George Sheffield, the house's newest owner, is of the island. His roots are all around the Bailey house and the island. His grandparents owned the Lowe House, another classic Queen Anne on the corner of Beech and 8th across from the Beech Street Grill. He remembers the big house and as a boy was awed by its grandeur.

Sheffield's mother was a Lowe, and island old timers remember the family grocery store - Lowe's on 8th Street. It was "the" island grocery store. His father worked at the grocery story and as newlyweds his parents lived in the Phelan-Verot House on North 4th Street, the little yellow house more commonly known as the "nun's house".

The Sheffield's purchase of the Bailey House came after an innocent evening participating in one of the Amelia Island Museum of History's popular ghost tours. The docent leading the tour mentioned that the Bailey House was for sale. The Sheffields followed up and soon found themselves owners of the beautiful old house and everything in it.

What are the origins of this classic "painted lady"? Young Kate McDonell lived with her family in a large Victorian house right next to where the Bailey house stands today. She was the daughter of Augustus O. MacDonell, who was the resident manager of the Florida Railroad, and her grandfather, born on Amelia Island, came from the family who operated the Harrison Plantation at the south end of Amelia Island.

Kate was a woman who knew what she wanted. She found the house of her dreams in a catalog and her fiance, Effingham, promised to build it for her when they married. Kate's father gave the young couple the lot on the corner of Ash and 7th.

Kate chose a design by a popular architect of the day George W. Barber. The Bailey House is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture. Its design features a wide variety of architectural elements. It is a feast for the eyes with its many colors highlighting gables, turrets, windows of all sizes and shapes and its distinctive fish scale shingles. Like many of the beautiful Victorian homes in the historic district of Fernandina Beach, local craftsman, many of them ship builders, contributed their talents to the home, which was completed in 1895.

New owners of the Bailey House - Barbara and George Sheffield.
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Kate Bailey left her mark not only on her wonderful home, but also on the adjoining street. The ancient, majestic live oak tree that still stands in the middle of Ash Street is a testament to Kate's will. When she learned the tree was scheduled to be cut down in order for Ash Street to be paved, legend has it that Kate sat on her porch with shotgun in hand and dared any city worker to cut down the tree.

Today, the Bailey House is a favorite of artists, and it is not unusual to come upon a hard working group of water colorists trying to capture its classic lines. In 1973 the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The 100-plus year old house has had only six owners. The Baileys owned the home for 70 of those years. In 1982 it was converted into a bed and breakfast, which required many changes. First and foremost - bathrooms. The original house, as grand as it was, only had one bathroom!

In 1993 Tom and Jenny Bishop bought the Bailey House and operated it as a B&B for 12 years before selling it to Barbara and George Sheffield. The Bishops were thoughtful guardians and renovators of the house and filled it with age-authentic antiques that remain in the house. Some original items remain - a doll carriage used by the Bailey children, the family Bible, a music stand and the sheet music of Kate's original music written for the island high school. The Bishops were faithful to the original design when they added rooms. Looking at the exterior it is difficult to determine where old ends and new begins.

Barbara Sheffield describes the warmth one feels when in the house. She feels strongly that each owner has had a welcoming spirit that has been passed to the next owner. As imposing as the house is from the exterior, once inside the house one feels welcome. Victorian homes often had a welcoming hall where visitors would enter.

The Bailey House has a particularly charming one, and the motto over the fireplace expresses the sentiments of both past and present owners - Hearth Hall - Welcome All. Local wood, a warm yellow pine, was used throughout and almost glows when the sun floods in through the large windows that let light in from all directions. All the classic Victorian era details are evident in the house - Tiffany style windows, a grand staircase, high ceilings, intricately detailed fireplaces and pocket doors.

The Sheffields felt immediately at home in the Bailey House, so lovingly restored and developed by Tom and Jenny Bishop. The Sheffields bought the house and everything in it, including beautiful period antiques and all the sheets and towels from the houses' bed and breakfast days.

The Sheffields consider the beautiful old house home, but are gracious in sharing it with the community. George Sheffield is active in the Amelia Island Museum of History and has been on its board for two years. When the museum began to plan its fall fund raising events the Sheffields were quick to offer their home.

Two events are scheduled. The first is the kick-off for the museum's Fall membership drive. On October 19 history will come alive as guests stroll through the Bailey House neighborhood and come in contact with some of the famous folk who lived on the island in the early 1900s. The party will end with cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the Bailey House.

Friday, December 8, the Amelia Island Museum of History, in partnership with The Amelia Island Bed and Breakfast Association will host a holiday themed party which will kick off the 2006 Bed and Breakfast tours.