We're Glad You're Here
It’s not every day you get the opportunity to stay in a home that has stood for more than a century. Built in 1907, 1907 Francis Villa offers guests a rare chance to experience the character, charm, and history of Old St. Augustine from inside one of its historic homes — while still enjoying the comfort and convenience of a thoughtfully updated stay.
The History Behind 1907 Francis Villa
Staying here is more than booking a vacation rental—it's an opportunity to experience a piece of living history.
Located on Riberia Street in historic St. Augustine, 1907 Francis Villa is more than a beautifully restored home—it is a tribute to family, heritage, and the living history of the nation's oldest city. Built in 1907, 1907 Francis Villa has welcomed generations of residents and visitors for more than 119 years. Long before modern hotels, automobiles, and air conditioning became commonplace, this home was already part of the fabric of historic St. Augustine.
Located on historic Riberia Street in the Lincolnville neighborhood, the home sits within one of St. Augustine's most culturally significant districts. Founded in 1866, Lincolnville became one of the city's first communities established by formerly enslaved residents after the Civil War. Today, the neighborhood is recognized for its rich heritage, historic architecture, and proximity to downtown St. Augustine.
Just a short walk away, visitors can explore the streets and landmarks that helped shape modern St. Augustine. During the late 1800s, industrialist Henry Flagler transformed the city into a premier winter destination, constructing iconic buildings that still define the city's skyline today. Many of the attractions, hotels, churches, and streetscapes that visitors enjoy today were influenced by Flagler's vision and investment in St. Augustine.
The History of Riberia Street
Riberia Street traces its name back to Juan de Ribera, a native Tolomato Indian and Spanish artilleryman stationed at the famed Castillo de San Marcos. Historical records show Ribera owned property in St. Augustine before the British occupation of 1763.
Over the centuries, maps alternated between the original Spanish spelling “Ribera” and the modernized “Riberia,” creating the unique street name seen today. The area remains one of the most authentic and historically rich neighborhoods in the nation’s oldest city.
Preserved Architectural Character of 1907 Francis Villa
Originally constructed in 1907, the home retains many historic architectural features that reflect the craftsmanship of the era.
Original Heart Pine Flooring
Throughout the home, guests will find original slow-growth heart pine flooring, a prized building material of the early 1900s known for its remarkable durability and natural resistance to termites and moisture. Over more than a century, these floors have witnessed generations of families, changing times, and the rich history of St. Augustine itself.
One of the home's most unique historical features can be found along the staircase, where subtle burn marks remain visible in the original wood from a fire that occurred many years ago. While the home has since been professionally repaired and restored, these preserved marks serve as a reminder of the property's long journey through history. Rather than being hidden, they remain as a small piece of the home's story—connecting today's guests to events that took place decades ago.
Stained-Glass Transom Windows
One of the home's most distinctive historic features is its collection of stained-glass transom windows located above the interior doorways. Before the invention of modern air conditioning, these windows served an important purpose, allowing air to circulate freely throughout the home while maintaining privacy between rooms.
During the warm Florida summers, homeowners could open the transoms to create natural airflow, helping cool the house by allowing breezes to move from room to room. The colorful stained glass added both beauty and functionality, reflecting the craftsmanship and attention to detail common in homes of the early 1900s.
Today, these original transom windows remain a rare architectural feature and a reminder of how homes were thoughtfully designed long before modern conveniences. Their preserved glass, woodwork, and hardware offer guests a glimpse into the ingenuity and elegance of historic St. Augustine living.
The Haint Blue Porch Ceiling
As you relax on the front porch, look up and you'll notice the soft blue ceiling overhead. Known throughout the South as "haint blue," this tradition dates back generations and can still be found on many historic homes from Florida to South Carolina.
Originally, homeowners painted porch ceilings blue because folklore suggested it would ward off wandering spirits, or "haints." Others believed the blue color resembled the sky, making insects less likely to build nests beneath the porch. Whether rooted in tradition, practicality, or both, the custom became a beloved architectural feature of Southern homes.
Today, the blue porch ceiling remains a small but meaningful connection to the home's historic character, preserving a tradition that has welcomed visitors to Southern homes for well over a century.
Historic Carriage House
Located behind the main home, the historic carriage house offers a glimpse into everyday life in St. Augustine during the early 1900s. Before automobiles became commonplace, structures like this were commonly used to store horse-drawn carriages, equipment, and supplies needed for daily transportation and household operations.
As the city evolved and automobiles replaced horses, many carriage houses were adapted for garages, workshops, and utility storage. This carriage house followed a similar path, serving different purposes through the decades while remaining an important part of the property's history.
Today, the carriage house stands as a reminder of a different era—when transportation moved at the pace of a horse and buggy, and daily life revolved around a much simpler rhythm. Few historic homes still retain these original outbuildings, making it a unique feature that helps tell the story of how the property has adapted and endured for more than a century.
Together with the main home's original heart pine floors, stained-glass transom windows, and historic architectural details, the carriage house helps preserve the character and authenticity that make 1907 Francis Villa a truly special place to experience St. Augustine's past.
The Meaning Behind the Name 1907 Fransic Villa
While the home's history stretches back more than a century, the name 1907 Francis Villa reflects a story much closer to home.
"Francis" was chosen in honor of my grandfather on my mother's side, a man whose values, character, and legacy continue to influence our family today. "Villa" comes from my paternal grandfather's family name, connecting the home to another branch of our family history.
Adding even more meaning to the name, my grandfather was born in Spain near the village of Folgoso de la Ribera. When we discovered this historic home on Riberia Street in St. Augustine, the connection felt like more than a coincidence. The link between Ribera and Riberia created a meaningful connection between our family's Spanish heritage and the rich Spanish history that has shaped St. Augustine for centuries.
In many ways, 1907 Francis Villa represents the meeting of two histories—our family's story and the story of one of America's oldest cities. The name serves as a tribute to the generations who came before us and a reminder that every historic home is ultimately shaped by the people, memories, and experiences that pass through its doors.
As a tribute to the women who helped shape our family, each bedroom at 1907 Francis Villa is named in honor of one of our grandmothers. From the Georgiana Suite to the Helen, Vera, and Fleicia Rooms, these names celebrate the family stories, traditions, and memories that inspired the preservation of this historic home.
We hope that during your stay, you not only enjoy the comfort and beauty of this historic home, but also appreciate the history, heritage, and sense of connection that inspired its name. Like the generations before us, we hope you'll create memories here that last a lifetime.
