Earlier this year we built a custom garage in the historic Lake Lawsona- Ferncreek neighborhood in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, when the garage was first finished, we didn't get very good photos. Luckily, when we went back in April for the Lake Lawsona Garden Tour, we were able to swing by and see the garage nestled beautifully in the finished yard.

Orlando Historic Bungalow Detached Garage

The new garage looks like it has always been in the yard

Craftsman Bungalow Garage Orlando

The 14'x20' garage has an overhead door that is faced to look like a traditional carriage house door

Orlando Detached Garage Side Door

A board and batten cypress beadboard door leads off the side of the garage

Garage double hung wood window

Garage double hung wood window

Carriage House style overhead garage door

Carriage House style overhead garage door and classic outdoor lights

The Lake Lawsona - Ferncreek Garden Tour takes place every other year, alternating annually with the Lake Eola Heights Neighborhood Garden Tour and is well worth attending. This year, we were given booth space near H. H. Dickson Azalea Park, which is a phenomenal historic natural landscape park comprised of a ravine down the middle of the neighborhood. It is a great asset that complements the lovely 1920s homes that make up the neighborhood.

Dickson Azalea Park Historic Marker Orlando

"Dickson Azalea Park began as a natural stream, later named Fern Creek, in a deep ravine surrounded by native ferns, palms, and oaks. It once was a watering hole for cattle herders driving their animals south. State Senator Walter Rose (1888-1958) purchased 40 acres of land here in 1916 and platted most of it for development. He set aside five acres adjacent to the creek for a park, called Senator Rose park, which he deeded to the City of Orlando in 1924. In 1933, the Civitan Club presented the City Council with a proposal to beautify the overgrown park and asked the city to re-name it in honor of Colonel Henry Hill Dickson (1849-1935). An Orlando business pioneer and civic leader, Dickson devoted his energies to the beautification of Orlando, and was instrumental in planting azaleas throughout the city. In 1935, ground was broken for restoration of the overgrown property. Local landscape architect Mulford Foster designed the scheme for the park's plants, water features, bridges and paths, and Works Progress Adminsitration labor built the park's walls and steps. Dickson Azalea Park was designated an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1991."

Dickson Azalea Park Bridge

One of many natural style bridges in Dickson Azalea Park in Orlando

Tree in Dickson Azalea Park Orlando

Tree emerging from the ravive in Dickson Azalea Park Orlando

Some home details are just so lovely they just have to be replicated. For this 10'x12' shed that Historic Shed built in the historic Duckpond Neighborhood in Gainesville, Florida, the eave brackets and unique gable vents were replicated to create a one of a kind shed. The result is a main house and shed that harmonize very well. The shed design was reviewed and approved by the local historic preservation office.

Gainesville custom storage shed with eave brackets

10'x12' custom shed with French doors and interesting eave brackets

Historic Shed Vent detail

Shed vent detail complements the main house

Craftsman eave brackets

Craftsman eave brackets being prepped for for a Historic Shed storage shed

Historic Shed installation Gainesville Florida

Historic Shed installation

Craftsman Bracket Detail on Historic House

The original Craftsman bracket detail on the historic Duckpond house

Craftsman Gable Vent

The existing gable vent on the historic home - note the different outrigger detail on this side of the house

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