Bonnet House Blog

The BLT, Blog for Lifestyle & Travel has created a Florida Bucket List: Top 50 Things To Do in the Sunshine State. Bonnet House is listed as the number 12^th tourist attraction in the state of Florida. The BLT’s Bucket List offers their ideas on where to go, what to see, and tips for making the most of a vacation trip from the ocean to the Everglades.

BLT’s fantastic review: “Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, Bonnet House is a historic home set in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The home showcases what the wealthy lived like in the early 1900s. From beautiful architecture to a fabulous museum and beautiful gardens, this spectacular historic house is filled with a rich history that everyone should experience once.

This beautiful tropical villa was originally built in 1920 and was home to the Bartlett family. The museum itself boasts a plethora of artwork from the time, and is one of the few complete homes and studios of American artists that are open to the public. Visitors can take a tour or explore at their leisure. There is a shop on the premises as well as a breathtaking garden featuring stunning landscaping, fantastic photo opportunities, and a plethora of gorgeous plants.

Rich in history and beauty, the Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is something guests of all ages can enjoy. The interior museum is full of beautiful and historic things, and the grounds are home to an amazing garden that is breathtaking to behold. Don’t miss a chance to walk through this historic sight, visit the Bonnet House today.”

Cross off Bonnet House off your bucket list. A visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been declared a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information and details about all there is to see – and all there is to do – at Bonnet House, please call (954) 563-5393 or visit BonnetHouse.org.

The U.S. News and World Report joins a long list of sites and publications highlighting Bonnet House as one of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s a portion their review about this beautiful, historic estate, ranking it as #6 among things to do in Fort Lauderdale:

“Recent travelers said the Bonnet House has something to keep every type of traveler satisfied: art lovers, horticulture enthusiasts, animal lovers and history buffs will enjoy this attraction. The plantation home is ornately decorated and filled with artwork (all three residents of the house were artists of some kind), but the estate’s grounds are also well worth the visit. The campus is lush and beautiful for a nice walk through nature and even sometimes accompanied by monkeys. The conditions of the grounds and the informative docents were two aspects that recent visitors said make this a must-see attraction.”

Come find out why everyone rates Bonnet House as one of the best attractions in Florida, and why a visit down south is truly not complete without time spent at this wonderful place, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The story told here spans and parallels a wide swath of American history, and is uniquely educational, entertaining and unforgettable.

Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information and details, please call (954) 563-5393 or visit BonnetHouse.org.

Spanning 35 acres, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens has been called the most beautiful place for private events and corporate affairs in Fort Lauderdale, offering a stunning variety of exquisite settings, each uniquely charming in its own special way. Be it a grand lavish celebration or a close intimate gathering, your guests will enjoy sharing unforgettable moments in this culturally and historically rich venue featuring innovative architecture, original artwork, and lush tropical gardens.

Bonnet House, located in the center of Fort Lauderdale, at 900 North Birch Road, combines the grandeur of the past with modern amenities and a private parking lot, making it a choice destination to accommodate events of any size, but be sure to plan ahead – Bonnet House limits the number of private events, and dates are reserved based on availability when accompanied by your rental deposit. Here are some useful tips about planning your perfect event:

1.    Select a full service caterer. Make sure your caterer can handle not only food and beverage service, but also rentals (tables, chairs and linens), as well as staff for set-up, service and cleanup.
2.    Consider hiring a planner. Planners are a great asset and can make your private event at Bonnet House run smoothly.
3.    Plan in advance. Bonnet House requires a formal walk through with the client, planner and caterer at least one month before your event.
4.    Be prepared for inclement weather. This might mean selecting a particular time of year for your event or making sure you have arranged for a tent.
5.    Think about how you want the event to flow. Events can be very fast paced, so provide a timeline to your guests, so they know when to arrive at the venue.

Bonnet House can furnish a list of vendors that are fully licensed and insured and that have worked at the estate before. For additional information contact Nicholle Maudlin, Bonnet House Events Manager, at (954) 703-2608 or [email protected].

Following are but a few of the unsolicited “5-Star” reviews posted to Yelp.com about beautiful, historic Bonnet House, one of our nation’s most popular historic houses and gardens, and perhaps its most beautiful!

