The house that survived the British and an alligator farm

The Gonzalez-Alvarez House is believed to be the oldest surviving house in St. Augustine. Built around 1723, the structure reflects the Spanish colonial architectural style with later English modifications. The first floor was constructed of coquina limestone with thick walls oriented east-west to manage the heat. The design included an open covered loggia on the east side to catch southeasterly winds, while the interior floors were made of tabby concrete.

The house has documented occupants spanning several centuries and shifting administrations. The Gonzalez family lived there from 1625 to 1763, leaving for Cuba after the British took over Florida. In 1774, Major Joseph Peavett purchased the house and added a wood-frame second story and glass windows. He was followed by Geronimo Alvarez, who added a two-story coquina wing. These changes created a building that reflects Spanish, British, and American influences.

The house served as a residence for various families, including the Alvarez family from 1790 to 1882. Later tenants included the William B. Duke family, the Carvers, and the James W. Henderson family. From 1911 to 1918, the property was inhabited by the South Beach Alligator Farm. The St. Augustine Historical Society took over the house in 1918 and restored it to a late 19th-century appearance between 1959 and 1960.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons