Waits Mansion, Mediterranean Revival mansion in Bonifay, Florida, US

Waits Mansion is a two-story Mediterranean Revival building in Bonifay featuring recessed porches supported by fluted Doric columns and white wrought iron fencing along the adjacent streets. The interior centers on a grand central staircase that leads from the entrance foyer to a windowed landing, with smaller secondary staircases providing access to the upper floor.

George Orkney Waits bought the land in 1919 from M.E. and Meridien Johnson; the architect was a Mr. Ausfeldt and the contractor William Whaley. In 1936 his eldest son James C. Waits and his wife bought the house from the Henderson Waits Lumber Company and restored it. Before James died in 1948 it had been converted into apartments; Dorothy Garver returned it to a single-family home in 1976.

The mansion reflects design choices wealthy Americans made in the 1920s when Mediterranean elements became fashionable in Florida residential buildings. This architectural preference shows how European styles influenced homes in wealthy communities during that era.

The best way to experience this building is to observe the exterior architecture carefully, noting the columns and fencing details that define its character. Access to the interior depends on the property's current status and opening policies, so visitors should check in advance whether tours or viewings are available.

The architect was a Mr. Ausfeldt and the contractor William Whaley; the land was bought in 1919 from M.E. and Meridien Johnson. George Orkney Waits and his wife lived here only a short time before moving out of state, leaving the house to pass to the Henderson Waits Lumber Company.