Welcome! The Stetson Mansion is Florida's first luxury home and the grandest home ever built in Florida during the 19th century! Built in 1886 by famed hat maker and philanthropist John B. Stetson, his winter retreat was the only richly detailed "Gilded Age" estate built in Florida. It has been restored and updated in a timeless fashion. (The picture above shows the estate in 2005 before the restoration began.) The Stetsons were known for hosting magnificent parties and gatherings for local townsfolk and some of the most elite and influential citizens of our country's "most prosperous era." Henry Flagler built a private railway spur to the Stetson estate so the finest "art" in architectural building materials could be delivered on site. Edison installed the electric! Even if the house was empty the details are captivating.

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. The most unusual feature compared to other historic venues is the fully up to date infrastructure and furnishings that blend the past and present in a seamless celebration of classic elegance with fresh design. The Mansion is not a Victorian museum nor a Stetson museum filled with old artifacts or just antiques. The Stetson's sold everything off in 1920 and nothing was left behind but the grand home itself and the school house/guest cottage. However, it is warm and welcoming with a wonderful positive energy and every fabulous original architectural detail still intact. A tour includes the rich history and an inspiring restoration story that guests happily take away with them. Not one part of the home is closed or roped off. All tours include "behind the scenes." It's hard to describe. Ask some one who's been here or read our Trip Advisor reviews.

There are 5 new kitchen areas and thirteen new bathrooms, all different, boasting timeless style that blend with the home perfectly and come in handy when the house is full of family and friends! This private home can still throw a great party!!

Now for the first time in over 100 years it is with great pleasure that we can once again open this private estate to host tours, corporate functions and lectures, events, grand weddings and receptions and one of a kind parties for those who want to create memories of a lifetime. The meticulous extensive restoration, conducted as if a wealthy family always owned the property, now affords guests the opportunity to host a memorable event or just tour this "National Historic Place" property. It's our way of sharing this amazing national treasure with the community. We feel like "stewards" more than owners.

We can't wait for you to fall in love with the Mansion's beauty and the story of a great American, John B Stetson, a smart and generous man who was well ahead of his time. His cowboy hats are the most iconic symbols of Americana, yet the man himself is unknown.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing our story about the Mansion. The intricate wood parquet floor patterns alone will take your breath away, so be warned!

Reservations Always Required!

"See You At The Mansion!"

Stetson Mansion
1031 Camphor Lane  DeLand, Fl 32720