07/25/2026
In June, I had the pleasure of attending a realtor Lunch & Learn at Casa Feliz, where members of the real estate, preservation, and building communities came together to learn more about Winter Park’s remarkable historic homes.
The presentations by Kelsey Wolfe, Vice Chair of the Winter Park Historic Preservation Board, Allison McGillis, City Planner for the City of Winter Park, and Ron Scarpa of Barefoot Brothers Construction offered valuable insight into the responsibilities — AND REWARDS — of owning, restoring and preserving historic properties.
As I walked around Casa Feliz afterward, I found myself drawn to the weathered clay roof tiles, handmade brick, graceful arches, and timeless craftsmanship that have endured for generations!
Designed by James Gamble Rogers II, it was originally built in 1933 as the Barbour family’s home on N Interlachen Ave. Decades later, rather than being demolished, the entire house was carefully lifted onto dollies and transported through the streets of Winter Park to its present location beside the golf course — a notable preservation effort that helped earn its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008!
One of the highlights of the afternoon was sharing it with family. My niece, Rebecca, who serves on the Board of Directors of Casa Feliz, joined along with my niece Jordan and my cousin Laura Lane, both fellow local realtors.
Having grown up in Winter Park and later spending more than 30 years living in Italy, I’ve come to appreciate how architecture can tell the story of a community. Experiences like this remind me that, as realtors, we don’t simply help people buy and sell homes — we also have the opportunity to help people appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and character that make certain homes truly irreplaceable.
Thank you to Betsy Rogers Owen’s, Executive Director of Casa Feliz, and the entire Casa Feliz team for hosting such a meaningful afternoon.
BEAUTIFUL HOMES DESERVE TO BE ADMIRED. HISTORIC HOMES DESERVE TO BE CHERISHED!
