Pensacola, Florida -- The Barkley House, one of the oldest masonry houses in Florida, has reopened as a venue for special events following a meticulous two-year renovation. Overlooking Pensacola Bay, the Barkley House is a special place holding a unique position in Pensacola’s history as one of the city’s last remaining and best-preserved examples of a 19th-century High House. The house, owned by the State of Florida and managed by West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. for the University of West Florida, is part of Historic Pensacola Village and is principally used as a one-of-a-kind event facility.
Built by Pensacola merchant George Barkley between 1825 and 1830, the house’s construction features bricks salvaged from fortifications built in Pensacola by the British and heart-pine flooring throughout. This historic home boasts an authentic feel that cannot be duplicated, making it a superlative venue for any gathering. In such a distinct setting, event planners and organizers find it easy to create memorable events ranging from corporate workshops and anniversary celebrations to holiday gatherings and wedding receptions.
Recent efforts restored the Barkley House to its original layout and it is furnished lightly with a selection of period pieces. Guests who gaze at the historic photographs gracing the walls often find themselves returning to old Pensacola. A wrap-around porch catches breezes off the bay while providing a vantage point overlooking the beautifully landscaped and manicured grounds.
Despite the historic feel, renovations have been accomplished with an eye toward making the Barkley House a smoothly functioning event space. Food preparation areas for caterers, as well as upgraded restroom facilities for guests have been installed in the original, detached kitchen and cookhouse. On the manicured grounds, which contain camellias, knockout roses and descendents of palm trees visible in a photograph from 1905 stands an entrance arch perfect for a wedding. A nearby pergola, shaded by majestic live oaks, makes the perfect bandstand. To maintain the historic mood, all mechanical and electrical equipment are masked in an enclosure beneath the house.
The highly sought Barkley House, after a meticulous renovation restoring it to its full glory, is once again available as a special event venue. Up to 75 guests can be accommodated in the house’s interior while up to 300 plus guests can be seated outside. For additional rental information, contact Casey Campbell, coordinator of public functions, at (850) 595-5985, ext 107, or ccampbell@uwf.edu or go online to www.historicpensacola.org.
For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or to request a Visitor Guide, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or (850) 434-1234 or go online to VisitPensacola.com or VisitPensacola.blogspot.com.
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