Waterfront Beauty: Sleeps 15, Heated Pool, Private Dock, Near Beach

We’re the Street family—Tim, Liz, and our four daughters, Allie, Olivia, Kate, and Heidi, joined by our trusty pup, Maggie. Our hearts beat for gathering, for weaving memories that linger, and it’s this love that drove us to transform The Parkhouse into a haven for guests like you. Every corner of this home reflects our dedication, making your stay as cherished as our own family moments.

Back in the 1920s, as Merritt Island thrived amid sprawling pineapple plantations and Florida pulsed with the rhythms of the Jazz Age, The Parkhouse emerged as a practical symbol of its time. Strategically built along South Tropical Trail—the island’s only north-south road and a lifeline for shuttling fruit to the commercial docks at Hacienda Del Sol on the Indian River—it reflected the ingenuity of its visionary builder. Beyond crafting a home, he laid the foundation for a lasting legacy: the land he owned would one day become Rotary Park. For years, his horse-drawn buggies hauled golden pineapples to the river’s edge, and in the 1970s, he cemented his impact by donating 40 acres to the Brevard County School District, creating a cherished space for generations of children. So deeply woven into Merritt Island’s identity was The Parkhouse that it remained untaxed until the ‘70s, a quiet tribute to its enduring significance.

But that was then. Fast forward a century to 2023, and we found her—a grand dame fallen on hard times. Formerly breathtaking in the 1920s, The Parkhouse was sinking, rotting, a neglected shell of her past. But where others saw ruin, we saw a story begging to be revived. We took on the mission to bring her back, despite the pitying glances from neighbors and the headshakes of contractors. Every wall we pried open unleashed budget-crushing surprises, and with four girls and Maggie in tow, I wrestled with doubt—was risking our future worth it to save this piece of history? Yet the spirit of the 1920s—the whisper of pineapple breezes, the faint hum of speakeasy jazz, the echo of that original owner’s dreams—held us captive. We couldn’t let this gem be lost to the bulldozers that have claimed so much of Florida’s heritage.

So, with grit and heart, we dove into a two-year restoration odyssey. The result? A triumph we’re beyond thrilled to share. The Parkhouse lives again, and we’ve opened its doors to you, infusing it with touches to make you feel instantly at home. With a humble nod toward the past, Edison bulbs greet your entry, a screened porch catches the cool island air, and a fenced yard invites kids and pets to play free. We’ve woven in modern comforts—smart TVs, blazing fast WiFi, that sparkling heated pool—while guarding the home’s timeless soul. Steps away, Rotary Park Nature Center buzzes with guided walks, hands-on exhibits, and events showcasing Merritt Island’s wild beauty (peek at brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/ParksCalendar for the latest). Our promise? To make your stay as magical as the memories we’ve built here.

Today, The Parkhouse at 1790 South Tropical Trail stands as your tropical sanctuary, ideal for families, teams, and friend groups. Dive into the heated pool, roam Rotary Park’s trails, or unwind with firepit s’mores and porch-swing tales—whatever your getaway vision, we’re here to bring it to life.

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