Purchased in 1919, the land where the Bonnet House would eventually stand was originally intended as a wedding gift by Hugh T. Burch for his newlywed daughter Helen and her spouse, Frederick C. Bartlett. Few people are aware, however, that the property happens to be located at an ancient site belonging to Tequesta Indians as well.

The following year, Bartlett went to work in designing a winter haven for him and his wife. But their dream was short-lived as Helen died in 1925 of cancer. Bartlett only returned to the area when he brought home his second wife, Evelyn Lilly. Today, many of the original decor and design of the new couple has been beautifully restored. In 1984, the Bonnet House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and later received accreditation as well from the American Association of Museums.