Architectural Treasures of Amelia Island

Architectural Treasures of Amelia Island

Amelia Island offers a unique opportunity to experience history. Fernandina Beach's Historic District is a living museum. Like sleeping beauties, the island's Victorian-era homes have been frozen in time. Each offers a story about the people and events that shaped the history of Florida's northernmost barrier island.

The Most Popular Historic Home on Amelia Island – The Pippi House

People often ask me about what is known as the “Pippi House,” a classic Victorian-era historic home in Old Town. The picturesque house is located on the Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park overlooking the Amelia River. It is probably the most photographed house on the island. The house is distinguished by its decorative “gingerbread trim," stained-glass windows, heart-pine floors, period fireplaces, wraparound porches and a widow’s walk.

Originally known as The Captain’s House before Hollywood found it, the house was built around 1877-1888 by Captain James Bell. A local harbor pilot and river captain, Bell and his identical twin brother were well-known local builders. Old Town is on one of the highest points on the island, and many sea captains built their homes there. They could keep an eye on river traffic.

So who is Pippi, and why is a particular house associated with her? Those who know classic children’s books immediately recall Pippi - an irrepressible redhead with her signature braids sticking out at odd angles. Amelia Island was a great fit for the classic children’s book. Pippi is the daughter of a sea captain, which made the island’s coastal location ideal. The “quaintness” of the island fit the storyline. The house became famous when it served as Villa Villekulla, the fictional home of Pippi.

So Pippi took the island by storm for a short time during the filming of "The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking," a movie starring Eileen Brennan and Dick Van Patten. The movie was filmed at many locations on Amelia Island, including Centre Street, Old Town, and in Jacksonville at the WJCT soundstage.

Pippi's creator, Astrid Lindgren, was born on Nov. 14, 1907, on a farm in her native Sweden. Astrid loved to read, particularly books that had girls as the heroines. Her second book, "Pippi Longstocking," was published in 1945. She published many popular books and was considered a heroine in children’s literature for championing children's freedom of expression.

In 1950, the book was translated and reached America. Everyone fell in love with Pippi, who may well be the first child superhero. She was the self-proclaimed strongest person in the world. Who couldn’t love a little girl who has no parents around to say “no,” drinks coffee, and is fabulously rich thanks to her absentee daddy, who is a pirate in the South Seas? She lives by herself in a wonderful old house and has a horse and monkey of her own and, best of all, doesn’t go to school. The book has been translated into 57 different languages. Her popularity rivaled that of Harry Potter today.

The Pippi House is pointed out on island historic tours, and those enjoying a river cruise can see it sitting proudly on its bluff. Many locals remember the filming and even participated. Other island landmarks can be recognized in the movie—St. Michael’s Academy, Centre Street and the Palace Saloon.

A trip to Old Town and a drive by the Pippi Longstocking House is well worth the trip. The house is a landmark for many reasons. It is an outstanding example of Victorian-era architecture, so popular during Amelia Island’s Golden Age in the late 1800s. It also has the distinction of being the setting for a popular movie featuring an enduring children’s favorite, unflappable Pippi Longstocking.