If you’re like us, you were disappointed to hear that the annual Lake Morton Historic Home and Garden Tour was canceled this year. Since we’re “when life gives you lemons” people, here’s how you can take your own tour of the Lake Morton neighborhoods — and maybe call it home.
The South + East Lake Morton historic districts are packed with unique homes, many of which are more than a century old. Here you’ll find bungalows and Mediterranean Revival-style houses, plus shady trees that make for lush gardens.
While we wait to venture inside during future Home and Garden Tours, we recommend strolling down Success Avenue, Vistabula Street, and Johnson Avenue to see some of Lakeland’s most charming residences. Bring your phone and search properties in the Lakeland History Room’s databases as you go to read about their architectural styles, former owners, and when they were built.
The South Lake Morton district was surveyed in 1984, with 75% of its buildings being considered contributing structures.
Photo via Lakeland Public Library
That’s how we stumbled upon the story of 1055 Success Avenue. This bungalow was built around 1926 and was the home of William F. Reid, who served as Lakeland’s mayor in the 1920s and 1930s. And there’s plenty more history where that came from.
If Lake Morton’s charm draws you in, these century homes on the market could get you highlighted on the next tour.
We love the walkways through the flower beds in this backyard.
Photo via Zulma Machain, Redfin
515 Frank Lloyd Wright Way | Built in 1922
This home was featured in the 2020 Home and Garden Tour, and the front + back yards are just waiting for your green thumb to add some life.
The raised garden area at this home will save your back in the planting season.
Photo via Gilit Kontny, Gilit Group
939 Lexington Street | Built in 1925
Not into yard work? The backyard here is paved with brick, with a raised portion where you can show off your flowers, sans mowing.
949 Success Avenue | Built in 1923
The patio overlooking a landscaping-ready front lawn caught our eye, but it’s the spiral staircase that has us wanting to call this house home.
