Live Amongst History in Fleming Estates

As you drive through Riverside Homes’ picturesque neighborhood of Fleming Estates, the abundant mature moss-draped oak trees and the community’s idyllic location steps from the St. Johns River are just some of the features that will immediately catch your attention. However, what really sets Fleming Estates apart from other communities is what you cannot see – it’s rich history that dates back over 200 years ago.

A Look Back

George Fleming, Fleming Island’s namesake and an early settler, immigrated around 1785 from Ireland to St. Augustine, FL. For his impressive military service in Spanish East Florida, the Governor of Spanish East Florida granted him 1,000 acres on the west side of the St. John’s River northwest of St. Augustine in late 1790. In honor of his home country, Fleming named his new 1,000-acre plantation “Hibernia,” the Latin word for Ireland. After Fleming’s passing, his son Lewis Fleming inherited the plantation. Lewis’ second wife, Margaret Seton, would be instrumental in the family opening up their “grand house” on the St. Johns River to the public as a hotel, “The Fleming House Hotel,” that guests would later call “Hibernia Winter Resort.” The Fleming family would operate their Hibernia Plantation as a popular tourist resort for 80 years, up until the 1940s.

“For 150 years, Hibernia Plantation was the home of the Fleming family of Florida,” remarks Matt Roberts, Co-Owner of Riverside Homes. “Our team at Riverside Homes is looking forward to continuing the tradition of building homes in Fleming Estates on our estate sized lots that will last for generation after generation to enjoy. It’s rewarding to know the land that one of Florida’s oldest families once lived on is now a foundation for new families to make lifelong memories at home.”

History in the Making

Today, Holly Cottage (owned by Margot Fleming Ritchie) and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Chapel, a historic Carpenter Gothic church and cemetery on Old Church Road located just steps from Fleming Estates, are all that remain from the original Hibernia Winter Resort. Both landmarks are on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, the chapel, which was Margaret Seton Fleming’s private chapel, is among the five oldest wooden churches still standing and in use in Florida. Five generations of the Fleming family who called Hibernia home are buried on this sacred ground.

Daughter of George Fleming and great-great grandmother to Margot, the current owner of Holly Cottage, Margaret Seton Fleming is the namesake of Seton Family Walk in the Fleming Estates neighborhood. Margot’s mother, Marian Fleming, is the namesake of Marians View Walk in Fleming Estates. These street names are just another example of Riverside Homes’ commitment to preserve the legacy of the Flemings who staked their claim on Fleming Island more than 200 years ago.

“We are excited to offer homebuyers the chance to build a new home on a piece of Florida history,” shares Chris Wood, Co-Owner of Riverside Homes. “We know Fleming Estates will stay true to the Fleming family’s rich history by honoring the serene landscapes and front-porch style living that was so beloved on the property almost two centuries ago.” Homes prices for Fleming Estates start from the $400s with low-country inspired floor plans ranging in size from 2,215 square feet to 3,641 square feet. Our furnished model is open for tours at 1611 Marians View Walk, Fleming Island, FL 32003.