The Bonnet House, also known as the Bartlett Estate, is a historic home located at 900 Birch Road in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This property was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1984, marking it as a significant site of cultural heritage and history.
The Bonnet House property was originally acquired in 1895 by Hugh Taylor Birch, a Chicago lawyer. He gifted it to his daughter Helen and her husband, artist Frederic Clay Bartlett, as a wedding present in 1919. Bartlett constructed a plantation-style home on the property, where he spent winters with his wife and child from a previous marriage, Frederic Jr, until Helen's death in 1925.
The Bonnet House property is home to five different ecosystems: primary and secondary dunes, mangrove wetlands, a fresh water slough, and a maritime forest. These diverse habitats contribute to the unique character and biodiversity of the estate.
History & Anthropology Historic house Garden & Park
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 11:00 – 15:00 |
Wednesday | 11:00 – 15:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 – 15:00 |
Friday | 11:00 – 15:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 – 16:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 – 16:00 |
Bonnet House is open year-round.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 3 & 4, 2025 for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show.
900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House has 1 rating.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale offers visitors a glimpse into the area's history and art. The estate, built in the 1920s, features a mix of art, architecture, and nature. Many visitors appreciate the well-preserved house with its eclectic decor, original artwork, and personal belongings of its former residents. The surrounding gardens and grounds are often highlighted as beautiful and serene, with various orchids, wildlife, and native plants.
Guided tours are generally well-received, providing insights into the house's history and its former inhabitants. However, some visitors mention that tour quality can vary depending on the guide. The museum's efforts to maintain the property's historical integrity are praised, though a few note that some areas may benefit from updates or renovations.
While many find the admission price reasonable for the experience, others feel it's a bit high. The gift shop receives mixed reviews, with some finding unique items while others consider it overpriced.
Accessibility might be a concern for some visitors, as the historic nature of the property means not all areas are easily navigable for those with mobility issues. Parking is generally reported as adequate, though it can fill up during peak times.
Overall, Bonnet House is appreciated for its historical significance, artistic elements, and natural beauty, offering a pleasant escape from the bustling city surroundings.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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