Rooms were comfortable and spacious. Lots of common areas to relax. Walking distance to several activities. The Mertens fixed a wonderful breakfast an hour and a half earlier than usual so we could get to our meeting on time. Appreciate their extra effort to be a green lodging. Will be back and already have recommended to others.

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Our hosts, Ila Rae and Tom Merton, were very personable and the breakfast excellent.

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Love home. Breakfast was excellent. Light an delicious. The Orange juice is the best I have ever drank! Ila Rey and Tim were just wonderful hosts. 10 minutes and we were downtown. Only thing was that there was no A/C in the main house. Rooms were A/C'd via window A/C. Not a huge problem though. Delightful.

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Have stayed with Ila Rae and Tom twice and both times were very pleasant!! The stay was a great deal considering a wonderful breakfast is included with freshly ground organic coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice!! Plus their green efforts in the use of solar panels, rain collection for irrigation and organic gardening get a huge thumbs up!!! A stay here will surely not disappoint. Naysha & Josue

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With a wonderful breakfast and even better conversation, the Jenks House is the best eco-FRIENDLY place to stay!

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It would be good if there was a list of local restaurants and local attractions in the binder that was on our bed in our room. We were lucky that Tom was available to give us recommendations in person. We especially like the environmentally-friendly approach to innkeeping. My wife says that the garden area was a little unkempt, but I found that to be attractive because it showed that the garden was alive and functioning -- take this as you will. Thanks for a great stay!

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The house and rooms are beautiful. The owners are friendly, professional, and helpful. They provide the best breakfast in Jacksonville and it is all organic.

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My husband and I recently stayed two nights for a three day weekend at this wonderful B&B. You will instantly feel relaxed and enamored with this lovingly restored home! The owners Tom and Ila Rae have spent 30+ years bringing the life of the heart pine wood back to its warm glow, collecting furnishings both original and contemporary to this unique home, as well as utilizing green practices throughout the home (e.g. fresh home garden items in the menu, rain water reclamation...). We enjoyed the Riverside / Avondale area and thank the Mertens for helping us plan our mini-trips to the Cummer Museum & Gardens, the Riverside Arts Market, and dinner at Avondale. We espcially enjoyed our time with Tom and Ila Rae at morning breakfast! Crepes with fresh fruit, whole wheat blueberry pancakes, fantastic fresh roasted coffee beans in-house! It was no surprise to learn Ila Rae was a personal chef at one time! Delicious food, along with great conversation! This couple has much love and pride for the area they raised their family in, and share so many interesting stories and collectible items from by-gone eras... intriguing newspaper clippings, pictures, postcards which all tell the story of earlier days in beautiful Jacksonville! All-in-all, a perfect home away from home!

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Wonderful hosts, great food in a beautiful home. We loved the atmosphere and really enjoyed the other guests.

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Ila Rae and Tom are the most interesting innkeepers we have met! the food was to die for and the history they shared with us was amazing. The attention to small details is a rare find in these times.

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I stayed in the "Live Oak Room" at the Jenks House recently. This was a great alternative to the typical hotel...convenient, easy going, Green, and grandly nostalgic. The Mertens are hosts with a generous spirit. I didn't see a TV for the weekend and never missed it.

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Tom and Ila Rae were some of the most gracious hosts and people I've ever met. It was hard to leave such a wonderful B&B ~ delicious fresh squeezed OJ and hand roasted coffee were part of the amazing homemade breakfasts, a gorgeous home and rooms they lovingly renovated and restored over the years, their organic garden with fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers were part of the treat of staying there. They had the best restaurant recommendations and generously shared their museum membership. What a great trip - thank you!

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We stayed at The Jenks House overnight on our tour South. It was a highlight of our trip as we enjoyed the house which is delightful, an excellent home-cooked breakfast and particularly the company of our hosts, Tom and Ila Rae, so much. House is in a quiet residential district with easy access nearby to good food and the riverfront. We would certainly have no hesitation in highly recommending.

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Warm and friendly hosts. Excellent breakfast and freshly roasted coffee. Very informative about the surrounding area. Lively and engaging discussions. Lovely home with a comfortable bed.

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We were delighted with our stay at the Jenks House. Tom and Ila Rae not only shared information about their house and Jacksonville but provided a dining recommendation that was superb. Our room was lovely (with wonderful ironed sheets), the breakfast treats started the day on a positive note. We would definitely visit again.

