Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

Located on Aviles Street in St. Augustine's historic downtown, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is one of the best-preserved colonial structures in St. Augustine. Once the premier boarding house in the city, the Ximenez-Fatio House is rich in history, with every room telling its own unique story. Founded over seventy-five years ago in 1939, by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in The State of Florida, this House Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Built as a merchant's home and place of business in 1798, the coquina stone building transferred ownership several times throughout the Nineteenth Century — notably, the boarding house business within the House was owned and operated by three consecutive single women. The period of interpretation for this House Museum is 1798 (the year the House was built) to 1899 (the year the Florida Chapter was admitted to the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America).

Each room has been meticulously interpreted to tell its story about early visitors and how they experienced the Oldest City. Visitors can hear these stories on an unforgettable guided tour through the Museum. And due to ongoing research and archeological discoveries, the stories of the Ximenez-Fatio House continue to unfold.

The site consists of a coquina detached kitchen building c. 1798 and a reconstructed wash house c. 1802, as well as the main house and a museum store.

The Museum's exhibits that focus on the property's role as a boarding house, with items on display like a dry sink, unique fans called punkahs, and an old-fashioned foot warmer. Running a boarding house was one of the few acceptable occupations for a woman in the 19th century, and as such the house and museum are excellent examples of daily life in St. Augustine during its days as a U.S. territory and into its early statehood.

Specialty Tours

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum hosts specialty tours throughout the year — from Black History programs to Halloween events. Please contact them via their website or phone for more information.

Wedding Venue

The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum also makes a lovely wedding venue. With its central location on historic Aviles Street, wedding guests will enjoy the convenience of being near all the great restaurants and attractions.