The house was built in 1921 and is now a popular attraction with tour groups.

Bonnet House is not the average palatial spread.

Like its name suggests the house sits on an estate which has plantation origins.

The house features ornamental ironwork and just about all the walls have detailed murals.

Here a troop of wild monkeys, exotic birds and over 100 elderly volunteers roam the 35-acre property, which surrounds the historic site, one of the city of Fort Lauderdale's historical showpiece.

Designed and built in 1920 by Frederic Clay Bartlett, Bonnet House is one of the few complete homes and studios of a recognised American artist that is open to the general public.

Amazing murals, life-size carousel animals, antiques and faux marble adorning the walls contribute to making the home museum a fascinating tour.

This monkey sculpture is reminiscent of the dozens of creatures that roam the lush property.

Some parts of the house and pieces of furniture are quite fragile and are kept out of reach from thousands of curious tourist hands.

The flora and fauna are equally impressive as the carefully designed grounds are pretty much what they used to be over 100 years ago.

Visitors can glimpse mischievous squirrel monkeys in the high trees, which form a protective blanket over the grounds, which also contain a mangrove swamp and many pools, home to swans and a few manatees.

Bartlett's sculptures display an amazing talent. Here the woman's veil is also sculpted in marble.

Bartlett and his wife Helen Louise use the place as a summer home. They got the 'houselot' as a wedding gift in 1919 from her father Hugh Taylor Birch who bought the three miles of oceanfront property in 1894 in his bid to escape the growing crowds of Chicago.

When Helen died six years after the marriage, Bartlett in 1931 married Evelyn Lilly, with the blessing of his father-in-law who gave the couple additional property.

What occurred later was the creation of a stunning art edifice, which was lovingly preserved by Evelyn who deeded the house to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983. She continued to spend winters at the house until 1995 just two years before she died at the age of 109.

The story of the Barlett's while fascinating would have probably ended there -- an eccentric couple who thrived on art. However, it was the generous gift of Evelyn that has kept that family's alive as the house is now a tourist destination and a popular choice for couples getting married.

Bonnet House also provides a history lesson on the cultural and societal changes the area of Fort Lauderdale has undergone.

Frederic Bartlett's studio has been maintained in the same condition he left it in, with even an unfinished work on his easel. The studio features early charcoal sketching and oil paintings.

Among the more impressive features of the old house is the courtyard entrance room, framed by art depicting various civilisations and carousel zebras and horses which are enticing to children and adults alike.

There are also sorts of antique momentos like ornamental candlesticks and clay pieces, which tastefully litter the rooms.

The house features ornamental ironwork and just about all the walls have detailed murals.

There is also an orchid house, bamboo bar and shell museum which were part of the entertainment for the scores of friends who attended the many parties and activities the Bartletts hosted.

But there is another story hidden in these well-preserved walls.

The house and property have also been home to a small group of African Americans who found a sort of refuge there from the racial hostilities and hard conditions of the American South.

Now the City of Fort Lauderdale through Florida's Bureau of Historic Preservation is keen to record the presence of a group of black workers who lived on the plantation.

They recently published a handbook titled, African Americans Remember, which bear testimonials from the surviving families of the group of black workers who lived and worked at Bonnet House.

The blacks who tended the still wild land had a good relationship with Birch and later with Bartlett.

Jeff Lockhart or Uncle Jeff was caretaker of the property. His portrait painted by Frederic still hangs in the living room. Dewey Hawkins was Birch's right-hand man, who disappointed his parents by opting to work on the property instead of going to school. He shared a close friendship with Birch who built him a house on the property.

By 1930 Fort Lauderdale was still a small rural town, which was attracting a decent amount of tourists who came in the winter months.

The small black population owned several businesses but the majority of work opportunities available to them was on the property of white families.

The racial tension remained but the families were close knitted and strong. Those that lived at Bonnet House enjoyed close relations with their employers and were considered family.

When Birch died in 1943 he specified in his will that his 'friends' be treated well. Dewey he stipulated was to be resident park manager.

Bonnet House continues to attract tour groups.

It is estimated that over 110,000 people tour the grounds every year. Now they can purchase a copy of African Americans Remember on sale in the gift shop.

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