For several decades, Rollins owned a house for the College's presidents. The new Barker House, dedicated in October 2005, marked the first time, however, that the presidents' house was located on the Rollins campus.
The home of our current president, Lewis M. Duncan, and his family, as well as all future presidents, now stands proudly on the shores of Lake Virginia, on land owned by Rollins. The home was made possible by proceeds from the sale of the previous presidents' house and through a generous contribution from Rollins Board of Trustees Chairman Francis "Frank" Barker and his wife, Daryl Stamm Barker, who are both Rollins alumni.
Previous presidential homes did not allow for on-campus entertaining and didn't have adequate entertaining space, parking, and accessibility. The Barker House, however, builds a sense of family while also being able to accommodate entertaining on a larger scale—from the entire freshman class to donor receptions to a picnic for faculty and staff.
The Barker House beautifully reflects the Spanish-Mediterranean style of the campus architecture. Highlights of the 7,200-square-foot residence include:
Public quarters for entertaining, located downstairs, feature a formal dining room, a large living room with a stone fireplace, a large kitchen for catered events, and a guest suite.
Second-floor family quarters feature a master suite, a family room, a family kitchen, a study, a bonus room, and three bedrooms, each with private baths. A side entrance allows private access to the upstairs for family members.
A covered loggia courtyard, a swimming pool, a cutting garden, and a private garden.
Located just east of campus, the house is just a short walk to College sporting and cultural events and other activities.
Unlike traditional homes in Winter Park neighborhoods, the property provides paved parking for up to 10 cars, with lawn parking available for an additional 50.
The design of the house affords accessibility for the handicapped.
Designed to fit the site, the construction of the house had minimal impact on the environment; the cypress trees on the site have been preserved and additional trees have been planted.
The house was designed by architect John Cunningham of ACi in Winter Park.
Wharton-Smith, Inc., Construction Group was the general contractor and construction manager.
The interior of the house is enhanced by works of art by students.
