Summary:
History whispers and elegance awaits at the Raven! Book this lovingly restored early 20th century masterpiece for a night or a year! Dip in our on site 9 month (open March through November) HEATED pool and relax in the adjacent courtyard with a built in gas-powered grill. We also have free on site parking for all guests and are 1.5 miles from Everbank Stadium. This apt features stunning stained glass windows, a huge island (which was a coffin in its past life!) and gorgeous decor.
The Space:
Welcome to Sanctuary — a beautifully curated one-bedroom apartment designed to embody peace, comfort, and boutique-style elegance. True to its name, the space feels like a retreat, highlighted by its stunning stained-glass windows, an original historic feature that casts soft, colorful light throughout the apartment. This rare architectural detail is part of the building’s preserved history and instantly sets Sanctuary apart from anything else in Jacksonville.
Sanctuary is located within the "Reliquary Wing" of the Raven. This Wing consists of 2x connected (via a private passageway) 1 BR apts. Arguably the most stunning and most intimate Wing, this part of the Raven contains the original funeral home sanctuary which has stained glass windows in the living room and the bedroom of this apartment. Bessie - the adjacent apartment includes gorgeous wallpapered windows which used to open into the hearse parking area (and before this was built - the structure's exterior). This apartment includes a custom built "California King" bed and is aviation inspired since it was designed in honor of Bessie Coleman, whose body was prepared in this property following her trafic crash in Jacksonville on April 30th, 1926.
Every element has been thoughtfully selected to honor the building’s past while offering the comfort and refinement of modern design.
The spacious bedroom features a plush bed, cozy linens, and its own smart TV, creating the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city. The living room serves as a second relaxation space with another smart TV, comfortable seating, and elegant touches that echo the building’s character and charm.
One of Sanctuary’s most unique features is the kitchen island, crafted from the restored base of an original coffin — a refined, artistic nod to the building’s heritage as one of Florida’s oldest funeral homes. Beautifully restored and repurposed, it adds an unforgettable historic statement to the fully equipped modern kitchen, which also includes premium appliances and a full oven.
An in-unit apartment-style washer and dryer provides added comfort for extended stays, offering all the practicality of home within this beautifully curated apartment.
The bathroom offers a sense of calm with its large, modern luxury shower, beautifully designed to elevate your daily routine.
Sanctuary combines historic beauty with elevated interior design — offering the charm of a century-old landmark with the sophistication of a boutique hotel. With its stained-glass glow, elegant furnishings, and timeless atmosphere, this apartment provides a one-of-a-kind stay that guests will want to experience again and again.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to their apartments, all interior common areas, and the pool area from sunrise to sunset. We feature internet-connected smart locks at every common door and for the gates in the courtyard / pool area for added security. We have a team member on site during high occupancy periods and have a team-member stop by at night to ensure the property is secure.
The Neighborhood:
This beautiful property is located in the up and coming LaVilla neighborhood within downtown Jacksonville. At the turn of the 20th century this area was a thriving mecca for African American jazz musicians, on par with New Orleans and Harlem. Famous 20th century musicians such as Ray Charles (who lived less than a quarter of a mile southwest of the property on Church St), Ma Rainey, the “mother of the blues,” often performed in LaVilla, as did “Jelly Roll” Morton, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others! The city of Jacksonville is building out a "LaVilla Heritage Trail" with signs all over the area (including on the southwest corner of our off street parking lot) bringing to life the area's storied history.
Nearby neighborhoods include historic Springfield (a few blocks to the north), Brooklyn (a mile to the southwest), historic San Marco (2-3 miles to the south - over the Main St bridge), and historic Riverside/5 Points (less than 2 miles to the southwest). All of these areas teem with local restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The core area of downtown Jacksonville and the stadium district are 1-2 miles to the east and walkable during stadium events to include Jacksonville Jaguars games, the Gator Bowl, the Florida-Georgia football game as well as concerts at Daily's Place.
The Prime Osborn convention center is a mile to the southwest of the property.
Getting Around:
While you can walk around downtown Jacksonville on foot, it is best to have a car or use a ride-sharing app (such as Uber or Lyft) to go from the less densely populated portion of downtown - LaVilla - to the other parts of downtown.
Other Things to Note:
To help ensure a smooth, secure, and enjoyable stay for all guests, please review the following important information before booking:
Check-In & Identity Verification Policy
All reservations require the primary guest (the booker) to complete a secure online check-in process prior to arrival. This includes:
-Uploading a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
-Uploading a selfie to confirm identity
-Reviewing and signing our rental agreement
This process is similar to hotel check-in and is required because we do not typically have staff on site. Check-in instructions will only be provided once this process is complete. If you would like to review the rental agreement before booking, please feel free to contact us.
In some cases, we may also request a security deposit and/or apply a damage waiver fee in accordance with Airbnb policies.
Guest Count & Occupancy Policy
Each listing includes a maximum number of guests based on unit type and local regulations. Additional guests are welcome for an added nightly fee:
Studios & 1 bedroom units: $20 per guest, per night after 2 guests
2 & 3 bedroom units: $35 per guest, per night after 4 or 6 guests, respectively
4 & 5+ bedroom units: $50 per guest, per night after 8 or 10 guests, respectively
Please ensure your guest count is entered accurately at booking. We will confirm the number of guests after reservation. If the guest count changes, pricing may be adjusted accordingly. For safety and compliance purposes, exterior security cameras are used to verify occupancy. Unreported additional guests may result in additional charges.
Pet Policy
This is a pet-friendly property. While our cleaning team is thorough, guests with severe pet allergies should be aware that dogs or cats may have stayed in the space previously.
Pet fees:
$30 per night, per pet
$150 per week, per pet
$300 per month, per pet
Pet fees are not included in the accommodation rate and will be requested after booking once the number of pets is confirmed.
Local Reservation Policy
Reservations under 7 nights from guests residing in the local area may be subject to cancellation at our discretion. Exceptions are rare and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Early Check-In & Late Check-Out Policy
Early arrivals and late departures are not guaranteed and must be approved in advance. If approved, the following fees apply:
Up to 1 hour: $25
1–2 hours: $50
2–3 hours: $75
3+ hours: $100 or the cost of an additional night (whichever is greater)
Please do not assume availability without confirmation.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property, including indoor and outdoor areas.
If evidence of smoking is found, an additional cleaning fee of $500 will be applied in accordance with Airbnb’s cleaning and damage policies.
Special Request Policy
Requests for items such as pack-n-plays, high chairs, or other non-standard amenities should be submitted at least 7 days before check-in to ensure availability. Requests made closer to arrival will be accommodated if possible but cannot be guaranteed.
We understand that this is a detailed list, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to review it. These guidelines help us maintain a safe, well-cared-for property and ensure a great experience for every guest. Our goal is always for you to feel comfortable, welcome, and well taken care of during your stay.
Interaction with Guests:
We have a team member on site during high occupancy period and our office is a few blocks to the north in Springfield. If you need something during the week (9am - 4pm; Mon-Fri) we can typically have someone assist you in an hour or two. Most weekends we will have someone on site during out standard check-in/check-out periods to assist, if needed.
We do have a team member who stops by the property overnight to ensure that the common areas are secure.
