Architectural Treasures of Amelia Island

Architectural Treasures of Amelia Island

Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to experience history. Fernandina Beach's Historic District is a living museum. Like sleeping beauties, the island's Victorian-era homes have been frozen in time. Each offers a story about the people and events that shaped the history of Florida's most northern barrier island.

Once a month, we will feature a home located in Fernandina Beach’s Historic District.

The Fairbanks House

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Fairbanks House, 227 South Seventh Street, can't help but impress. Set back from the street on a large lot, it has many architectural details that make houses of the Victorian period distinctive. Its vertical lines and distinctive tower highlight the Italianate design. Significant details include the pediment, arched windows, arcaded galleries, and piazzas on three sides. As in many Victorian period houses, there is a wide variety of treatment and detail. Note the elegant balustrade porches, dormers, bay windows, massive chimneys, and an oriel window. There are two cottages on the property located on Sixth Street. They served as quarters for the Fairbanks' servants. One of the two cottages may have been the island's first schoolhouse.

When it was initially built, townspeople called it "Fairbanks' Folly." Some speculate that a house with so many rooms (20) and 10 fireplaces was considered frivolous and, therefore, a folly. Another much-repeated theory is that Mrs. Fairbanks did not like the house or furniture when it was first given to her as a surprise by her husband and considered it a "folly."

George Fairbanks was an innovator — and there were many firsts at the "Folly." The house had the first telephone, elevator, and concrete sidewalk on the island. Originally from New York, Fairbanks was a fruit grower, a noted historian, a lawyer, an editor and part owner of the Florida Mirror (now the Fernandina News Leader) for 10 years, and a major in the Confederate army. After his military service, he was actively involved in reconstructing the University of the South at Sewanee in Tennessee. He served as state senator from 1846 to 1848. He founded the Florida Historical Society and was the first president of the Florida Fruit Growers.

The four-story home with its imposing 15-foot tower was built of the finest materials. It was designed by Robert Sands Schuyler, the New York architect, who had a hand in many of the historic district's most distinguished homes and buildings, including the brick schoolhouse on Atlantic Avenue and St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Much of the wood in the home's first floor came from the Fairbanks' orange groves near Gainesville. The house features 12-foot ceilings, floors of heart pine, a fireplace in every significant room, and a striking staircase leading to the upper floors.

Many special touches throughout the house demonstrate the details in which Fairbanks took such delight. For example, unique tiles were used to frame two fireplaces on the main floor. In the parlor, illustrations from Shakespeare's plays are displayed. The dining room fireplace tiles portray a more playful theme — Aesop's fables.

Currently operating as a successful bed and breakfast, the 8,000-square-foot inn is located in the historic district of Fernandina Beach. The mansion, three cottages, and pool are situated on an eco-friendly landscaped acre featuring native plants, palm trees, large oaks, and a butterfly garden.