The exterior walls were painted in soft, cheerful tones—yellows, blues, and greens—that echoed the colors of the beach and sea. Inside, Bartlett’s artistic touch was evident in every detail: hand-painted ceilings, whimsical murals, and carved woodwork adorned the rooms. The furniture was a mixture of European antiques and handmade pieces crafted to reflect a tropical sensibility.
Unlike the grand estates of Palm Beach or Miami, Bonnet House exuded an atmosphere of intimate creativity rather than opulence. The house was not a showplace—it was a studio, sanctuary, and experiment in living artfully within nature.
The gardens surrounding the estate were equally imaginative. Bartlett and Birch preserved much of the native vegetation—sea grapes, mangroves, and sabal palms—while introducing orchids, hibiscus, and exotic fruit trees. The result was a cultivated wilderness where art and nature blended seamlessly.
A Period of Tragedy and Transition
Tragically, Helen Birch Bartlett’s time at Bonnet House was short-lived. In 1925, just a few years after construction began, she died unexpectedly from breast cancer. Her passing devastated Frederic, who left Bonnet House largely uninhabited for nearly two decades.
During his absence, Hugh Taylor Birch continued to care for the property, ensuring that the buildings and gardens remained preserved. The old patriarch lived nearby until his death in 1943 at the remarkable age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of conservation and quiet stewardship.
Bonnet House remained dormant, a sleeping beauty awaiting revival. That revival came in the 1930s and 1940s, when Frederic Bartlett’s life took a new turn. shutdown123