There’s a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale, a Caribbean style estate where the walls whisper tales of the past and the gardens flourish with an almost magical life of their own.

By the time early settler Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the Bonnet House site in 1895, the grounds had already witnessed 4,000 years of Florida history.

The Bonnet House Museum and Tropical Gardens takes you on a journey back to the 1920s,  with its lush landscapes, art-filled rooms and whimsical gardens.

These are the days of Frederick and Evelyn Bartlett,  the eccentric creative spirits whose love for art and nature, transformed this estate into the cultural treasure it is today.

Frederick Bartlett’s murals and faux paintings can be found throughout the main house.   Inside the rooms are preserved just as they were, complete with original furnishings and impressive collection of art.

There’s a truly magic world beyond the walls of the house, where you’ll find yourself strolling the winding paths to explore the vibrant beauty of a 35 acre tropical oasis.   

Where peaceful shaded trails with whimsical sculptures, peering through the foliage to the chorus of tropical birds that clamor from the treetops.

Look up and you might spot a squirrel monkey in the trees playing peekaboo.

It’s truly a remarkable feast for the eyes, where the local culture and history come alive.

The Orchid Garden has a sensational array of the most rare species and the shell museum is stunning. 

A relaxing laid-back way to spend a few hours,  picking up a tropical vibe from nature.

Today the estate is a preeminent house museum dedicated to historic and environmental preservation.

You can arrive by car or boat and admission is only $25.

It’s only minutes off Route 1 heading towards the beach.