About Charlotte County category interest

The land was purchased by Freeman in 1903 from Albert Gilchrist, who later became Governor of the state, and there has been a local legend that the house belonged to him, but in fact it was built for Freeman. The house was moved two blocks in 1985 before a restoration began, but the move was not deemed to have disturbed historic integrity. It was moved again in 2005 to city property following Hurricane Charley. In 2006, $200,000 was allocated to restore it and make it into a museum,which opened on April 18, 2007.  The house is open daily except Monday; admission is free.

It was deemed significant for reflecting Queen Anne style architecture, asserted to be rare in South Florida, and for association with businessman and politician Augustus C. Freeman. Freeman owned a hardware store and a citrus grove, among other ventures. He served in various city government positions from 1896 to 1904, including as mayor during the later four or five years. During the 1902 mayoral campaign he was described as "'Industrious, frugal and obliging... well-to-do, but probably not a millionaire'". The house is one of only two Queen Anne houses known to survive in Charlotte County.

The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 22, 1987.
It is located at 311 West Retta Esplanade. Its current owner is listed as Carol Ann Freeman.