At the northern end of Amelia Island lies a group of homes locals refer to as Old Town.  The area of Old Town is actually the area occupied by the original European settlers to the area in the late 17th century.  A Spanish mission and fort were established at this location prior to the Revolutionary War, Fort San Carlos.  The area was renamedin later years, Fernandina, in honor of King Ferdinand VII of Spain.  In the middle of the 19th century, Fernandina moved to its current location to capitalize on the railroad and tourist boom of the time.  The site of the original fort is designated a historic place by the National Park Service.

Old Town consists of turn of the century historic homes overlooking the river, small bungalows and newer homes. Several of the homes and bungalows have been restored and one was featured in a children’s movie from the 80’s. The streets remain topped with coquina shells, laid out in the original grid developed by the Spanish. A handful of homes border the high bluff in the area offering picturesque views of Amelia River.  Other homes have views of Egans Creek.

Pippi Longstocking House in Old Town (before it was painted green)

While there are challenges associated with purchasing an old home with plans of restoring, the satisfaction of completing the task makes it worthwhile.  Living in Old Town provides you easy access to a private boat launch or if you’d like to keep your boat in the water, Tiger Point Marina.  If larger boats are more your style, the DeeDee Bartels Boat Ramp is a quarter mile away.  Downtown Fernandina is just five minutes by car or half hour by bicycle.  If the mood strikes you, pedal to the beach while you’re at it for a nice half day excursion.

If you’re interested in purchasing a unique piece of Florida history, contact the real estate professionals at Powell Real Estate Group today.