In 1928, "Spanish Oaks" was the first house to be built in Florence's first subdivision. Located a few blocks from downtown, near a small teacher's college, this Italian-style villa was named for the seven Spanish oak trees that grew on the property. Seventy five years later, the oaks are gone, but this historic house is still considered one of the most unique structures in the Shoals Area.

In 1971, local artist Jan Roblin purchased "Spanish Oaks" and the lot next door. Over the years, she added a large kitchen, an art studio, several courtyards, a gazebo, a guest cottage, and a bamboo water garden, while keeping with the original architectural style. In 1978, Jan decided to turn her unique home into a private art school. She has now been the "artist in residence" of Spanish Oaks School of Art for over twenty-five years!

Click the links below for a tour of Spanish Oaks.