Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center

History of Chinsegut Hill

The history of Chinsegut Hill (pronounced “chin-SEE-gut”) is as rich as the ruggedly-lush Old Florida habitat from which it emerged more than 165 years ago. Today, thanks to the persistent efforts of concerned public and private benefactors, the manor house and property are symbols of a pioneering spirit and a commitment to conservation.

Seminole Indians had mostly inhabited this land, which is the highest elevation on what is now known as Florida’s Adventure Coast, before it was settled as a sugar and corn plantation by South Carolina lawyer Col. Bird Pearson in 1847. He built the original structure where the manor house now stands. It was known then as Mount Airy.

It has changed several times in name, ownership, and physical structure. But the enduring legacy of this landmark, now listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, began in 1905. That is when the property was acquired by Raymond Robins and his sister Elizabeth Robins, an acclaimed author and actor. They renamed it Chinsegut Hill.

Mr. Robins, a world traveler who spent time in Brooksville as a child, chose the name from time spent prospecting gold on the frontier of Alaska. Translated from the language of the Inuit Indians, Chinsegut means “the spirit of things lost and regained.”

man at civil war camp at Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center

Civil War Camp

Colonel Robins on his horse

Colonel Robins & Horse

Shortly after the Robins’ siblings bought the property, Mr. Robins married Margaret Dreier. Their oversight of the property, and their political and social activism in both national and international arenas is legendary. Mr. Robins was the trusted advisor of several U.S. presidents, while Mrs. Robins was an advocate and organizer for women’s and children’s rights.

At Chinsegut Hill, the Robins entertained, among others, Helen Keller, William Jennings Bryant, Thomas Edison, J.C. Penney, Jane Addams and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.

The Robins eventually deeded over 2,000 acres of their land to the federal government for the purpose of agricultural scientific study. Another portion of the gift later became part of the Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area. After their deaths, the Manor House and 115 acres was transferred to the State of Florida.

The property was first leased by the University of Florida, then later transferred to the University of South Florida in 1974, and used as a retreat site for academic conferences. USF added the dining hall, conference room, and cottages and listed the Manor House on the National Historic Register in 2003. In 2008, USF notified the state it no longer wished to lease the property.

From 2008 until 2020, when Mid Florida Community Services and the Tampa Bay History Center became involved in the property, the Friends of Chinsegut Hill partnered with Hernando County and continued to offer tours of the historic manor house. Most of these tours were self-guided, and the Friends of Chinsegut Hill created exhibit materials.

Also, during this time Gulf Coast Archaeology dug the site and found items from the mid- and late 1800s. Some of these items are on display in the home. The Friends Group continued to rent out the cottages to corporations and educational groups for conferences and retreats.

The Tampa Bay History Center is currently researching the property and developing a docent-led tour program, as well as educational materials for the manor house and property.

The manor house is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center is currently managed by the City of Brooksville. For inquiries, please contact 352-238-9186 or 352-540-3830.