Fairbanks House - Amelia Island, FL

in the 1800's it was commonplace in grand mansions such as fairbanks house to have a guest bedroom on the first floor while the family's bed chambers were kept more private on a separate floor. this was certainly the case in the fairbanks family home. this bright first floor room now comfortably houses two beds - a queen and a twin - making it a perfect choice for an economical three-person room or for those wishing to share a room, but not a bed. the corner fireplace with candles adds to the charm.

the original design of fairbanks house saw this room as small quarters for the nanny plus an area on the second floor for the children to play surrounded by porches. as such, there was no mantel on the fireplace because it was not deemed as "important" as a fireplace that would be seen by the public or in the family's bedrooms. later, a lovely mantel was added, designating it as the only wooden mantel in the house among the ten fireplaces. the porches were enclosed allowing for the addition of a romantically sunken bedroom and a kitchen area with lots of windows. this bright room is perfect for longer stays, vacations, honeymoons, elopements or just some great amelia island relaxation.

as in most large mansions of the 1800's, the kitchen was built to be either completely separate from - or attached to - the back of the house for safety purposes. meals were cooked over open flames in large fireplaces. our kitchen suite, room 3, is suitably attached to the back of the house. the large cook's fireplace is now part of the private living room of this romantic suite, made more so by the electric fireplace that sits inside the original firebox. the 21st century version can be set to operate without heat for added ambiance in the warmer months. the private porch, private entrance, small refrigerator and two-person jacuzzi bathtub make this room appropriate for honeymoons, vacations, elopements or anniversary celebrations.

this restful room was originally a bedroom for one of the fairbanks daughters and an eventual nursery for the occasions when grandchildren were present. the nursery area was converted to a small kitchen when the house was converted to an apartment building and it remains as a kitchen today. prized as much for its tall windows as its fridge and microwave, the kitchenette/ sunroom offers a nice quiet space to relax with morning coffee as the colors of sunrise spread across the island. the large airy bedroom is showcased by another set of bright windows forming a box bay window sitting area. the electric fireplace housed in the original carved soapstone fireplace adds the final detail to this suite that's great for longer stays, girlfriend getaways, honeymoons and anyone wanting a bit more independence.

this large bright corner room boasts the largest bathroom in the mansion. it was originally used as major fairbanks' office attached to his bedroom, and it features beautiful (original) hardwood floors, a two-person jacuzzi, an electric fireplace and a lovely window seat. the bedroom offers a king four-poster bed as well as a carved soapstone fireplace with candles and two comfortably large upholstered rolled-arm chairs situated in front of a 32-inch flat panel television. romantic tapestry fabrics are used in the draperies throughout.