Bonnet House

Address:900 N Birch Rd.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Tel: (954) 563-5393

Visit an historic 35-acre plantation home and estate and get a fantastic peek into the Florida of Old!

Built in 1921, this sprawling two-story waterfront house was the home of the late Evelyn Bartlett, wife of world-acclaimed artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Designed and built by Frederic, Bonnet House is one of the few complete homes and studios of two American artists open to the public. The murals on the ceilings, faux marble on the walls and floors, and balustrades that are really paintings, are on display for all to enjoy along with fish sculptures which rise in the air. Other eclectic collections are also on display, including everything from antique china to turn-of-the-century carousel animals.

Visitors to Bonnet House can walk where ancient Tequesta Indians, early European settlers, and shipwrecked sailors once roamed, and see one of the finest orchid collections in the continental U.S., as well as catch a glimpse of playful monkeys, majestic swans, wading birds, foxes, and an occasional manatee too. Artists will appreciate the Bartlett's studio which is available to explore, where his paints, palette, and an unfinished work at his easel are all still on display. And don't forget to take the 1 1/4-hour tour if you're a visiting group of 15 or more.

To get to Bonnet House, take the Sunrise Boulevard exit and drive east 4 Miles (you will pass the Galleria Mall and go over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge) to North Birch Road. At the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and North Birch Road (there is a traffic light), turn right onto North Birch Road. Follow the road to the dead end and make a left into the parking lot.