I did not time this post very well. It was only upon editing these photos last weekend that I remembered just how much of a holiday-themed post this is, and here we are a full week into January. But it’s a follow-up to yesterday’s Florida update and I don’t want to wait another year to share these photos! So here we go.

Last month I spent about 90 minutes walking around the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers, FL — a 21 acre property right on the beach where inventor Thomas Edison and automobile maker Henry Ford lived with their families during the coldest months of the year, back around the start of the 20th century.

That’s Edison on the left, and Ford on the right:

It costs $20 per adult to take a self-guided audio tour of the grounds. Guests are not allowed to actually enter the two estates, but doors are open so that people can peek inside and take photos. Everything is beautifully decorated for Christmas.

I saw over twenty Christmas trees scattered around the grounds, all of them decorated by theme. This one was all about Edison — ornaments featuring his films and music, and topped with an assortment of colorful light bulbs.

The next batch of photos were all taken on the Edison Estate (his home is closer to the entrance, with the Ford property set further back).

From there I wandered down to the waterfront. These homes have a gorgeous view out back.

A postcard perfect Florida view:

There are extensive gardens throughout the properties — all of it well taken care of and properly identified on little white placards. I only photographed a few of them; if you’re into plants, you could spend a lot more time here.

Here’s an old-fashioned swimming pool on the Edison grounds:

Lovely garden area behind the swimming pool:

There’s a small gallery of portraits, paintings, and photographs.

A few more of the trees… this one near the garden is rose-themed:

And here’s a “Chemis-Tree”… which made me chuckle.

The rooms in these photos are on the Ford side of the estate. Just like the Edison counterpart, it’s been lovingly decorated for the holidays.

Weddings often take place here, and today is no exception. I spot guests in Gatsby-themed dresses and suits walking towards a gathering of chairs on the Ford property.

Santa poses in this Ford automobile in the garage:

I remember driving by the Edison & Ford Winter Estates many times during previous Florida trips, and I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to stop for a proper visit. It was spontaneous — I had no idea I’d see this place until I drove by it, did a U-turn, and parked the car. And how lucky my trip coincided with the seasonal decor! Regardless of the time of year, it’s a lovely place to wander and admire these homes and waterfront.