The Willis House History
Established in 1917
The Willis House was originally built in 1917 by Dr. R.A. and Mrs. Lizzie Willis. It was one of the largest homes built in the county at the time and was built with nine bedrooms to accommodate all the Willis children and grandchildren per "Ma Lizzie's" request. When necessary, it also served as a hospital for patients of Dr. Willis.
The Willis Family
Father - Dr. Robert Allen "R.A" Willis (1865 - 1924)
Mother - Annie Elizabeth "Lizzie" Anderson (1874 - 1972)
Children
Carrie Havilla Willis (1893 - 1960)
Lizzie Anderson "Annie" Willis (1895 - 1980)
Benjamin Risher Willis (1898 - 1959)
Robert Allen Willis (1892 - 1974)
Lee Asbury Willis (1901 - 1928)
House History
The Willis House is often mistaken to be an antebellum home, but it was built more than 50 years after the Civil War. Also, on the 6-acre property of this 100-plus year-old home are other structures including chicken coops, barns, a smokehouse, and more. At the time this house was built, modern refrigeration was not common in houses in Florida, but The Willis House was built with an icehouse which provided a cool place for perishable items.
Our History
While the current owner, Ms. Karen Kirkland, isn't part of the Willis family, it was her childhood home. She lived in this house from 1974 to 1987 and has fond memories of growing up in such a magical and peaceful place. In 2022, she decided to purchase the home and bring life back to the property so others could also be blessed to enjoy this historic place.