Barnacle Historic State Park

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In Short – Once home to one of the Grove's pioneers, Ralph Monroe, this seven-room structure got its name because the central room was octagonal in shape and looked like a barnacle. This is the oldest house in Dade County still in its original location and has one of the most pristine views of the bay in Coconut Grove. Unlike the Deering Estate, you won't find any baroque cherubs or marble vanities here. Monroe purchased the 40 acres of land in 1886 for $400 and one of his sailboats. The house is surrounded by the original hammock, giving it a secluded time-gone-by feel.