Bonnet House’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Caribbean plantation, Mediterranean Revival, and Southern vernacular design. Key features include: Central Courtyard: The heart of the house, adorned with fountains, tropical plants, and coral walkways. Colonnaded Walkways: Open-air corridors that link living spaces, designed to catch oce
Bonnet House and the Changing Face of Fort Lauderdale
When Bonnet House was built, Fort Lauderdale was little more than a quiet coastal settlement. By the mid-20th century, however, the area had exploded into a major tourist destination. Hotels, highways, and condominiums sprang up along the beachfront, threatening to engulf the once-isolated estate. Evelyn Bartlett, fiercely protective of Bonnet H
Evelyn Fortune Bartlett: The Second Chapter
In 1931, Frederic Bartlett married Evelyn Fortune Bartlett, a vibrant and talented artist in her own right. Evelyn, born in 1892 into a prominent Chicago family, was a painter and socialite known for her wit, charm, and independent spirit. Under Evelyn’s influence, Bonnet House came alive once again. She and Frederic returned to Fort Lauderdal
Architectural Design: A Tropical Dream Realized
The Bonnet House estate is a masterpiece of eclectic design. Built around a central courtyard, the house features open loggias, covered walkways, and airy verandas that capture sea breezes and natural light. The layout exemplifies Frederic Bartlett’s philosophy that a home should be an extension of its landscape, not an intrusion upon it. The