Mountain Lake Corporation

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and the Olmsted Brothers designed the majority of Mountain Lake between 1915 and 1925. The residential community was owned and established by businessmen Frederick L. Ruth who envisioned a luxury retreat in the heart of Florida. When hiring Olmsted, Ruth stated he had purchased a 2,500 acre tract where “2,000 acres will be set out to oranges and grapefruit, and the remaining 500 acres will be used for a country club, golf course, tourists’ hotel and winter homes.” [Ruth to FLO Jr._1914-09-18_LOC-OAR-B_00681-im.5]. The preliminary plan for Mountain Lake included large lots spread across 50 blocks, an expansive lake, and state of the art golf course designed by Seth Raynor (Plan 6081-1027-sh1). While the plan focused on preserving the rolling and elevated landscape, one of the core features of the property was the Colonial House. Olmsted designed the clubhouse in a Mediterranean-Revival style and the structure was added to the National Register in 1991.

In 1925 the site was extended to include a tower and bird and garden sanctuary. See job 07029.