One of the many beautiful sculptures carved from area trees damaged along Beach Boulevard in Biloxi.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast is heavily populated with wonderful tourist attractions as well as some beautiful turn-of-the-century homes that have been wonderfully restored in spite of the barrage of storms that have battered the coast over the years.
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Red Creek Inn, Long Beach, Mississippi
Watch a Video of Red Creek Inn Up Close
Historic French Cottage Style Inn -
First B&B on the Mississippi Coast
by Matthew and Amanda Burt
One of the more prominent homes along the Gulf Coast is found in Long Beach on Red Creek Road. Owned by Karl and "Toni" Mertz, the Red Creek Inn was the Gulf Coast's first bed and breakfast. Built in 1899 by a retired Italian sea captain, the French cottage style home boasts 3 floors with 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, as well as a "bunk room" and "sleeping porch."
The Red Creek Inn Boasts A 64 Foot Front Porch
There are 6 fireplaces, two of which are regularly used for log fires. The remaining 4 are being updated to gas logs. The Inn is situated just 5 miles from the Gulf, and is tucked away on 11 1/2 acres.
King Sized Bed in Downstairs Bedroom
In 1971, Karl bought the house along with 4 acres as a potential residence. At the time, the house had been vacant for at least 15 years. Karl later added 7 1/2 acres to the property and began the challenge of restoring the property. When Karl began the restoration, the house was without windows, electricity, or plumbing due to vandals. Even the fireplaces had their mantles stolen. Karl says there was so much silt on the concrete that pine trees were growing through the porch.
Scenic Wood Views
Due to Karl's graduate education and career considerations, his plans to live at the house were deferred. Karl continued to restore the house over the course of many trips from Atlanta.
Breakfast at Red Creek inn
In 1986, the house was opened as the Red Creek Colonial Inn and, because of Karl's career, was operated at first with contract innkeepers.
Antiques Include a Vintage Electric Pump Organ
There are numerous antiques throughout the house, including several vintage radios and an electric pump organ.
Stately 313 Year Old Oak Tree
We would like to thank the Mertz family for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.
Red Creek Inn 
Google Map
7416 Red Creek Road
Long Beach, MS 39560
Karl married Maria Antonia "Toni" Martinez on the grounds of the inn in September of 1995 and the couple began operating the inn. Recently the inn's name has been changed to Red Creek Inn Vineyard and Racing Stables and the property now spans 11 1/2 acres. Unfortunately, due to illness, it is difficult for Karl to move around the 3-story house as well as he'd like and he has decided to sell the property. Karl and his wife still operate the inn as necessary while they wait for the property to sell.
Karl and his wife own some undeveloped property in Montana and it is Karl's desire to one day operate another inn that would not be as physically demanding as the multi-leveled Red Creek Inn. It is his hope that the next owners of the property would continue to operate the house as a B&B but agrees that the house would make a lovely residence as well.
Red Creek Inn is for sale.
Contact the owners about this property now.
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