Join Us for a Tour
A walk along St. George Street, south from the City Gate to Plaza de la Constitucion, takes visitors back to the late 1500s when the city’s residents returned to the mainland from Anastasia Island where they had sought safety from native raids on their original settlement which is north of today’s downtown. Just steps from the Plaza at 143 St. George Street is one of St. Augustine's great treasures, the Peña-Peck House, circa 1750. This native coquina stone and frame building with its distinctive green shutters was a home to Spanish and British officials, and other notable owners and tenants throughout its storied past.
As with many older homes in St. Augustine, there are two names attached. It is usually the name of the first and last resident, or that of an important tenant. Treasurer Peña being the first, followed by 17 residents including Governors and government officials from Spain and Great Britain, ending with three generations of the Peck family, who purchased the home in 1837, while Florida was still a U.S. Territory. Hence the name Peña-Peck House.
Tour the historic Peña-Peck House to develop a better understanding of the culture of the times. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff or a master-gardener, there is plenty for you to see, learn and enjoy. The Pecks were patrons of 19th century art and antique furniture and much of their priceless collection still remains. Our award-winning ornamental gardens with native flora are a wonderful place to relax and step back in time.
Docents delight in showing this home with its old world charm and telling the stories of the people who lived here and the times in which they lived. Our docents bring its life full circle as they walk you through this home amidst the Peck-Burt families collection of 19th-century art and antique furnishings.
There is no charge for tours but donations are appreciated. All donations go to preservation of the house or The Woman’s Exchange Scholarship Fund for women over 30 returning to school. We invite you to cross our threshold on St. George Street and step into a history that is unique in all of St. Augustine.
Tour Info
We are currently closed for tours of the house due to historic restoration taking place. We hope to reopen in early to mid May 2023.
No appointments required for tours and visits. If you are a large group, school or an out-of-town charter, please register at [email protected] so we can accommodate your tour properly.
Take a Virtual Tour
Hear What Others are Saying:
“Spectacular historic house. Very interesting tour inside the house. I was able to enter all of the rooms. Very knowledgeable tour assistant.”
Over the last 20 years we have donated over $150k in scholarship money. In 2021, the Woman’s Exchange proudly awarded 20 educational scholarships and continued to maintain the Peña-Peck House. Our members conducted over 100 tours of the house/museum educating the public about the history and beauty of the house built for the Royal Spanish Treasurer, Juan Estevan de Peña. Our members hosted two delightful dinner events in the Peña-Peck garden (within CDC guidelines) showcasing the culinary talents of local chefs as well as the genius of regional musicians. We have partnered with over 30 local artisans to share their talents and wares in our treasure-filled Woman’s Exchange (WEx) gift shop. In all, our very active members (163 strong) clocked in a total of well over 6000 volunteer hours to manage and maintain our obligations to the Peña-Peck House and to fund scholarships.