An outstanding collection of art, stunning tropical gardens and exotic wildlife are just some of the attractions on offer at this impressive historic estate.
Declared an historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale in 2002, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens have come a long way since their initial construction at the beginning of the 20th century.In 1919, to mark the occasion of her wedding to the artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, 14 hectares of subtropical land was gifted to Helen Birch by her father, the visionary naturist Hugh Taylor Birch. The following year her new husband began work on the plantation-style house which we now recognise as Bonnet House. Today, this historic estate is one of the most important ecological and cultural attractions in the state of Florida and draws thousands of visitors every year.The best way to get a handle on the history of the Birch/Bartlett family and their estate is to take a guided tour. Happily, this charming house still contains many of the original fixtures, fittings and furniture and is a joy to wander around.Unsurprisingly, the couple were also serious art collectors and as a result, the Main House houses priceless artworks such as Paul Gauguin’s Day of the Gods, and Pablo Picasso’s The Old Guitarist. Bartlett was a successful and prolific artist in his own right and examples of his work adorn the adjacent Bonnet House Studio.Once you’ve ticked culture and history off the list, step into the sunshine and explore the lush gardens, dunes, wetlands and forest at your leisure. Exotic plants, tinkling fountains, pretty bridges, artistic gazebos and winding pathways all add to the magic.As you stroll around, pay particular attention to the Costa Rican squirrel monkeys as they roam freely about. In the courtyard aviary, keep an eye out for two Amazon parrots and when you come to the Lily Pond, take a moment to admire the pair of mute swans as they glide gracefully by. Before you depart, leave enough time to explore the beautiful Orchid Garden which houses one of the largest collections of orchids in the south-eastern United States.With over a hundred years of art, history and botany, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a very unique and special place, just minutes from the heart of Fort Lauderdale. If you have an afternoon to spare, make sure you spend it here.
