News this week from citizen reporter Janet Serrano, “Special to the Herald”.

The story is headlined,

Cottages Tour A Success,
Even with the Rain

The rain could not dampen the spirits of the almost 500 attendees at The Cottages of Lake Worth tour, held Sunday, Jan. 27. This year’s tour featured thirteen homes in the Eden Place and Mango Groves neighborhoods, with three trolleys circulating the route. A local historian was on board each trolley to entertain and educate the riders on Lake Worth and cottage history. The Beach Club served up food and drink early and late in the day. This is the third successful tour, exposing 1,300 plus people to charming cottages and unique Lake Worth. It is believed this exposure is important in preserving the 1000 plus cottages in the City. That is the mission of the non-profit organization that sponsors the tour, The Cottages of Lake Worth, Inc., founded in 2013 by a local group of volunteers.


Let’s pause here briefly, the news from Janet Serrano continues following this brief message.

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Now back to the news in the Herald this week.

The cottages on the tour were constructed from the mid twenties to the late forties with most being around 1000 square feet in size. Different architectural styles, garden layouts, and interior décors were represented. The histories of their previous lives are fascinating. Pre-renovation, one had a tree growing up in the middle of the kitchen, another revealed original documents in the attic of the city’s early layout, one had the original cook-out grill for the City’s early fishing club, two were moved from different locations (one from the City golf course), and one was built from a Sears mail order kit.

Several owners used reclaimed products in their décor, always a good idea in cottage renovation for aesthetic, historical, and financial reasons. One owner drove to Georgia and returned with enough hardwood flooring, salvaged from an old mill, to cover three rooms. Another has salvaged flooring in the kitchen from a boat. And a third used an antique chest for the vanity in the bath. It’s a good idea to think outside the box with cottages. The use of repurposed items, bold color choices, period furnishings, and intimate gardens are a few of the things that set the cottages apart and define their charm. Most all have well landscaped back yards with decks that offer the best of Florida outdoor living. The creative spirit evident in the cottages reflects the vibrant artistic scene that defines Lake Worth.

The Cottages of Lake Worth Board extends a huge thank you all the owners on this year’s tour who so graciously opened their homes for viewing. The time and effort you have put into your homes, maintaining original architectural elements and renovating with an eye toward period design, is very much appreciated. Thanks are also in order to the many volunteers who make this tour possible, giving freely of their time. And thank you attendees whose appreciation for the cottages helps further the mission of educating the public about them.

The Cottages of Lake Worth, Living Large in Small Spaces book is in its second printing and is available online or at local venues (The Book Cellar and Maria Paz Art Studio among others). Any information you might need is on the website www.cottagesoflakeworth.com

Hope to see you on the January 2021 tour!


And check back early next week for more news in the Herald, news about the Historical Society of Lake Worth and a painting donated to the Lake Worth Public Library that will be on display through October.