The newlyweds built Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale in 1920 to provide Frederic and Helen with a place where they could focus on their art and music.
Construction was stopped in 1925 after Helen’s sudden death. Frederic did not begin renovations on properties again until 1931 when he married Evelyn Fortune Lilly.
Frederic died before they could decorate the house. After Evelyn had donated the house to the state, the state Trust for Historic Preservation opened it for guided tours in 1983.
Bonnet House is a great place to stay for all types of travelers, according to previous visitors:
This attraction is for art lovers, horticulture lovers, animal lovers, and history buffs.
The plantation home is richly decorated and full of artwork. All three of its residents were artists. However, the estate’s grounds are well worth a visit.
It is a beautiful campus that allows for pleasant walks through the natural world. Sometimes, you may even be accompanied by monkeys. Some people complained that not all rooms in the house have air conditioning. If you visit during summer, bring a fan.
The property is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guided tours are not available. They are offered seven times per day. Adult admission costs $20, children aged 6-12 years old $16 and younger are free.
Admission costs $10 per person if you are only interested in the gardens. You can also take a tram tour through the grounds for $4. You can park free in the lot or take the water taxi to No. 9. Bonnet
for more information.