Dream Houses: Historic Beach Homes and Cottages of Naples

"Wilson and Taylor’s Dream Houses brings Old Naples to life, providing both fascinating stories and wonderful photographs of the historic Florida city."--Rodney Kite-Powell, Tampa Bay History Center

Naples, Florida, is known internationally for its stunning beaches, cosmopolitan ambience, and captivating architecture. Originally settled in the late nineteenth century, the seaside resort town is blessed with abundant historical architecture. One of the Sunshine State’s first "planned communities," the city is consistently recognized as one of the top growth areas in the United States. As a result, the original beach homes, most built between 1895 and 1950, are today threatened by land development and new construction.

Dream Houses is the visually inspiring record of the private homes in the historic district of this iconic Florida beach town. It captures the visual, factual, and familial history of these homes as they have, over the course of decades, survived hurricanes, commercial development, architectural evolution, real estate upheaval, and frenzied economic growth.

Joie Wilson and Penny Taylor were given privileged access to these houses; together they reveal the beauty, anonymity, and privacy these homeowners have discovered. This once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into these charming homes is an architectural and interior design delight; a unique look at some of the most distinctive beach cottages remaining in Florida.