133-year-old historic Pensacola Airbnb on sale for $2.8M. Here's its story

A piece of Pensacola history is for sale for a modest $2.8 million price tag.

The 1890 Marzoni House, located at 714 E. LaRua St., doesn’t just find its value in its modern luxuries, like its heated pool, signed Picasso artwork or saline spa — but in its rich history.

The 14-bedroom estate, most easily identified by its tower looming over top, is centered in the Old East Hill Preservation District where the paved red brick alone dates back over a century. The history speaks for itself, as the home landed a spot on the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

The process in making the register is extensive, as the National Park Service states a property must be examined for age, structural integrity and significance, which most recent owners Bruce Block and husband Tony Rhodes were persistent in showcasing.

How the home became a Historic Place: Old East Hill home now a 'Historic Place'

Escambia County has 36 listings on the National Register — but only seven of those listings, including the Marzoni House, are homes.

Now Levin Rinke Realtor Cameron Weaver said the goal is pass the torch to the sixth owner in the home’s 133-year history.

“I just think it’s probably the most unique property that’s on the market right now,” Weaver said. ”The hope is that we would like to find a buyer that values the history that it came from.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B92v6BQuhvg

What’s the history behind the house?

The old Marzoni House was built in 1890 by Louis Marzoni, who was the chief lumber inspector for wealthy Henry Baars, a significant businessman in the lumber industry that put Pensacola on the map. Some of Baars’ lumber even still stands in the home today.

The home’s elaborate chimneys, woodwork and cylindrical shape made it a symbol of nobility in its time, according to Weaver.

“During the Spanish American War in 1898, Mr. Baars’ residence operated as the Austrian-Hungarian consulate and the Marzoni house was used as the Spanish consulate,” Weaver said. “The wealth of this estate has some of the deepest roots in all of the continental U.S.”

How did it become an Airbnb?

When Block and Rhodes began work renovating the home in 2014 they not only spared the abandoned, decaying house from demolition but enhanced the value even past when it was in its prime. The two spent two years pouring into the home in renovations before moving into it themselves and inviting guests in as well through Airbnb.

Though a daunting task – the home was so dilapidated you could fall through the front porch when they bought it – the two were up to the challenge, as they have renovated over 70 other properties together.

“For anybody who knew the Mazoni House in 2014, I don’t think they would look at the Marzoni house the same way. So, in 2014, whenever they took it over, you actually had to sign a waiver before you could walk onto the property. They saw something special in it,” Weaver said. “They wanted to save the house, and they did. They went above and beyond.”

The two reached Superhost status and have served guests from all over the world, where the reviews serve as their guestbook. The business wasn’t all just for fun though, as the two were making a serious net income of about $40,000 a year off the rentals, according to Weaver. Its next owner then has the option of taking over the short-term rental business the couple created.

The renovations they made still stayed true to the integrity of the home and the historic neighborhood it resides in. The kitchen tile backsplash even mirroring the paved brick pattern of East La Rua Street, according to Weaver.

Other unique Pensacola Airbnbs: Want to get away? 7 unique and memorable Pensacola Airbnbs that won't break the bank

Is there still time to rent a room?

Even though the home is officially on the market, guests still can rent out a room in the Airbnb while they have the chance.

On the Airbnb website, you can choose which “room in a castle” you would like, whether it be the tower suite, the garden/pool view or a personal balcony.

Rates vary depending on the check-in day, but average around $100 per night for the month of August.

Weaver said it is unknown whether the Airbnb will be closed temporarily or permanently after the home is sold.

More rental updates and information can be found on the Airbnb website. Purchasing information can be directed to Levin Rinke Realtor Cameron Weaver. He can be reached at cameronw@levinrinkerealty.com or 850-287-7793.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Florida historic Marzoni house on the market for $2.8M.