I just had the opportunity to visit this historic landmark in Ft. Lauderdale and have the following advice:

Go to bonnethouse.org where you can print out a $1.00 off coupon. AAA saves you an additional $2.00 off the $15.00 entrance fee.

Not all tour guides are created equal. Our first one was a drag so we jumped ship and waited 15 minutes for the next tour. These gals are all volunteers and some of them seem alot more enthusiastic than others- the one we had knew the Birch family personally and added alot to the experience.

Take the "golf cart tour" in addition to the walking tour of the house. This is a great tour of the grounds and the flora and fauna therin. It costs a whopping $1 extra. You can't lose.

Two small gripes: You are not allowed to take photos inside the residence for "insurance" reasons. This really stinks as the house is truly an artistic masterpiece and would have made great photos. Also, after paying your $15 and taking the 1 1/2 hour tour, the tour guide drops you off at the gift shop. TACKY.

Otherwise, truly beautiful and fascinating place.

While the review header describes it as "historic 1921 plantation-style waterfront home", Let me tell you that this is no ordinary 1921 home. Mr Bartlett designed and built it from the ground up with an unusual minimalist design for the era. Each room has a hand crafted style to it, with both walls and floors painted and decorated. The designs appealed to my 3 sons, ages 7-11 y/o.

Be sure to take the grounds tour by golf cart, you will see various wildlife and plants/trees on the grounds.

Also, check out "peaches", the cockatoo near the gift shop. She would scream "wait come back" every time we walked away from her cage.

A fascinating place!! Squirrel monkeys visit at the visit center. An artisit's residence, and family home for 70 years, it is filled with wonderful unexpected touches. The volunteer guides did a truly excellent job of showing the house and grounds. If you don't have a car, take the # 40 bus up the A1A to Bonnet House and have lunch at the Galleria Mall afterwards, a short walk from the House.

If you are looking to step back in time and experience what South Florida used to be like (before the condo's, highrises, malls, etc), this is it.
Take your family and enjoy the beautiful gardens and museum tour.
Excellent location across from the beach. The swans and monkeys are a treat!