A Historic Artist Fort Lauderdale Estate - Bonnet House Museum & Garden

House Museum

Feb 3

The historic and whimsical winter getaway, Bonnet House, was built in 1920 on property purchased by Hugh Taylor Birch. Birch had given a parcel of his land to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Barlett in 1919 as a wedding present. Helen died and Frederic visited Bonnet House less often until he remarried in 1931. He married Evelyn Fortune Lilly and together they embellished the estate with decorative elements. Frederic, a Munich Royal Academy graduate, encouraged Evelyn to paint, although she had little formal training. Frederic died in 1953, and Evelyn continued to winter here and her wish to preserve their former home and studio, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was fulfilled in 1983.

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The entrance to whimsical main house

The boathouse reflected in the inlet of the Intercostal. This was the delivery point for building materials brought in during the construction of Bonnet House.

The fountain in the center of the courtyard

The outdoor covered walkway connecting the home’s rooms filled with colorful art objects

This is the entrance to studio which is located at the first lever of the three-story tower section of the house, once the tallest building in Fort Lauderdale

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Frederic’s paintings, murals and faux painting can be found here in the Studio, as well as throughout the entire house.

Some of the collections in the Studio

Frederic painted in this studio from 1921 until the early 1950’s. Frederic created most of the paintings that hang in this room.

Frederic’s easel and art displayed in the Studio

The aviary in the courtyard is a functional sculpture. Frederic created as a gift to Evelyn for her pet birds.

The decorated outdoor walkway around the courtyard leading to the kitchen / dining area. These areas functioned as art galleries.

The kitchen with a 1927 GE double door refrigerator

A close-up of the metal and etched glass chandelier in the dining room, which should really be called the breakfast room, because the family usually had the rest of their meals outdoors.

Art objects displayed in the Drawing Room

Decorated window seat area in the Drawing Room

The decorative entrance doorway and two paintings on either side, in the Drawing Room were done by Frederic. The left painting is of his son, Clay and on the right is the Birch’s estate manager, Jeff Lockett.

The painting of swans over the fireplace in the Drawing Room was done by Frederic

Frederic painted this ceiling mural in the entrance to the drawing room from the south loggia

One of Frederic’s painting on the veranda, which gave guests a view of the Slough.

The painted ceiling (done by Frederic) and decorative lighting designed by architect Addison Mizner in the outdoor walkway between the dining room and the drawing room

Another view of the outdoor walkway between the dining room and the drawing room. The house itself is a carefully crafted work of art.

One of the many staircases that lead to the second floor. The second floor was not able to be toured

Inside the shell museum where Evelyn displayed the prized shells she had collected.

Evelyn was a passionate orchid grower and this is where she displayed her extensive orchid collection in the Orchid house, part of the shell museum complex.

Before dinner, the Bartletts would enjoy a cocktail in this bamboo bar, part of the shell museum complex

One of the home’s courtyard entrances

Chickee Bridge crosses Bonnet House Slough

The tables around the courtyard were designed by Frederic to hold carved animals and other objects that Evelyn loved.

Art displayed in the North Loggia outside the dining room

This shows the verandah

The Lily Pond

The Bonnet House Slough is the marshland leading to the beach

Evelyn died in 1997, just two months before her 110th birthday.

Husband and wife both have art exhibited in major museums.

What you should know:

There are walking trails.
You can access the beach by crossing A1A.
Public restrooms are available.
One price includes parking, self-guided tours of the house, gardens and grounds.
You could spend a couple of hours here.
Picnicking is welcomed. This is a carry in/ carry out environment.
Tickets can be purchased on-site only.
Check website for days and hours of operation.

Location: 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304

For more information: Bonnet House