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We had a wonderful time staying at the Jenks House....Tom and Ila Rae are fantastic hosts and we had several great conversations with them during our stay...the house is warm and inviting and the room was very clean and quiet....we recommend to anyone staying in the Jacksonville area to try their house out..you wont be disappointed

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We sat at the beautifully presented breakfast (different menu every day) and talked about politics, life, religion, container gardening, real estate, kids, and, once I got Ila Rae alone, we talked about how soft the sheets are and how does she keep them that way! It was a wonderful week (five nights) and we not only rested well, but also made two new friends. We were so pleased with our choice made from the yellow pages. Sally Collier Bob Caiola Slanesville, WV 25444

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We immediately felt welcome in the Merten home and we're invited to make ourselves at home. Our first visit to Jacksonville was a wonderful experience due to the accommodations and conversation with the Mertens. We felt more like a part of the family than a guest at a B&B. Thanks for making us feel at home!

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My wife, son and I spent a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend in Jacksonville and the highlight (other than visiting our family, of course!) was staying at the Jenks House. A beautifully restored family home in a quiet neighborhood with wonderful hosts, that made us feel like we visiting old friends. The food was a great balance of comfort, inventiveness, and deliciousness--arriving fresh from their organic gardens. We can't wait to visit Jacksonville again, if only to stay with Tom and Illa Rae at the Jenks House again!

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I stayed at Jenk's B&B the night before my interview. I had a comfortable night sleep and a wonderful breakfast with best tasting Sri Lanka tea. I was refreshed and ready for my big day. The owners take pride in their little gem of a house.

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Very nice place to stay if you have business on the East side of Jacksonville. Everything was clean and quiet throughout the night.

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I had a wonderful experience at the Jenks House. The owners were wonderfully hospitable and the breakfast was outstanding. Their fresh squeezed orange juice comes right from the back yard. The house was very clean and accommodations far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this bed and breakfast. The owners are committed to providing you the best accommodations and service imaginable. Thanks!

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When one places a reservation at a bed and breakfast, it is easy to assume lodging will be comfortable and the meal filling, not to mention the attention to detail one receives when compared to a hotel-little did we know just how memorable our stay would be. The room was splendid-bedecked with family heirlooms and unique touches. We were especially found of the antique (but fully functioning!) tube radio in our room. Our breakfast was like no other; homemade sticky buns, freshly squeezed orange juice (from the backyard, no less), newly roasted and ground fair trade coffee, and scrumptious buckwheat blueberry pancakes with heart healthy potatoes...what more can be said? The innkeepers were truly a delight and were very knowledgeable about the community and sights and scenes. Further, their eco-friendly lifestyle is something we should all model. I would strongly recommend this inn to anyone who longs for something more from their typical lodging...even for a professional b & b'er.

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Excellent place. Beautiful house, great folks and good food.

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We met friends for a weekend of socializing- good food, fun, bridge, outdoor activities, etc. Tom and Ila Rae were fantastic hosts, providing excellent service and suggestions!

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When I arrived at the Jenks House on a rainy evening, Tom was waiting for me in the driveway with an umbrella and that was just the beginning of his and Ila Rae’s thoughtfulness. The house was very welcoming at night, but the next morning the beautiful woodwork was absolutely glowing in the sunlight. I enjoyed looking at the memorabilia they’ve collected about the Jenks Restaurant which was run by the home’s original owners. As someone who strives to live a “green” life, I really appreciated the Mertens' commitment to the same thing. They suggested a nature preserve for me to visit and supplied detailed directions. Jenks House is a refreshing change from the sometimes too-cute Victorian B&B’s. My comfortable room/bed, a wonderful healthy breakfast and interesting conversation made my stay unforgettable.

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My wife and I spent three nights at the Jenks House and we had the best stay. The breakfast blew away any expectations we had. The room was great and the little history book they had put together for each room brought us up to speed with a little history of the house and Jacksonville and was very enjoyable to read at night. Our hats are off to the best B&B we have ever stayed at. Thank You guys for the great experience.

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This is a beautiful house and the accomodations are very comfortable and the hospitality excellent! We especially enjoyed the sunporch for reading and chatting. The location is excellent, quiet and close to shopping and dining. We look forward to returning!

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Great location- we could walk to the game. Tom and Ila Rae were exceptional hosts and the coffee and fruit was to die for, Breakfast each morning was wonderful and they were great to just sit and talk- very gracious and helpful. We loved our stay-would definitely be a repeat B&B for us Your Clemson buddies- Go TIGERS

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Tom & Ila Rae are very nice people to stay with, they were very attentive to our dietary needs. The breakfast they served was fabulous and so was the conversation. My husband was a bit unsure of the whole bed & breakfast idea but, when we checked out, he said he would definately do that again! The house is beautiful, the rooms are VERY clean and in walking distance to resturants and shops. Thank you, Tom & Ila Rae for a great time! We will be back to see you again soon!

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B&B at it's best; friendly, helpful, comfortable. Outstanding.

