was modernized while preserving its historic character, and the grounds were transformed into a destination for weddings and celebrations. Despite setbacks from Hurricane Michael and the COVID-19 pandemic, their vision helped establish Havana Springs as one of Florida's most distinctive wedding venues.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, Havana Springs continues its story with a simple philosophy: honor the past while creating unforgettable experiences for future generations. Every historic building has been preserved because it tells a story. Every towering live oak has witnessed generations of celebrations. Every wedding, family gathering, and weekend getaway adds another chapter to a story that began nearly 200 years ago. When you visit Havana Springs, you're not simply visiting a venue. You're becoming part of its history.
Our Story
Some places are built. Others are discovered. Havana Springs is one of those rare places that seems to find the people who are meant to care for it.
Our journey began long before we ever owned a wedding venue. Like so many of the couples who celebrate here today, our story started with a wedding of our own. After experiencing the joy of gathering our family and closest friends together, we dreamed of one day creating a place where others could experience that same feeling—a place where life’s most meaningful moments could be celebrated in a way that felt timeless, personal, and unforgettable.
Years later, that dream led us to Havana Springs.
The first time we walked beneath the canopy of centuries-old live oaks, explored the historic buildings, and felt the peaceful rhythm of the property, we knew there was something special here. Havana Springs wasn’t simply a business opportunity. It was a place with a soul—a place where generations had already created memories and where countless more were waiting to be made.
At the time, the property had already been lovingly restored by its previous owners, who poured years of hard work into preserving its history and transforming it into a destination unlike any other. Like so many small businesses, the challenges of the pandemic created an unexpected turning point.
When the opportunity arose to continue the story of Havana Springs, we felt a profound responsibility to honor everything that had already been built while thoughtfully carrying it into its next chapter.
Today, that commitment guides every decision we make.
We believe history deserves to be preserved, not replaced. Every historic structure on the property represents a piece of Florida’s past, carefully restored so future generations can experience its beauty. Every garden, pathway, and gathering space is designed with the hope that families and friends will slow down, reconnect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Havana Springs has grown beyond being simply a wedding venue. It has become a place where couples begin their forever, families reunite, milestones are celebrated, and guests experience the warmth of Southern hospitality surrounded by history and nature.
As our family has grown, so has our vision. Our greatest hope is that every guest who visits Havana Springs leaves feeling like they were part of something special—not just an event, but an experience they’ll remember for years to come.
Because that’s what Havana Springs has always been about. Not simply bringing two people together. But bringing generations together.
Welcome to Havana Springs. We’re honored to share this place with you.
Three Quiet Promises
Unhurried hospitality
We host fewer events on purpose, so each one receives everything we have.
Heirloom craftsmanship
From the buildings to the table linens, everything here is chosen to last decades, not seasons.
Quiet excellence
We don't aim to be the loudest venue in Florida. We aim to be the one your guests still talk about ten years later.
Come walk the grounds.
Private tours by appointment. The best way to know Havana Springs is to feel it underfoot.
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