A. C. Freeman House, Queen Anne style house in Punta Gorda, United States.

The A. C. Freeman House at 311 West Retta Esplanade is a two-story yellow Queen Anne house with white trim and a gray shingled roof. A square tower with a pyramidal roof rises on the left, a gabled section sits at the center, and a wide porch with white columns and balustrade runs across the front. A single-story wing extends to the right.

The building was constructed in 1903 by businessman Augustus Freeman as a residence from that era of South Florida development. It was relocated in 1985 and moved again following Hurricane Charley in 2005, reflecting the region's vulnerability to major storms.

The house shows how successful business owners in the early 1900s built their homes with decorative details and craftsmanship. The Queen Anne style with its ornamental features was a sign of wealth and refined taste among Punta Gorda's merchant class.

The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce operates from this building, so you can learn about local history and business while visiting. Contact the chamber for information about tours or access to see the interior and learn about its architectural details.

Many people mistakenly believe that Albert Gilchrist, who later became Florida's governor, built or owned this house. In fact, Gilchrist only sold the land to Freeman, who then constructed his residence on it.