FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – When you travel to Nassau County, you will find beautiful views of the waterways and a special place: Old Fernandina.
It’s filled with lots of history and an old captain’s house, just across the street from Fort San Carlos, that is symbolic of childhood adventures.
It was the location for a popular 1980s children’s movie: The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking.
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Much of Amelia Island was used in the film, but the most memorable spot was the house that stood in for Villa Villekulla, Pippi’s home in the story.
The red-headed, freckle-faced girl created by author Astrid Lindgren was the daughter of a captain, which makes the choice of location spot on.
Capt. James Bell, a river captain, built the house around 1877.
“This was originally the captain’s house, and you would have this cupola on top to look out for the ships. It’s one amazing piece of architecture, and it’s in front of a state park, so no one can build here,” said Daniel Daly with Amelia Island Historic Tours.
The current owners of the home have been there for about six years.
Beyond the captain’s house, the movie was shot all over the island.
“St. Michael’s Academy was used as an orphanage in the movie,” Daly said, adding that a scene was also shot at the Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest bar. “That was called the Palace Tavern in the movie.”
Many island residents took part as extras in the film.
The next time you drive to Amelia Island, make a stop at Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, and you will find the house of Pippi Longstocking across the street.