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As a frequent traveler, I've rested my head in many places, but I rate the Jenks House among the best. Lovingly and impeccably restored by its innkeepers in the "arts and crafts" style, the house combines modern conveniences (wi-fi), historic fixtures, and "green" consciousness. Tom and Ila Rae are wonderful hosts and great conversationalists. They even suggested a route for my morning run. Their breakfast was to die for. Five stars!

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We live seventy five miles from Jacksonville and found this to be the perfect weekend gettaway. We had visited the "Five Points" neighborhood before and enjoyed its history and charm. The Mertens are gracious hosts and the house is attractive and comfortable. My favorite time was spent reading in the second story common room as the sun was setting. And the value added lillies are taking root in out front garden. If you like bed and breakfasts like I do, you won't want to miss this one.

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Jenks House had everything we want in a B&B--a convenient location, it is spotless, the bed is great with heavenly pressed sheets; after the first course I would have rated the breakfast excellent...and then the main course arrived! Excellent materials in the room for reading, all in a quiet & lovely setting. We wanted to stay much longer. The hosts are interesting and so pleasant; this is an extraordinary place, & we highly recommend it. Truly the best B & B we have stayed in anywhere. We will return! Kitty & Dave

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I lived in Jacksonville in the 70's and have tried ever since to explain what I loved and still miss about North Fla. The Merten's B&B catches the essence of the beauty, peach, simplicity, and friendship of the Fla. that I remember.

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A beautiful, skillfully restored old Florida house filled with light, peace, and beauty. Not cluttered with cute stuff like so many B and B's, but with artfully selected Floridiana (NOT Mickey!), comfortable period furniture, and the best range of books I've ever seen in a B and B. The Mertens are warm, intelligent, interested hosts, and the breakfast with plenty of fresh-squeezed oj was delicious. A great walking neighborhood - I believe this is a historic district- though shabby in some areas. Go down by the magnificent river - and if reading and walking aren't enough for you, the Mertens will tell you everything you can explore in and around Jacksonville.

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My ratings speak for themselves, however they cannot convey my personal feelings for the place and the people. Tom and Ila Rae took care of me, not just my needs, for an entire week. I would not have made it that long away from home had it not been for their kindness, warmth and hospitality. I am returning next week because I miss them already. Dawn Quarles Pensacola, Florida

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My wife and I spent a lovely time here. Tom and Ila Rae were great hosts and a joy to talk with. The orange grove is a real treat and the breakfast is the best we have ever had at a B&B. We plan to stay here the next time we get a chance to go to Jacksonville.

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My husband and I recently enjoyed a stay at the Jenks House during a visit to attend our goddaughter's high school graduation. Tom and Ila Rae were wonderful hosts and even insisted on serving us breakfast extra early on a day we had to depart for the graduation ceremonies. The fresh-squeezed OJ was great! We were very comfortable at this beautiful B&B and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience "Old Florida" at its best.

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Ila Rae and Tom went out of their way to make our stay with them one of our best B&B experiences. We hope to return soon.

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This was a charming bed and breakfast beautifully maintained by the innkeepers and very convenient to all the spots in Jacksonville by public transportation. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the Mertens, and the food was absolutely fabulous. I would return here and will definitely recommend it to my friends.

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Having stayed at 100's of B&B's this haven is my most favorite! With only two rooms it is small enough to allow for making new friends with ease and being treated like special family by the innkeepers. The property is beautiful and our room exceeded our expectations in terms of comfort, style, and cleaniness.My food allergy needs were fully supported with a breakfast that set the stage for an extraordinary day, which included fresh squeezed organic oranges from the backyard and a cup of coffee so good it should make Starbucks want to cry! The innkeepers made us feel like family by readily sharing stories and points of interest including their green thumbs.

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I was in Jacksonville for a work conference. Staying at the Jenks house with Ila Rae and Tom Merten was exactly what I needed every evening after long days of meetings and training. The beds were comfortable, the house was spotless, the bathroom was well appointed and clean. The food was simply amazing, really tasty, healthy, fresh squeezed orange juice, crepes, fruit, other delicious things I didn't even know the name of. Some of which came straight from their own garden outside the kitchen. Tom, Ila Rae, and the other guests were respectful of my space, yet we had engaging and fun conversation over breakfast. I was really impressed with the time and effort that Tom and Ila Rae have spent restoring their beautiful 1920's era house. They have paid attention to historical detail while incorporating up to date energy and water efficient systems. All in all, Tom and Ila Rae have set a high standard that I hope other B&B's can follow.

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While recently in the US we stayed an The Jenks House in Jacksonville. The house was beautiful and our hosts couldn't have been more helpful. Ila Rae and Tom were great with dining recommendations, directions and general information about Jacksonville.