Ben A., Washington, DC – We loved this place. First of all it is a serene and tranquil oasis in the middle of busy Ft. Lauderdale. The art is beautiful and the story of the museum and its establishment is somehow poignant. IMO, there are some real treasures here. The gardens are beautiful. Parts of them give you a sense of what the area was like before human civilization. Overall, our visit to Bonnet House left us feeling like we had journeyed far through distance and through time.

Phylicia K., Hollywood, FL – What a gem! I had no idea this beautiful house was here in Broward! 
The history is amazing itself! To hear of the evolution between the different generations & to see all of the art is amazing!

Daniel W., Los Angeles, CA – A historic and artistic gem in Ft. Lauderdale! The spectacular house, and lush tropical grounds are like stepping back in time.

Rachel S., East Meadow, NY – I was very pleasantly surprised by my visit to Bonnet House. Everything in the home is original and in its original place. Evelyn Bartlett lived until she was 109 years old, and her story alone is enough to keep you transfixed. There are a lot more interesting details that you will learn on your tour here, more than I can describe in this review. Go see it!

To see more great  reviews, please visit yelp.com/biz/bonnet-house-museum-and-gardens-fort-lauderdale

Come find out what all the visitors are raving about, and why a visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The story told here spans and parallels a wide swath of American history and makes a visit both to these pages and to the estate a uniquely educational, entertaining and truly unforgettable experience.

Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information and details, please call (954) 563-5393 or visit BonnetHouse.org.

If you’re one of the many South Floridians who are fascinated by the infinite beauty and variety of the winged population in our State, Bonnet House will provide you with a great deal of joy during the coming eight months. Our extremely popular Birding Classes return, led by birder extraordinaire Paddy Cunningham, who has been a professional Naturalist in South Florida for over two decades. All birding classes take place on Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm, at the historic Bonnet House Estate.

The schedule is as follows:
September 18 – “Hawks Galore”
October 23 – “Ascend to Better Birding I”
November 6 – “Ascend to Better Birding II”
December 11 – “Bird Behavior”
January 8 – “Birding by Habitat”
February 12 – “Birding by Ear”
March 19 – “Birding by Season”

Birding season concludes with a spectacular field trip to Green Cay/Wakadahachee on Saturday, April 8, from 9am to 12:30pm.

The cost is $20 for Bonnet House Members, and $25 for non-members. To register, call the Bonnet House Education Department at (954) 703-2606. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

Serving as a volunteer at historic Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, means that while you get to spend time roaming one of the nation’s most beautiful historic houses and gardens, you are also helping others to learn about its remarkable history and share in its transcendent beauty. It is through the continuing efforts and unselfish dedication of Bonnet House volunteers that we are able to maintain the integrity of this unique historical estate and to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience for every one of our visitors.

Honoring the vibrant legacy of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett – whose interests ranged from art, poetry, and music to natural conservation and organic agriculture – Bonnet House has nurtured eclectic interests for almost ninety-five years. There’s something for everyone to enjoy here, and the same can be said for the wide range of volunteer opportunities available to suit everyone’s skills and talents. Volunteers can serve as Lead Guides, sharing the Bonnet House story as they guide visitors through a tour of the main residence, or they can serve as Education Volunteers, promoting Bonnet House’s educational missions. There are wonderful opportunities as well for Back-Up Guides (assisting the Lead Guides) and for Nature Trail Interpreters, who share historical, environmental and botanical facts with the visitors.  Other volunteer opportunities available include Bridge Greeters, who welcome visitors and provide directional information; Courtyard Coordinators, who check admissions and monitor the courtyard to ensure proper flow; Museum Shop Assistants, who help maintain control and oversee items in the Gift Shop; Collections Volunteers, who work with the Curator in the care and maintenance of archives; Research and Library Volunteers, who create the Bartlett’s book collection; and Data Input Volunteers, who compile and input data in various formats for events and files.

A visit to South Florida is truly not complete without the unforgettable and highly educational experience shared at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information about becoming a volunteer, and helping our visitors enjoy the uniqueness of this architectural jewel, and its fascinating story that spans and parallels a wide swath of American history, please call (954) 703-2606 or visit www.bonnethouse.org/opportunities – we look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with you.

At beautiful, historic Bonnet House, Florida’s amazing and vibrant color palette comes fully to life, taking on even brighter hues. Located on a 35-acre slice of breathtaking waterfront property, this unique house – one of our nation’s most popular historic houses and gardens, and perhaps its most beautiful – magically transports visitors to the days when Florida was one of the nation’s last frontier outposts. And the history experienced here is every bit as colorful as the house and grounds!

