Standing as the last example of a 19th century High House in all of Pensacola and being one of the oldest masonry houses in all of Florida, the Barkley House in Pensacola, Florida is an integral part of the Historic Pensacola Village. The beautiful property with deep historical roots has been given new purpose and meaning in recent years. The house, which was originally built by successful Pensacola merchant George Barkley, was built between 1825 and 1830 using bricks salvaged from the British fortifications throughout Pensacola. It served as a house for the Barkley family until the 1950s.
Today the Barkley House, which is part of the University of West Florida Historic Trust and features immaculate grounds with breathtaking views, provides a spectacular backdrop for various events making it a desirable venue for outdoor weddings and receptions. It can accommodate between 50 and 200 guests depending on how the space is laid out. The interior space alone can accommodate up to 50 guests for standing cocktails or 30 guests for a more formal, seated affair. Tables and chairs are available for up to 175 guests.
You can rent the Barkley House for five-hour time blocks throughout the week or eight-hour time blocks throughout the weekend. When rented for a wedding, the space can also be accessed for an hour on the rehearsal day and for several hours a few days before the ceremony. Additional time can be added to the rental agreement for $100 per hour.
The Barkley House comes equipped with several features that can be utilized to create an ideal function or event. This includes 175 white chairs, 12 six-foot rectangular tables, 12 five-foot round tables, 5 cocktail tables, and 12 eight-foot rectangle tables. Table linens are not provided, but the catering prep area does include an ice machine, refrigerator, warming oven, and a prep sink. Cooking is not permitted at this facility.
The Historic Pensacola Village— of which Barkley House is an important member— includes various self-guided programs and guided museums as well as living history programs. Self-guided museums include the Museum of Commerce, Museum of Industry, the Julee Cottage, the Manuel Barrios Cottage, and the John Appleyard Cottage tours. There is also a tour option for the Lear/Rocheblave House, the Old Christ Church, Lavalle House, and the Dorr House. Unified tickets to many of these establishments also provide admission to the Pensacola Museum of Art, Pensacola Children’s Museum, and the Pensacola Museum of History.
Due to its inclusion in the Historic Pensacola Village, the Barkley House can provide guests with a wide array of options when it comes to nearby exploration. Of course, many guests only seek out the Barkley House itself due to its beauty both inside and out and the picturesque location it makes for various events, not the least of which are weddings.
The Barkley House has become so much in demand that it is now available for interior-only events with adjusted rates. These events could include engagement parties, baby showers, birthday parties, cocktail receptions, intimate dinners, retirement celebrations, and more. Interior rental rates include the use of the first floor of the house as well as the porches. The exterior ground is not to be used when renting the interior space only.
The Barkley House has an Event Coordinator whose job is to oversee the rental of the space for various events. The space does require the first half of the rental fee to be paid along with a $250 refundable security deposit one month prior to the event. The Event Coordinator will work with you to set up payment and schedule your event.
Insider Tips:
-Insurance is required for all events at the UWF Historic Trust properties. Therefore, you must have liability insurance to cover any damages that happen during the event. Proof of insurance must be provided to the Event Coordinator at least one month before the event.
-The cancelation policy for the Barkley House gives you your 50% initial payment, minus a $150 administration fee if you cancel your reservation with written notice at least six months before your scheduled event. Any cancelation that is less than six months before the event will not be refundable.
-Barkley House renters are allowed to utilize any caterer.