Restoring Marcialago: Honoring History, One Floorboard at a Time

In the heart of Fernandina Beach’s Historic District—just two blocks from the bustle of Centre Street—stands a Victorian treasure that has witnessed over a century of island life. Built in 1890 and lovingly dubbed Marcialago, for its current owner, this home embodies the spirit of historic preservation, artistry, and Southern soul that defines Amelia Island itself.

When it was purchased in 2022, the listing described a property that had already undergone a remarkable transformation under the care of one of Fernandina’s most respected architects, the late John Cotner. A passionate preservationist and community visionary, Cotner restored the home in 2006, weaving modern comforts into the framework of its 19th-century design while safeguarding every bit of its character.

Cotner’s touch is evident throughout Marcialago—the soaring ceilings, the elegant symmetry, and the honeyed warmth of the southern yellow pine floors, whose grain carries the story of generations past. His work on this home stands as part of a much larger legacy: one that includes Fernandina landmarks such as the historic Railroad Depot, Peck Center, Centre Street restrooms, and the Waterfront Park. His decades of dedication to historic preservation earned him the City’s Preservation Champion Award, later renamed in his honor after his passing in 2022.

Mayor Mike Lednovich once said, “Fernandina Beach is a better place due to his indomitable spirit and keen influence. His legacy helped shape our island into the crown jewel that so many enjoy today.” Marcialago is, without question, one of those jewels.

A Home with History in Every Detail

Every architectural detail within Marcialago tells the story of a bygone era—one where design served both beauty and purpose. The tall ceilings were a necessity in Florida’s subtropical climate, allowing hot air to rise and breezes to circulate. The double-hung windows that line the home were carefully positioned to invite cross-ventilation long before air conditioning existed.

The expansive porch, framed by citrus trees and soft willow branches, remains a hallmark of Victorian Southern design—built not just for charm, but as a shaded gathering space to sit, greet neighbors, and watch the hustle and bustle of downtown. Overhead, its ceiling remains painted haint blue, a tradition rooted in Gullah Geechee folklore. The color, said to ward off “haints” or restless spirits, but it also served the practical purpose of repelling insects. It is these elements, and ones like them, that preserve the grace and ingenuity of 19th-century Southern life.

Our Role in the Revival

When we were invited to take part in Marcialago’s newest restoration chapter, we knew we were stepping into something special. Our work focused on returning the floors to their original glory—restoring portions of the home’s original southern yellow pine flooring and carefully refinishing the 2006 pine floors that had been installed to mirror the historical character of the home.

When we began, the floors were in rough shape—discolored and deeply scarred from years of lives well lived—but beneath the wear, we saw their potential. Through detailed sanding, sealing, and finishing, we were able to bring back their warmth and natural beauty. The seamless blend between the original sections and Cotner’s restoration-era flooring now tells one continuous story—rich, resilient, and full of life once more.

Upstairs, we installed white oak hardwoods, chosen for their timeless elegance, durability, and natural ability to complement the home’s classic architecture. The lighter tones of the oak add a refined contrast to the warmth below, giving the upper floor a clean, cohesive finish that still feels true to the home’s era.

While we always set the bar high for our work, even we are impressed with the results. What began as a challenging restoration turned into one of the most rewarding transformations we’ve seen—proof that craftsmanship and care can revive even the most timeworn spaces.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

To work within the vision of John Cotner and contribute to a home so deeply intertwined with Fernandina’s architectural heritage is a privilege we’ll always cherish. Marcialago represents the very best of what we love about restoration—preserving the past while creating a foundation for generations to come.

Every time sunlight glides across those restored pine floors or footsteps fall softly on the new white oak upstairs, it’s a quiet reminder that true craftsmanship connects time, place, and purpose.

Marcialago stands as a testament to timeless design, to Cotner’s enduring influence, and to the beauty of giving history new life.