Coral Gables Merrick House

Merrick House in Coral Gables stands today much like it did in the 1920′s.

Built in a Classical Revival style out of oolitic limestone, Merrick House was the boyhood home of Coral Gables founder and developer, George Merrick.

The historic home sits on what was once 160 acres of undeveloped land bought site unseen in 1899 by George Merrick’s father, Solomon Merrick, who operated the land as a family plantation that produced avocados, oranges and grapefruit until his untimely death in 1911.

Althea Merrick, George Merrick’s mother, lived in the house until her death in 1937.

Upon Althea’s death, George Merrick’s sister, Ethel, operated the Merrick House (then known as Merrick Manor) as a boarding house until her death in 1961.

The property was left to her nephews who eventually sold it to William L. Philbrick. He cared for the home until 1976 when the City of Coral Gables acquired the property and restored it to its original glory.

Merrick House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 1973.

Today, the property operates as a city museum with guided tours on Wednesdays and Sundays between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Tours begin promptly at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. The tour of the house is approximately 45 minutes.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors & students, $1 for children between the ages of 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under.

The property can also be rented for meetings and events. Rental fees vary depending on the day and time of the event. More information on rental rules and fees can be found here.

Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way in Coral Gables.

For additional information on Merrick House, call Coral Gables Historical Resources at 305-460-5361 or send them an email to historicalresources@coralgables.com.

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