Real Estate Fort Myers

Fort Myers is located on the southwestern Gulf coast of Florida and became famous as the former winter residence of Henry Ford and Thomas Alva Edison. Life pulsates here in downtown Fort Myers. The city and surrounding areas are constantly in the fast lane, making them one of Florida's fastest developing regions.

Despite constant development, the city on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River is and remains rich in nature and culture. Today the former winter homes of light bulb inventor Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford, the car pioneer from Detroit, are open to visitors and tell a lot about the history and lifestyle of the 19th century.

In the historic district of Fort Myers, there are a number of listed houses, including the Heitman House. This unique building is one of the last privately owned early 20th century historical properties to line the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in the historic district of Fort Myers. Gilmer Heitman had it built for himself and his future bride before she even accepted his proposal. The bustling businessman happened to meet a passing Englishwoman in Fort Myers. After she returned home, Heitman felt how much he had fallen in love with the young woman, commissioned the house and rushed to England to court her.

In 1991 the villa was spontaneously bought by Carla D. Anderson during a business trip and completely renovated in 1992. The building is one of the largest private homes in the typical local Queen Anne style. Its location right on the Caloosahatchee River is unique and breathtaking - a stone's throw from the amazing beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island.

The covered wrap-around veranda with its balustrades reminds one of the arcades of Italian villas. Here the most famous residents of Fort Myers, the ingenious inventor Thomas Edison and the automobile magnate Henry Ford, together with the tire tycoon Harvey Firestone, often enjoyed their afternoon tea. The families were close friends and business associates of the Heitmans. Which owner of a multi-million dollar villa can claim to have the ghosts of Edison, Ford and Firestone floating on his veranda? Next to the guesthouse is a direct access canal to the Caloosahatchee River on the beautiful property.

Gilmer Heitman is also said to have been the first car dealer in Fort Myers. He brought six red painted REOs (R.E.Olds Motor Car Company) - three runabouts and three touring cars - and two Cadillacs to Fort Myers in 1909. In 1935 he bought the eight-story Hotel Franklin Arms, Fort Myers' first skyscraper. The hotel got a new name in 1975 - Edison Regency Hotel. His brother, Harvie Heitman, a close confidant of Thomas Edison, organized the delivery of the royal palms from Cuba, which still adorn McGregor Boulevard today and gave the city of Fort Myers the nickname "City of Palms", adding an unmistakable flair.

Fort Myers Beach

Not every spot is built on though; after all there has to be space for the 130 golf courses in and around Fort Myers. Nowhere else in the United States can you find such a large number of golf courses. The beaches of Fort Myers Beach invite you to relax. The best way to enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere of Florida is to rent an attractive vacation home for a relaxing stay in the Sunshine State.

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