Discover the Architecture of the Forgotten Coast of Florida
Franklin County Florida, also known among the locals as the Forgotten Coast, can be found on the panhandle of the Sunshine State. The picturesque region got its moniker for being the last remaining stretch of unspoiled, pristine Gulf Coast beaches that have yet to be run by corporate high-rises and strip malls. Among the charming communities such as Apalachicola, Carrabelle, St. George Island, and Eastpoint, prospective residents can find a plethora of different housing styles and architecture, adding to the eclectic oasis of the Forgotten Coast of Florida.
Continue to read to find out the different styles of architecture that can be found in the Forgotten Coast of Florida.
Architecture Styles on the Forgotten Coast of Florida
Historic Victorian Homes
The Coombs Inn and Suites located in Apalachicola is primarily made up of three Victorian mansions built in the early 1900s and can be found furnished with period antiques. Downtown Apalachicola is known for its high walkability rate; there are numerous beautiful historic homes and great places to stay for those visiting the area. The Gibson Inn dates back to 1907 and is the best-known boutique hotel in the area, a complete restoration of 45 rooms. A unique Apalachicola lodging choice is The Consulate, a family-owned property that offers guests four second-floor luxury suites accompanied by kitchens and a great view of the bay and Riverfront Park.
Cotton Warehouses
The waterfront of Apalachicola was lined with brick warehouses in the mid-1800s, utilized for handling the loading and unloading of cotton. Many of the cotton and sponge warehouses, ship’s stores, and homes that were constructed of cypress and brick between 1830–1930 have been renovated and repurposed into shops and restaurants. A notable business that has taken over a renovated historic cotton warehouse in Apalachicola is The Station Raw Bar, a local favorite for its fresh-caught, expansive seafood menu. A brick and granite building once used as a cotton warehouse now stands as an iconic venue in Apalachicola’s historic downtown district–the Apalachicola School of Art is a beautifully restored historic space that serves as a venue for meetings, lectures, and the nationally recognized Forgotten Coast Plein Art event.
Nuevo Cracker-Style Buildings
The Nuevo Cracker-style architecture is known widely for its Southern charm. The architectural and color palettes have been orchestrated by award-winning designers. Nearby communities are dotted with Nuevo Cracker-style, a look into pristine Southern charm. Spend your days wandering restored properties and antiquing as leisurely as you like, and enjoy activities, such as taking a live musical performance or event at the restored 1912 Dixie Theater. Embrace the culinary arts in an organic sense by crabbing and fishing in the estuaries, and sup in style at the “Fish out of Water” in The WaterColor Inn and Resort.
Spanish Revival Style
The city squares that makeup Apalachicola follow the schematics of Spain’s 16th century “Laws of the Indies” town plan, with the squares designed to serve as neighborhood communal areas, ideally open and available for public use. This format of architecture follows the same principles of ancient Roman city planning, considered to be a practical layout for new cities in the 18th century, bringing out an order to the environment for urban planning. Now, visitors can join the Historic Apalachicola City Squares Walking Tour, showcasing one central square and five smaller squares in the grid, with squares intended to be used for public parks and public use. This tour will leave you wandering through historic Apalachicola and imagining what it looked like over a hundred years ago.
Conclusion
The many historic river ports that make up the Forgotten Coast of Florida are working waterfronts with no high-rise condos, offering visitors and locals a unique look back in time, with many listings showcasing historic architecture. From restored cotton warehouses and Nuevo Cracker-style architecture to Victorian homes and Spanish Revival styles, there are amazing housing and businesses that can be found on the Forgotten Coast of Florida, adding to the allure of the area for prospective residents to move in. Let the professionals at the Coastal Realty Group guide you in finding and settling into your dream home in the many wonderful seaside neighborhoods of the Forgotten Coast of Florida today!