Aqua Essence

From the canopied Shadow Lane neighborhood to the long vistas of the avenues in the historic district and the charming side streets that sequester special treasures, Apalachicola has some very exceptional treats in store for its spring tour of homes.  The many renovations and restorations currently underway among the city's residences and businesses attest to community as well as personal pride.  This year the houses run the gamut from imposing two-story homes to quaint cottages of yesteryear and new construction.

Co-Chairpersons Bella Rudo, Terry Nelson and Ginger Madewell announced that plans are underway for the 23rd Annual “Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour” sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church.  The tour is expected to attract hundreds of visitors to Apalachicola, FL on Friday and Saturday, May 1 – May 2, 2015. 

The featured house for the 2015 tour is the home of Anne and Clint Eason.  One of the most stately homes on Ave. C this Queen Anne-style home, constructed of local pine and black cypress, dates back to 1892.  Interestingly, it was erected on the site of the former county jail.  Built by local merchant Rudolph Collins, the house later became known as the Lovett house for the many decades that this large family shared these living quarters.  Anne Eason comments that “This is the Collins/ Lovett house.  We are blessed to be custodians. Nurturing feelings envelop us here.”  In the year 2000, the house was fully restored by local contractor, Bill Barnes, for former owner, Beverly Austin.  The following year it was honored with the Florida State Chrysalis Award for Historic Preservation.  There are many wonderful architectural details in the home including the original gingerbread, doors, fireplaces and windows.  The kitchen and a room upstairs have been added, yet the integrity of the original home has been maintained.  The house is enhanced by the Eason's comfortable and inviting decor and their use of a mixture of antiques and contemporary and custom-built pieces.  Art work abounds from whimsical paintings and sculpture to spectacular woodcarvings and pottery by Anne Eason herself.  The stylish chicken coop in the back garden houses a variety of exotic poultry.  Visitors to the house will find much to delight them in this home.  

Evensong service at Trinity Episcopal Church will be held on Friday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. This service provides the traditional opening for the home tour.  It will be followed by a reception to which all are invited. Homes will be open only on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Pre-sale tickets will be available at $20 until the day of the event.  On Saturday, May 2, ticket sales will begin at 9:30 a.m. at $25 per ticket. A gourmet lunch will be served at Benedict Hall on the grounds of Trinity Church from 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. during the tour. In addition, a silent auction, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., will be a part of Saturday’s festivities. 

Guests to Apalachicola can enhance their weekend experience by allowing time to visit the many historical buildings and churches, museums, inns and parks that mark this historic town as a truly original locale.  We welcome you to join us for the weekend and come back again and again.

For more information or ticket sales please contact Trinity Episcopal Church at (850) 653-9550 Please visit the tour website at apalachicolahistorichometour.org