If you had the opportunity to write your life’s story, what would you say? Would you exaggerate the good times, describe lavish parties and dinner outings, or would you focus on the smaller things, dinner at home with your family and fresh flowers on Sunday morning?
The Three Stories Inn, located in the heart of St. Augustine’s Historic District, believes that “every stay has a story,” and encourages its guests to share their stories, however big or small, while enjoying literary-themed rooms and views of the Old City.
Marie Milton, owner and founder of Three Stories Inn, spent the last 25 years as a nurse while simultaneously raising a family and caring for her late mother, who battled stage four stomach cancer for eight years.
After her mother lost her battle with cancer in 2015, Milton’s life was forever changed. She felt a deeper meaning to the passage of time and how valuable it can be. Milton began thinking about other areas of meaningfulness and service and took the leap into hospitality in early 2020 by investing the money her mother left behind into purchasing a property.
“I fell in love with hosting and providing that type of hospitality for guests,” Milton said about her career change.
Three years after running multiple Airbnb properties around the city, she purchased the Three Stories Inn in 2023 and opened the property to the public in early 2024.
The inn, nestled at 102 Bridge St., is a historic commercial property where President Jefferson's great-granddaughter, Maria Jefferson, once lived. Where better way to inspire creativity than in a space already steeped in legacy?
“I started the Three Stories Inn because I always wished that I could have traveled more with my late mother, though we couldn’t,” Milton said. “Every time I’d take her for a treatment my mom would always say things like, ‘Sometimes I imagine this is a trip.’ We’d just try to make time stand still. So, for the inn, I thought about how to make the setting unique for someone who goes on vacation, and I figured how about a place where they write their own story?”
The Three Stories Inn contains three boutique apartments themed after the paratext of a story: The Foreword, The Prologue and The Epilogue. And, yes, according to Milton every pun is intended.
Each apartment is unique with curated book selections and decorum to match, from coasters with author quotes to book-themed cabinets.
The inn is a fully digital luxury vacation property, though Milton still enjoys getting involved with her guests when possible and often works with local creators to leave thoughtful gifts and souvenirs for her guests.
“Guests like to share things. People just get so happy,” Milton said. “We like to provide positivity and a warm welcome. I love being very present.”
The Three Stories Inn is equipped to handle every guest’s needs, from a romantic two-person getaway to a full-on bridal party. Milton partners with event planners and venues in St. Augustine to provide an unforgettable experience.
Milton wasn’t kidding about inviting guests to share their stories, either. Once per month, she’ll go through nominations and interview guests to listen to their stories. From there, she’ll select a winner and award a complimentary two-night stay.
“It’s meant to encourage people to share their story,” Milton said, “and to be in the present moment with their stories.”
