House of Refuge

Martin County Historical Society

Address: 301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Phone: 772-225-1875

The House of Refuge is a historical site and a great beach. The house was built in 1875 for the US Life-Saving service.

Gilberts Bar House of Refuge is Martin County’s oldest building and is one of nine Florida east coast commissioned in 1975 for the U.S. Life saving service.

Keepers of the house of refuge provided shelter, food, clothing, and transportation to survivors of shipwrecks and storms at sea. This house of refuge was in service through WW I and WW II.

The house was acquired as a maritime museum in 1955 by the Martin County Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was restored in 1976.

The House of Refuge Beach is open to the public and is used by locals and visitors for swimming and fishing.

The House of Refuge patio can be scheduled for parties or events - the view of the Atlantic Ocean is stunning.
Call 772-225-1961 x 107 if you are interested in scheduling an event.