Hello From Orlando - Part 13 Serenity At The Historic Bok Sanctuary
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Hello From Orlando ?" Part 13: Serenity at the Historic Bok Sanctuary
Summary
The Historic Bok Sanctuary, nestled about an hour southwest of Orlando near Lake Wales, is a tranquil escape that I visited after exploring the Florida's Natural Visitor Center earlier in the day. Edward W. Bok, who arrived in America from the Netherlands in 1869 at the age of six, founded this serene haven. Through perseverance, he rose to prominence as a successful publisher and editor of Ladies' Home Journal, as well as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian, and advocate for world peace and environmental conservation.
Discovering the Historic Bok Sanctuary
Situated about an hour southwest of Orlando, the Historic Bok Sanctuary is near Lake Wales, also known for the Florida's Natural Visitor Center. Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant, established this sanctuary. His journey from a young immigrant in 1869 to a respected publisher, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and advocate for peace and the environment, is truly inspiring.
Fascinated by successful entrepreneurs turned philanthropists, I found Edward W. Bok's story captivating. As a successful publisher residing in Pennsylvania, Bok often retreated to Florida during winters. He fell in love with the breathtaking views from Iron Mountain, the highest point in peninsular Florida at 298 feet above sea level. Driven to create a place of beauty and tranquility, he transformed the purchased land into lush gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Today, the sanctuary is home to 126 bird species and a variety of endangered plants and animals.
The Carillon and Belltower
The jewel of the Historic Bok Estate is the Carillon and Belltower, a National Historic Landmark built by exceptional craftsmen. The neo-Gothic and Art Deco tower is crafted from coquina rock from St. Augustine and pink and gray marble from Tate, Georgia. Adorned with carvings by New York sculptor Lee Lawrie, the tower features images of Florida's native flora, fauna, Greek mythology, and biblical scenes.
Bok's childhood memories of carillon music in Holland led him to commission a world-class carillon from England's John Taylor Bellfoundry. Known as the "Singing Tower," this carillon is one of only four in Florida, featuring 60 bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons. Carillon music plays every 30 minutes, with live recitals at 1 and 3 pm. I was fortunate to catch the 1 pm performance, watching the live broadcast just outside the tower.
Pinewood Estate
Another gem within the sanctuary is the Pinewood Estate, a National Historic Landmark since 1970. It stands as a prime example of Mediterranean Revival architecture in Florida, with its surroundings designed by Olmsted Jr. Originally "El Retiro," meaning "retreat," the estate was built in the early 1930s for Charles Austin Buck, a Bethlehem Steel executive who envisioned a winter haven for his family.
The Mediterranean-style garden features a charming Spanish frog fountain, a stone grotto, and an Oriental moon gate fountain off the dining porch. The English-style country garden reflects stunning afternoon sunsets. Throughout the estate, the influence of Latin lifestyle and architecture is evident in the barrel-tile roof, carved doors, and intricate wrought iron. Handmade Tunisian tiles and handcrafted Cuban furniture add to its charm.
Holiday Tradition
From November 25 to January 1, the Christmas at Pinewood home tour invites visitors into beautifully decorated rooms by local designers. Each space is enriched with insights from knowledgeable docents. The villa retains much of its original furnishings and artwork, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Exploring the Grounds
After touring Pinewood Estate and the historic Carillon Tower, I had the opportunity to wander the sanctuary's beautifully designed gardens, offering a serene retreat into nature. The Pine Ridge Trail reveals the native flora and unique ecosystem of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, home to rare plant species exclusive to this region. Thirteen species found here are on the federal endangered list, many nurtured in the Sanctuary's Endangered Plant Garden.
Enthralled by the vibrant gardens and diverse plant life, I found the Historic Bok Sanctuary a feast for the senses, appealing to architecture and music enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
Visitor Information
Located about 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa, near Lake Wales, Florida, the Historic Bok Sanctuary is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The Education and Visitor Center welcomes guests from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission costs $8 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Members and children under 5 enter free. For details, call (863) 676-1407 or visit [boksanctuary.org](http://www.boksanctuary.org).
For the complete article including photos, please visit [Travel and Transitions](http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_historic_bok_sanctuary.htm).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Hello From Orlando - Part 13 Serenity At The Historic Bok Sanctuary.
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