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.
The outdoor area is curated with an outdoor heated pool, courtyard, and on site parking lot. The outdoor pool area features chaise lounges, umbrellas, and tables with chairs - perfect for enjoying a snack while taking a dip.
The courtyard features an outdoor kitchen with a natural-gas powered grill, a refrigerator, and a food preparation area. It also features a natural-gas powered firepit as well.
The parking lot has room for fourteen cars including one ADA-accessible space. Starting on 25 March, we will be installing a motorized gate at the entrance to the parking area. My team will send guests a QR code which they will have a reader scan to give them access to the parking lot for the duration of their stay.
Prior to 1 April 2026 - a guest's first car is complimentary / parking is free. If you would like a 2nd car, there is a $20/day charge for this. We do not have capacity for guests with more than 2 cars.
Starting on 1 April 2026 - parking will be paid since we are adding an additional safety feature - a motorized gate - to the parking area. Once this is in place, paid parking will be available on a first come / first served basis. As a result, we recommend making a parking reservation as soon as possible in order to guarantee a spot for the duration of your stay. A guest's first car will cost $15/day. A guest's second car will cost $30 / day. If a guest wants to bring a third car, it will cost $45 / day. We are not able to accomodate more than three cars for any reservation / single apartment.
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.
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.