Our Story
Dear visitor, Welcome to the West Coast of Florida, close to Sarasota, Bradenton, AnnaMaria Island, Longboat Key, St-Petersburg and Tampa!
Thank you for visiting our website. We are Wim and Mieke Lippens (your Belgian innkeepers/owners) and would like to take this opportunity to tell a litte about ourselves and why we started our Bed and Breakfast.
Mieke (°1974) and myself (°1973) grew up in 2 small neighbouring towns in the heart of Flanders (Belgium) about 30 miles south of Bruges called the Venice of Northern Europe.
After having attended college in Belgium and being on an exchange program in Bradenton, Florida in 1990, we got married and our 2 daughters were born. We started both a career in our family owned textile recycling business. We imported and exported high quality second-hand and vintage designer clothing. Inviting customers from all over the world to our home for after business hors d’oeuvres, our passion for hospitality and personal service intrigued us greatly.
After being on the look-out for the right property on Florida’s West Coast for several years, we knew as soon as we saw the Palmetto Riverside Residence, we had found what we had been looking for.
This historic property which we decorated with several collectable designer’s accessories, embellishes all of today’s modern finishings. This created an exquisite atmosphere and makes the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast the best of both worlds.
Since the time we started the B&B in 2009, we have expanded from 4 bedrooms to 6 guest rooms. Also, we have been focusing on hosting waterfront wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as family reunions, baby showers, bridal showers, … In 2011 we have added a Ballroom/Reception hall with outdoor marble patio. In 2015 we have built an outdoor living room with chandeliers and French fireplace.
The cosiness of our bedrooms, our delicious continental breakfast in the morning, the river breeze on your face and late afternoon hors d’oeuvres in the garden will make your stay unforgettable !
Our last endeavour happened in 2019 when we opened our sister restaurant Château 13 located downtown Bradenton about 6 minutes drive from the B&B. This fine dining contemporary restaurant offers European inspired dishes accompanied by an extensive wine list.
See you soon !
Mieke and Wim Lippens
Manon and Maxence
