Welcome to my favorite piece of paradise, the courtyard of the Bonnet House in Ft. Lauderdale. Built as a casual retreat in Ft. Lauderdale it continues to offer respite the weary soul. Take a peak inside this treasure. Copyright 2022 Pamela BreitbergBoth Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett were artists and their creative and whimsical skills are evident throughout the entire home and courtyard. Materials used for building were locally sourced so there is much coral and shell in the walkways and decor. Copyright 2022 Pamela BreitbergThe Eastern side of the home, just outside the couryard overlooks a pond and view of a pathway that originally led out to the beach. Bartlett’s father-in-law of his first wife, Helen Birch, donated the land along the ocean front to create A1A (Ocean Drive) and the beach area known as Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Hugh Taylor Birch (father of Helen) also donated land in between his home and the Bonnet House for travel through Ft. Lauderdale from the west: Sunrise Blvd. An aerial view of Ft. Lauderdale shows the large, only remaining natural environments preserved today are the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the Bonnet House. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg Each room of the Bonnet Home is accessed through the courtyard. The land was a wedding gift from Helen’s father. This courtyard was originally filled, not only with rich plantlife, but also with exotic birds and some monkeys from their extensive travels. Today only one monkey remains on the grounds. Laws, rightly so, no longer allow any new uncaged non-native animals as pets. Copyright 2022 Pamela BreitbergAhhhhh…..peace. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
Incredible, makes me long for Summer, lol
I send the sunshine and summer to you and all the “northerners”
Me as well, lol