Some folks know where to place a porch, and Mr. Fred Babcock was one of them. His Cypress Lodge is deep in Babcock Ranch, set on a creek draining into the Telegraph Swamp. On a visit there, I watched a gator sunning on the shore, wood storks and ibises winging their way above the dark water, and a squawking little blue heron in the shallows. This is one fine porch with a view.
Cypress Lodge is a treat within the Babcock Ranch, open for groups – family reunions, business meetings, corporate retreats – to rent. Formerly a hunting lodge, it now caters to a more laid-back crowd, but you’ll still see trophies on the walls and hunting-related artwork in the simple, sunny rooms. Casey Bruni, resident chef and manager, can cater your breakfast or your meeting … and imagine sipping coffee in this setting. It’s marvelous.
Learn more: Cypress Lodge