Amelia Island features an abundance of spectacular architectural styles in its luxury real estate. Looking just at Downtown Fernandina Beach, this district is a haven for gorgeous historical homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In a district that’s 50 blocks-plus, more than 400 historic structures exist in harmony—homes, churches, and commercial buildings—and you can simply go for a stroll to enjoy a plethora of stunning sights.

Here are four of those styles along with three others found in high-end Amelia island real estate. 

#1 Victorian

Styles in the downtown include the “grand old ladies” themselves—Victorian architecture with “wrap-around porches, ornate gingerbread trim, and colorful facades that transport you back to a bygone era.” 

That said, Victorian architecture isn’t confined to a particular style. Instead, it refers to homes constructed during the reign of England’s Queen Victoria (1837-1901). So, it encompasses styles like Gothic Revival with its pointed arches, lancet windows, and medieval styling; Second Empire, influenced by French Renaissance with mansard roofs and square structures; Italianate with low-pitched roofs and villa styling; and much more. The architecture then spread from England to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

#2 Queen Anne

The Bailey House is an ideal example of Queen Anne architecture, which is really a latter subset of the longstanding Victorian style. Located on Ash and 7th Street, the Bailey House features “three-story turreted bays on its front corners, expansive eaved porches facing south and east, and gables adorned with fish-scale shingles.” 

Besides being an exceptionally fine example of this style, the architects—George Berber and Associates, of Knoxville, Tennessee—created especially detailed plans. Built for steamship agent Effingham W. Bailey in 1895 with yellow heart pine, it also features stained glass windows, dormers, and decorative corbelling. 

#3 Tabby

Right by the Bailey House, Downtown Fernandina Beach still features one tabby house—appropriately named the Tabby House. Designed by important local architect, Robert S. Schuyler, this house features an exterior of crushed oyster shells and cement. 

The use of tabby in architecture has a fascinating history. Thanks to abundant piles of oyster shells left behind from Native American kitchens, tabby began to be made in South Carolina and Georgia back in the 1700s. It wasn’t a new idea then, however. Variations existed in Roman times with tabby structures also built in the tenth century, and the Spanish military used this material for buildings in the late 1500s.

The British in the Colonies probably discovered how to use tabby when they fought with the Spanish in the 18th century at St. Augustine, Florida and saw their techniques. Tabby worked well in Florida’s humid climate and became a “cultural mainstay and sociological status symbol.” In other words, luxury real estate.

#4 Classical Revival or Greek Revival 

One of the oldest homes on the island, the Lesesne House features the Classical Revival style with columns and double galleried porches. Inspired by the symmetry and proportions of Ancient Greek temples, this style was quite popular in the United States from about 1835-1860. It, in fact, became the country’s first dominant architectural style. 

The Lesesne House was constructed with hand-hewn lumber in 1860, and logs were fastened together with pegs made of wood rather than nails. Sold to Judge John Friend for $3,000 in 1868 and kept in the family, it’s the only post and beam Amelia Island real estate known to still exist.

#5 California Modern 

California Modern style emerged after World War II and the urbanization that evolved. Joseph Eichler became a leader in this architecture as he blended mid-century design with a minimalistic, bohemian feel: sleek, smooth, and distinctively modern. With this architectural style, the exterior is inspired by its surroundings, allowing the home to mesh beautifully in its environment. Then, the indoors and outdoors can interact in seamless ways.

As far as Amelia Island real estate, at the time of writing this post, luxury homes for sale include stunning examples of California modern—true modern masterpieces.

#6 Mediterranean 

A classic Mediterranean exterior features a red-tiled roof with stucco or brick that’s typically painted white, a tawny neutral, or subtle shade of yellow. Additional features can include window metalwork, carved doors, archways, balconies, and stone details.

Initially inspired by homes in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, Mediterranean architecture today now also imbues influences from Morocco, France, Greece, and more. This means that this overarching style encompasses many subspecialties like Spanish Revival and Modern Mediterranean. In the 1920s, the Mediterranean Revival took place as Americans—particularly in Florida and California—gravitated to the luxurious ambiance of this style and appreciated how it blended in so well with their climate.

Luxury real estate currently for sale on Amelia Island at the time of writing also include stunning homes in the Mediterranean style.

#7 Coastal

Coastal architecture focuses on building stunning homes that don’t detract from the eyecatching views that surround it: the waterfront, for example, and its accompanying natural beauty. The home brings in elements that resonate with people who love the ocean, blurring the indoors and outdoors in ingenious ways. This architecture style ranges from cozy beach houses to Coastal Colonial homes that especially work well along the southeastern coast of the United States, including in Amelia Island real estate. Think of Coastal Colonial as a less formal colonial style home that incorporates the loveliness of the coast. 

If this style appeals to you, there are often Coastal-style luxury homes for sale on Amelia Island.

Amelia Island Real Estate: Luxury Homes for Sale

This sampling of styles in luxury real estate quickly makes it clear that a diverse set of awe-inspiring architectural styles can be found in Amelia Island real estate. If you know what style appeals to you, or you’d like to explore Amelia Island’s luxury homes for sale, just let us know. 

Our real estate agents are passionate about our island and its amazing architecture in luxury real estate. Connect with us to discuss your dream home and all that it would entail.