Engel & Völkers Represents Purchase of Historic B&B in Daytona Beach

NAPLES, Fla. - June 5, 2023 - PRLog -- Engel & Völkers Florida today announced the sale of The Abbey in Daytona Beach. TaMara York, License Partner of Engel & Völkers Ocala represented her client in the purchase of the historic-home-turned-bed-and-breakfast, located at 426 S Beach St.

"Assisting a dear friend in her search for a bed & breakfast has been an exhilarating and educational experience," said York. "The historical significance of these properties added an extra layer of nuance to the search. We meticulously evaluated the structure, updated electrical and plumbing systems, appliances, and every detail. The property she purchased, located right on Beach Street and within walking distance of downtown Daytona and the marina, perfectly aligns with her vision."

The Abbey, also known as Thompson's General Store or Rhodes House, has been a historic site since 1987. Built in 1875, The Abbey served as the second general store in the area and was established and operated by Laurence Thompson, a local entrepreneur and member of the town council. Notably, the official city incorporation papers were signed at The Abbey. Throughout its history, the building has served various purposes, including hosting church gatherings, social events, and even housing a lending library. To celebrate the building's 140th anniversary, The Abbey Historical Trust organized a public event where the City of Daytona Beach officially recognized February 15th as "Abbey Day."

The property has changed hands multiple times, starting with Thompson's sale in 1891. In 1904, Adelaide Rhodes purchased The Abbey and embarked on extensive renovations, transforming the store into a residential dwelling. Her additions, including two extra sections and a peaked roof, have shaped the present appearance of the structure. From 1918 to 1929, Rhode's son, Harrison Garfield Rhodes, an accomplished writer, playwright, and magazine editor, resided in the house seasonally. In 1955, Dr. William Doremus acquired the property and successfully applied for its inclusion in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Abbey's newest owner, Karen Boersma, has exciting plans to revive the bed and breakfast operations, with a focus on collaborating with local vendors to showcase the area's unique culinary offerings.

"Doing business with Engel & Völkers was effortless," said Boersma. "TaMara's hard work and dedication, along with Engel & Völkers' attention to detail, made everything perfect, from answering calls to managing utilities. I will continue to work with Engel & Völkers and TaMara because they understand the importance of considering customers who are not familiar with the process. Unlike other agents, they never hesitated to answer the phone or show me multiple properties."