Bridgewater Inn Matlacha: A Colorful Icon Lost to Hurricane Ian

The Bridgewater Inn in Matlacha was one of Southwest Florida’s most unique accommodations and a beloved community landmark — a colorful, waterfront inn built in the style of a stilted fish house right over the water. For years, it drew visitors seeking local charm, scenic bay views, and classic old-Florida character just steps from the heart of Matlacha’s arts and dining district.

Sadly, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, this quirky boutique inn as it once stood is no longer part of the Matlacha landscape.

A Beloved Waterfront Stay

Before the storm, the Bridgewater Inn was known for:

  • Unusual stilt architecture over Matlacha Bay

  • Direct waterfront access with private docks and fishing platforms

  • Spacious suites and rooms with bay views

  • Easy walkability to Matlacha’s galleries, restaurants, and shops

  • Beautiful sunsets and a relaxed island ambiance

The inn was ideally located for boaters and travelers alike — just minutes from the Matlacha Bridge, with water and wildlife all around.

Bridgewater Inn
Bridgewater Inn
📍 4331 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
📞 (239) 283-2423

Guests often arrived by land or by boat, tying up on the docks before stepping inside to salt-air views and easy access to Matlacha amenities.

Post-Hurricane Ian: What Happened

In 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated much of Matlacha and the surrounding Pine Island region, striking with powerful storm surge and sustained hurricane-force winds. The Bridgewater Inn, along with its cottages and adjacent Berm’s Bar & Grill, sustained severe destruction from the storm’s impact.

The structural damage was extensive, and local accounts confirm that the inn was permanently destroyed by the hurricane’s force. The buildings, docks, and associated waterfront structures did not survive intact, and the property no longer operates as it did before the storm. The vibrant spot that once welcomed travelers is now remembered in photos and in the memories of those who stayed there.

Nearby local businesses — including the Old Fish House Marina — were also heavily damaged or lost, and the recovery of Matlacha’s historic fishing village is ongoing in the years since the storm.

The Spirit of Matlacha Lives On

Even though the Bridgewater Inn no longer stands, the village of Matlacha continues to be a vibrant, resilient fishing and arts community. Visitors often still come to experience:

  • Colorful island art galleries

  • Waterfront tiki bars and bay views

  • Fresh seafood and local eateries

  • Boat tours and fishing charters

  • Nature viewing and sunset occasions

In many ways, the legacy of places like the Bridgewater Inn lives on through the community’s collective memory — and through the determination of residents and business owners rebuilding after the storm.

Visiting Matlacha Today

For travelers who want to explore Matlacha and Pine Island Sound today, the area still offers:

  • Vibrant local art and craft shops

  • Fresh seafood restaurants and outdoor patios

  • Kayaking, fishing, and boating access

  • Picturesque sunsets over Matlacha Bay

While the Bridgewater Inn no longer welcomes guests, the broader Matlacha community continues to draw visitors with its quirky charm, colorful buildings, and waterfront culture.

Reflection on Change

Hurricane Ian was a turning point for many places along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Some historic and cherished landmarks were lost forever, while others are being reimagined or rebuilt. The Bridgewater Inn remains a part of Matlacha’s story — a chapter that captures both the joy of a colorful, old-Florida experience and the resilience of a community that continues moving forward.