Historic Cottage - Near FSU & Thomasville

Why Brooke chose Monticello

The Avera-Clarke House was built in 1890 by Judge Thomas Clarke, a civil war veteran who fought in the Battle for Atlanta. After the Civil War ended, he studies law in Georgia, came to Monticello in the late 1800’s to open a law practice, was a signor on the Second Florida Constitution, and founded the Farmers and Merchants Bank (FMB has since been bought out by The First Bank, but was one of the oldest independent banks in Florida). His son, S.D. Clarke, also became a judge and was the last Clarke to occupy the house. S.D. Clarke was President of the Florida Senate for many years during the mid 1900’s and ran the infamous “Pork Chop” Gang in Florida politics. The Cottage, reputed to be the oldest structure in Jefferson County (approx. 1821), was moved to the property in January 2006 where it was fully restored (by the Avera’s). Originally known as, “The Old Robert’s House”, was located one block southeast of the Courthouse and was the home of one of the first postmasters in Jefferson County. The house was scheduled to be torn down before its rescue, but the Avera’s were able to preserve the 900 sq. ft. free standing structure that features a sitting room, queen size bed, full kitchen, and a full bath and 2 half bathrooms. The ceiling is original, which is made of hand-hewn lumber.

What makes this Cottage unique

Monticello is located in Jefferson County, the heart of “the Olde Florida”, one of rolling hills and stately, moss-draped oaks. Situated mid-way between Jacksonville and Pensacola, it is the only county that extends from Georgia on the north to the Gulf of Mexico on the south. Monticello, with a population of 2,600 residents, is Jefferson Count’s seat of government. Located just 23 miles from Tallahassee, the state capital, Monticello is the perfect example of a walkable community. The town offers stately 19th century homes, bed and breakfast inns, antique shops, an Opera House (circa 1890), an art gallery, easy access to government offices, and several restaurants situated around a unique “roundabout”, showcasing the Jefferson County Courthouse (circa 1909) in the town center. Many of these sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These structured represent some of the best architectural styles of the 1800’s, and most are still in use today. Our town is considered “the Most Haunted Small Town in America” complete with ghost tours, and documented photo siting’s.