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The mansion was a home reflecting the style of life along Florida's northwest coast. Built of native yellow pine in 1896 at Point Washington by William Henry Wesley, a lumber baron. The house formerly had elaborate Victorian trimming. Wesley's lumber partner and father-in-law, Simeon Strickland, had an identical house nearby, of which a portion still stands. Traces of their mill where lumber for the two houses was cut, may still be seen on the grounds.

It was acquired in 1963 by Miss Lois Genevieve Maxon, a former New York reporter, who restored the home. The restoration fulfills a local legend which claims that the original design was inspired by an antebellum plantation house where the builder had been given shelter on his way from the war between the states. Maxon gave the house and 10.5 acres at the edge of Choctawhatchee Bay, to the state in 1968.