Río Cali | Cali

Information

Landmark: Río Cali
City: Cali
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America

Río Cali, Cali, Colombia, South America

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a historic estate located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, preserving a significant example of early 20th-century South Florida architecture and landscape design.

Visual Characteristics

The main house is a two-story structure constructed primarily of coral rock and wood, painted in a pale yellow hue. Its architectural style blends Mediterranean Revival and Bohemian influences. The property features extensive gardens with diverse tropical vegetation, including orchids, bromeliads, and palm trees, surrounding a freshwater lagoon and a small beach area.

Location & Access Logistics

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is situated at 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) north of the Fort Lauderdale city center. On-site parking is available for visitors. Public transportation options include Broward County Transit bus routes that stop near the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The estate was originally built in 1920 by artist Frederic Clay Bartlett as a winter residence. It was later expanded and significantly influenced by his wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, who was also an artist. The property's ecological origin is a coastal dune ecosystem, with the gardens developed over decades to showcase a variety of tropical flora.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the historic house, which contains original furnishings and artwork. Guided tours of the gardens are available, highlighting specific plant collections and ecological features. The property also offers access to a section of the beach.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Shaded areas are present within the gardens. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable. Food vendors are not located directly on the property, but are available in the surrounding beach and hotel areas.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography within the gardens is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is softer. The most favorable months for visiting are typically from November to April, offering milder temperatures and lower humidity. High tide is not a critical factor for visiting the main museum and garden areas.

Facts & Legends

The Bonnet House is rumored to be haunted by Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, who is said to still wander the halls and gardens. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the resident monkeys, descendants of those brought to the estate by the Bartletts.