Last Friday we visited Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale for the first time and found it to be an interesting place to explore. The estate is set on a coastal barrier island with lush gardens and walking paths. Nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the estate provides a natural habitat for endemic plants, birds and animals (even a couple of resident monkeys).
Bonnet lilies grow in the pond adjacent to the main house and we saw the resident swan next to them. Despite our best efforts, we had no luck in seeing the monkeys. We were told they stay close to the café at lunchtime. Smart monkeys! The Chickee Bridge provides an excellent viewing point over the Bonnet House Slough as does the main house’s veranda. By the way, the original Chickee Bridge was built by the Seminole people.
This little gem in Fort Lauderdale was designed by Frederic Clay Bartlett, an artist from Chicago. Construction began in 1920 on land given to Bartlett and his wife, Helen Birch, by his father-in-law, Hugh Taylor Birch. Birch bought the land in 1895. At the time it was in the middle of South Florida’s wilderness and walking around unprotected was out of the question as rattlesnakes, bobcats and even Florida panthers roamed the land. But as remote and isolated as this site was, evidence of early human occupation was found on the grounds. It is believed that the Tequesta people inhabited this land 4,000 years ago.
The estate was built in Bartlett’s interpretation of a Caribbean-style plantation house and the Main House is opened for guided visits. Our hour and a half tour was very informative, and our guide was dynamic and kept things interesting with stories about Bonnet House and its residents.
Six years after the death of his wife Helen, Frederic married Evelyn Fortune Lilly. Both were renowned well-travelled artists, and the house contains some of their artworks and travel memorabilia. The courtyard contains quirky artwork including a collection of carousel animals. Some of our favorite rooms included the studio, shell museum, orchid house and dining room.
In 1983, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett donated the Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
Conclusion
Overall, we enjoyed our visit to this historical site and would return to explore more of the grounds. We may come closer to lunch time and visit the Little Café next to the Museum Shop and Orchid House and try our luck at seeing the monkeys.
Also, worth mentioning is that everyone we met at Bonnet House was genuinely friendly and helpful which made our visit even more enjoyable.
Who would have thought that there was a little piece of Old Florida right next to the Fort Lauderdale Beach, one of South Florida’s most popular beaches?
Another historical house you might like is Vizcaya in Coconut Grove.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens opening hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Bonnet House self-guided tours fees:
- Adult: $25.00
- Ages 6 – 17: $8.00
- Children (5 and under): Free
- Bonnet House Members: Free
- Broward County Residents with ID: $22.00
- Gardens Only: $10.00 (No access to the house)
- Tram Tour: $5.00
Guided tours info:
Guided tours are available every hour from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Reservations are required and not recommended for children 7 and younger.
- Adults: $30.00
- Children (8-16): $10.00
Tips:
- We got a $4 discount with or AAA (CAA) membership.
- Bring some bug spray!