Palm Cottage

Palm Cottage is a historic house in Naples built using tabby mortar construction, a method that mixed sand, shells, water, and limestone into sturdy walls. The entire structure demonstrates this traditional building technique that was common in the region.

The house was built in 1895 by Walter N. Haldeman, owner of the Courier Journal and Times from Louisville, and was the first residential building in Naples. Its construction marked the beginning of settlement in the area.

The rooms inside show how wealthy families lived in the early 1900s through original furniture and household items from that time. Walking through the spaces gives you a sense of daily life from that era.

The Naples Historical Society offers guided tours through the house and the surrounding gardens that you can explore on foot. It helps to check opening times in advance and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the gardens provide plenty of space to explore.

The gardens consist of five separate areas, each showcasing different native plant species and representing distinct natural habitats of Florida. This botanical variety makes the visit complete, as you learn not just about the house itself but also about the regional plants and ecosystems.

Location: Florida

Architectural style: vernacular architecture

GPS coordinates: 26.13167,-81.80417

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06