6975 Old Church Road, Fleming Island, FL 32003

Property Description

Welcome to historic Hibernia, the homesite of the Fleming family for whom Fleming Island is named. ''Irishman George Fleming arrived in Spanish East Florida in 1783. He established Hibernia on an island in the St. Johns River that is known today as Fleming Island. Hibernia became known to George's children and grandchildren, and in the course of over 200 years, seven generations of the Fleming family have called it home. Among the descendants are southern planters, soldiers and statesmen - most notably, Frances Philip Fleming, the 15th governor of Florida. In the mid-19th century, the Fleming family transformed Hibernia into a winter hotel that became a celebrated destination in the early days of Florida tourism and into the the 20th century. Today, Hibernia is a small residential enclave where a few remnants of the Fleming family's rich history still stand to remind us of days gone by." (from THE FLEMINGS OF FLEMING ISLAND, by Scott Ritchie). At present, the original Plantation/Boarding House and Big Cottage are gone but in their place is a lovely home built with the salvaged materials of both buildings, including the wide-planked heart of pine floors, 90 of the original windows, beams, fireplaces and original bricks. Also on the grounds is the original spring-fed swimming pool considered to be one of the oldest pools in Florida, if not the oldest, constructed in 1885 and in excellent condition, soon to have an historic marker. The current Trust has a deed restriction of 1 residence and the property is not to be subdivided. This is truly one of the most beautiful properties representing "Old Florida" and its rich history in our state. It sits on 5.647 acres and has approximately 400' on the St. Johns River. It is well maintained. Please come and enjoy this beautiful experience!