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We had a wonderful stay at the Jenks House, which has been lovingly restored by innkeepers Tom and Ila Rae. The breakfasts were fresh and delicious with many ingredients coming directly from their organic garden. The highlight of this experience is the warm, lively conversation and caring that Ila Rae and Tom share with their guests. When my mom fractured her ankle while in Jacksonville, breakfast was brought upstairs to the sunroom along with frequent visits from Tom and Ila Rae throughout the day. They treated us like family and made us feel right at home.

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I was able to book a last minute reservation at the Jenks House and am now so glad that I stumbled upon this gem of a B&B! The innkeepers are wonderfully friendly and accommodating people, not to mention excellent cooks and conversationalists! What's more, their commitment to providing a true experience is clear, from the home-roasted free-trade coffee, organic garden, and impeccably restored home. I have only had the pleasure to stay at the Jenks House once, but am sure to recommend it to anyone I know going to Jacksonville, FL. I wish there could be a Jenks House in any city to which I might one day travel!

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A wonderful home with charming and attentive host. They were most helpful with info on where to eat. They also provided a wonderful breakfast each morning.

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Knowledgable and friendly innkeepers take wonderful care of this beautiful home and their guests. The food was incredible, fresh, and varied.

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A different breakfast each day for our four-day holiday. Friendly host & hostess.

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They provided the ideal B&B environment – Peace & quiet, excellent food & comfortable spaces. They have stayed true to architecture of the home, making it a destination itself!

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We had a great time staying with Ila Rae and Tom, they are great host. We loved the stories and conversations. The smell of the hot cinnamon rolls really get you down to breakfast. You will enjoy the fresh papaya and other fruits grow right on the property. The only thing that would have made our stay better would have been if the Gators could have won. We can't wait till next year.

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The Jenks House is wonderfully cozy and the innkeepers are exceptionally hospitable. What wonderful breakfasts - fresh squeezed OJ and home roasted coffee! Doesn't get any better. We loved the "green lodging" experience.

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Tom and Ila Rae are justifiably proud of their recent designation as a “Green Lodging.” In actual fact their normal lifestyle for the past 30 years made the award an obvious choice. Gracious hosts and wonderful décor made this a wonderful stay. We’ll be back!

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Once owned by local restaurateurs, the Jenks house is in every way a “little taste” of the history of Jacksonville. Every furnishing in the house has a story to it, which the proprietors, long time residents of this historic district, love to share. The hospitable owners are a wealth of knowledge about the area (everything from hidden sea food joints for locals attend to local shopping and art opportunities). The food is excellent: OJ -fresh within seconds, organic fair-trade coffee roasted on sight, and scrumptious breakfast foods.

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I recently visited Jacksonville and stayed at the Jenks House. It was the perfect choice for lodging. Tom and Ila were gracious, friendly and attentive to all of my needs. They served a splendid breakfast while accommodating my vegan diet. The house is in a refurbished historical neighborhood and is spacious, quiet and handsomely furnished. There are several spots to “get away”: a wide and airy front porch, a large upstairs sitting room lined with windows and books, a lovely organic garden on the side of the house with vegetables, orange and papaya trees, and Ila’s flowers. Both gave excellent directions around town and made recommendations for sightseeing. I had enjoyable and interesting conversations with them and they made me feel very welcome. I look forward to staying there again.

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I visit Jacksonville frequently and the Jenks House is my home away from home. Ila Rae and Tom Merten provide a beautiful and comfortable place to stay, incredibly delicious breakfasts, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly roasted coffee, and kind and bright conversation. I'm always happy to go back.

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The Jenks house is an excellent choice for many reasons - the flexibility and friendliness of the owners, the beauty of the home, various choices of lounging areas for guests, the house-related antiques, porch swing, the pillow assortment, fresh orange juice and garden produce, and the location. Architecture buffs will enjoy the neighborhood and that the eclectic art deco street of non-chain cafes and the beautiful Cummer museum are within walking distance.

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We came to Jacksonville for the first time for the Jazz Festival. The Jenks House neighborhood is definitely not upscale, but is a great location, not far from downtown events and with onsite parking. We have rarely encountered such gracious, yet casual, hospitality. Tom and Ila Rae radiate their joy in their home and its history. It is beautifully furnished with many personal and historical items and is immaculate. Sleep on 500 count pima cotton sheets, lovingly ironed by Ila Rae. Enjoy wonderful period furniture and decor. Peace rules. We did not have a TV in our room and did not want one. Everything else listed on this site is there. At $100/night what a value. Most delightful were Tom and Ila Rae-such interesting and intelligent people with a commitment to the earth. Ila Rae served delicious creative breakfasts with many organics from her extensive garden. Tom roasted, ground and brewed our coffee just minutes before we drank it. They catered to our dietary and scheduling requests. Although it was clear they would have left us to ourselves if we wished, we enjoyed really interesting conversations together. They really enjoy having you visit.

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