Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve House

Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve occupies 112 acres along the north shore of Lake Rochelle in Lake Alfred, Florida. At the heart of the property stands a red-brick Craftsman-style mansion built in 1915 by Scottish entrepreneur Alexander Mackay — a house defined by sleeping porches, wide column-framed porch spans, and grounds that have been landscaped for well over a century. The estate is available to rent for weddings, receptions, corporate retreats, family reunions, and private parties. Two outdoor ceremony sites frame the options: the Garden Room, anchored by a walled brick archway draped in greenery, and a lakefront gazebo with views over Lake Rochelle. The mansion's formal dining hall suits intimate indoor gatherings, while the back lawn and 40-by-60-foot back patio open the property to larger outdoor receptions. Bridal and groomsmen dressing rooms are available on-site, and renters may bring vendors of their choice for catering and services. The Parks and Recreation Department manages bookings directly through the City of Lake Alfred.