Also known as the Murphy-Burroughs House, cattle rancher John Murphy constructed this Georgian Revival Mansion in 1901, sixteen years after the establishment of Fort Myers. The property has amazing views of the Caloosahatchee River and its location in the River District is close to many downtown attractions. The nearly three-acre estate allows visitors to walk the grounds and see plenty of lush, green foliage as well as a grotto fed by an Artesian well. The Burroughs family purchased the estate in 1918 and retained many of the antique furnishings and historical details. One of the last family members bequeathed the home to the city of Fort Myers in 1978 and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today it is run under the auspices of the Uncommon Friends Foundation and they provide guided tours twice a week.
Website: burroughshome.com
Phone: (239) 337-9505
Closed now
- Fri Closed
2505 1st St Fort Myers, FL 33901 ·798.02 mi
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Amenities
- Family friendly
- Accessible
Reviews
tripadvisor
Beautiful early 20th century home! We had Donna as our docent and she was excellent! A wealth of information. I found it amazing that you can actually sit on the furniture. Thankfully, it was turned over to the City by the last family that owned it for preservation and saved from the wrecking ball. Unfortunately, because it is owned by the City, it still hurricane Ian damage in the front that has not been repaired almost three years later.
MoreVery nice house built in the early days of Ft Myers. There is a guided and self guided tour with a $10 price difference. We did the guided tour in about 30 minutes. A brochure is provided to describe everything. Small garden area in the back
MoreI followed website directs and reserved ahead of time. When I arrived I was surprised to find myself joining a tour comprised entirely of 'women of a certain age' who apparently all lived in the same trailer park - but they sort of adopted me, so it was fine :) This is a very well preserved, carefully constructed and for the most part maintained house which was, in its day, very modern and up to date. (Interesting contrast with the house across the street that serves as your parking lot - same period, similar history but totally different and more modern architectural style). Our guide knew everything about everything (I won't have that much RAM in 15 or 20 years) and was very patient when required. Tour was thorogh with lots of opportunity to take photos even with a large group. A wortwhile experience and 90 minutes later you will have certainly gotten your money's worth an more :)
MoreThe web site directs visitors to email or call for a tour reservation on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. We did both two days in a row and never received any response. So we drove there and learned from a parking lot attendant that the place is closed for a special event. Based on a review of the web site it appears that special events is the main focus of this place.
MoreMy husband took me there for our anniversary! I only wish that I had had my wedding there. Romance, heaven, joy! I will remember that day forever.
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