Built in the 1920’s by artist and art collector Frederic Clay Bartlett and his wife, Helen, the vibrant and airy Bonnet House estate is embellished with the myriad decorative elements that delight visitors to this day. Bartlett’s artistry, fully reflected throughout the house, amazes visitors with his intricate painted faux marble floors and the spectacular murals on the walls and wood ceilings in major rooms. The estate’s natural coloration is breathtaking as well, with extensive areas of native vegetation – including a hardwood hammock – lovingly preserved, and a marshy area to the east of the house transformed into lagoons. The gardens and winding nature trails surrounding the house, and the wildlife inhabiting the grounds, are every bit as vivid, with swans and other waterfowl gliding in the ponds, and raccoons and even South American squirrel monkeys adding to the multicolored palette.

Come be dazzled by the magical hues, and find out why a visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The story told here spans and parallels a wide swath of American history and makes a visit both to these pages and to the estate a uniquely educational, entertaining and truly unforgettable experience.

Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information and details, please call (954) 563-5393 or visit BonnetHouse.org.

Our world-famous orchid collection is one of the many reasons why a visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. During the month of August, Bonnet House will once again be offering its popular morning orchid care classes in our lovely air-conditioned Island Theater. Come learn how to care for your orchids with expert curators from Broward Orchid Supply. Each class is followed by a tour of the orchid greenhouse, lathe house and display house, and orchid supplies will be available for purchase at all classes.

All classes take place on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. The schedule is as follows:

Orchid Basics – August 6, 2016

Orchid Repotting – August 13, 2016

Orchid Mounting – August 20, 2016

Diagnosing Pests & Diseases – August 27, 2016

The cost of each class is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information or to register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or contact Linda Schaller at [email protected] or (954) 703-2606.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is quite possibly the perfect South Florida location for memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions. With its alluring tropical backdrop and enchanting oceanfront views, Bonnet House provided the awe-inspiring setting for the beautiful nuptials of Laura Beth Koffman and Willy DiStefano, expertly planned by Joni Scalzo of Your Special Day Certified Wedding Coordinators.

The happy Mrs. DiStefano stated, “The reason we picked the Bonnet House is because we wanted to be married outdoors in a garden – not on the beach, which so many outdoor venues are in Florida. We also were looking for a venue where we could have the ceremony and reception at the same place, but not in the same area. Finally, we wanted a place that would be intimate for both our guests and us. Bonnet House superbly met all the criteria. And the tropical gardens also were perfect to showcase my all time favorite flowers, orchids. Still to this day people are saying our wedding was the best they have ever been to.”

Whether you are planning a close and intimate gathering or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens sets the scene for romance and timeless memories, with dramatic spaces, such as the Hibiscus Garden, fountain courtyard, water front veranda and tree-lined allee all providing memorable possibilities for a truly unforgettable wedding. Originally built in 1920, and embodying a unique combination of old-world charm and understated elegance, Bonnet House – listed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a historic landmark by the City of Fort Lauderdale – exudes classic and eclectic taste, with artwork and decorative flourishes seen at every turn and an evident love for nature reflected in the beautifully manicured grounds surrounding its 35-acre estate. For additional details, rental information or a tour, please contact Nicholle Maudlin, Events Manager, at 954-703-2608 or at [email protected].

Orchids were one of Evelyn Bartlett’s great passions, and our world-famous orchid collection is one of the many reasons why a visit to South Florida is truly not complete without time spent at beautiful, historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Our North Greenhouse, Lath House (housing the award-winning Vanda collection), and Display House hold approximately 1,500 stunning, exotic plants in various stages of development. Truly a special treat for orchid enthusiasts and novices, our Orchid Greenhouse Tours take place on the second Tuesday of each month, with our Bonnet House Orchid Curator showing you around our greenhouses and discussing how our beautiful orchids are bred and cultivated – including our impressive seedling program, with orchid seedlings available for purchase. These popular tours are offered from 11am to 12pm, in groups of 15 to allow for photos, questions and discussion, for $20 per person.

The story told at Bonnet House Museum and Gardens spans and parallels a wide swath of American history and makes a visit both to these pages and to the estate a uniquely educational and entertaining experience. Bonnet House is located at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Limited reservations are available for the Greenhouse Tours, and pre-registration is required. To register, please call (954) 703-2606 or visit BonnetHouse.org.