The Stetson Mansion is part of Florida's first luxury estate and the grandest home ever built in Florida before the 20th century. Built in 1886 for famous hat mogul John B. Stetson, the mansion was once the most exciting address in Florida. Having Thomas Edison as a personal friend who installed the power in one of the first homes in the world designed and built with electricity helped. Our lively and knowledgeable tour guides will entertain visitors through magnificently embellished and appointed rooms, hallways and niches of the mansion. No room is off limits. Not even the owners suite!
This winter retreat was the only richly detailed "Gilded Age" mansion built in Florida. The eclectic and unusual architectural design also includes a variety of complicated interior carvings, 16 patterns of the nation's most rare and intricate parquet wood floors and 10,000 panes of original leaded glass windows. Even if the house was empty, the details are captivating. The Stetsons were known for hosting magnificent parties and gatherings for local townsfolk and elite society including President Cleveland, the King and Queen of England and Henry Flagler, who built a rail spur right to the estate so friend Thomas Edison could install one of the world's first home electric systems. This is not a museum. The Mansion is still a private residence that has evolved while protecting every original opulent detail. We welcome guests for tours and elegant celebrations in the Stetson tradition of excellence. Reservations are required for all tours. Tours are usually offered Thursday through Sunday from February through mid-September.
1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand, FL
386-873-0167
