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