Stetson Mansion

1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand, FL 32720

407 223-3079

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93 visitor photos

Ranked #1 of 53 attractions in DeLand

382 Reviews

Type: Architectural Buildings

Owner description: Stetson Mansion is a spectacular Victorian mansion built for famed hatmaker and philanthropist John B Stetson in 1886. Situated right between Orlando... more » Owner description: Stetson Mansion is a spectacular Victorian mansion built for famed hatmaker and philanthropist John B Stetson in 1886. Situated right between Orlando and Daytona in Deland makes it convenient for all visiting the central Florida area. This is Florida's first luxury estate and houses some of the most beautiful and intricate parquet floors in the world. The mansion has hosted such noted guests as President Cleveland, King Edward VII, the Astors, the Vanderbilts, Louis C Tiffany and Thomas Edison. In fact this is one of the first homes in the world to be designed and built with Edison electricity and Mr Edison oversaw the install himself. This is not your typical Victorian mansion though. The owners have painstakingly renovated every square inch of the 10,000 sq foot masterpiece while incorporating today's modern conveniences. All this was done without compromising the architectural or historical integrity. Every room on every one of the three floors is magnificently decorated and every room features a different style floor and window design. There is not one room that is off limits for visitors to see on their guided tour, you get to see it all including the owner's suite and the original 1886 schoolhouse which has been lovingly restored and converted to a "Zen"like cottage. There is also a beautiful meditation garden, gazebo and pool area for visitors to enjoy. Reservations are required $20 per person $10 for children.

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382 reviews from our community

robertlmccarthy

The Villages, Florida, United States

1 review

“More than just a home tour !!!”

Reviewed 12 June 2013

We visited Stetson Mansion in Deland, FL with a group of Mini Cooper owners. It was our good luck to get the tour led by one of the owners, J.T. The home was impressive by itself, but the information shared by J.T. was fascinating. The restoration completed in a short period of time was impressive. How that was accomplished by... More

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Bob thank you so much for all your kind words of praise and encouragement! I love sharing not only the history and grandeur of the mansion, but also the stories about the restoration and our unlikely journey. I cannot thank you enough for not only visiting with us but for taking the time out to write a review! Very much... More

minimusrex

The Villages, Florida

Senior Reviewer

7 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

2 helpful votes

“History tour in central Florida”

Reviewed 12 June 2013

If you are near Deland, Florida, take the time to visit the Stetson Mansion. This incredibly well restored and managed property is well worth the time spent there. Built for Mr Stetson in the late 1800s and restored by the current owners, there is a world of history and architectural beauty(both old and modern well integrated). Its a plus if... More

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Thank you for your top rated review and your enthusiasm about the Stetson Mansion! Many of our visitors are shocked that the mansion is so close to Orlando and Daytona but yet they never heard of it. We are actually situated right in between both cities. There are over 50,000,000 visitors to the central Florida region and thanks to guests... More

Huglover

The Villages, Florida

1 review

“A 'must-see' in Deland”

Reviewed 12 June 2013

This is an AMAZING place! JT & Michael have done a fabulous job at restoring and preserving this wonderful historical landmark. Their attention to detail is out of this world! We will definitely be back for a tour at Christmas!!

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Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I get so excited about leading a tour through the mansion that you would think it was my first time!! For me getting to welcome new visitors to Florida's first luxury estate is an absolute joy! I feel as if I am getting to see the mansion all over again for the very first... More

Cindy437109

The Villages, Florida

2 reviews

“Wonderful in Every Season”

Reviewed 11 June 2013

We had the pleasure of revisiting the Stetson Mansion today with a group of friends with whom we wanted to share this wonderful home. JT, one of the owners who lovingly restored the mansion, led our tour and it was just as delightful and special the second time as it was when we first saw it. The home is not... More

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Cindy437109 has 1 more review of Stetson Mansion

“A Warm and Beautiful Memory”

Reviewed 7 December 2012

It is always so much fun to have repeat visitors to the Stetson Mansion..especially when they bring 24 or their friends with them!! Thank you so much for all your support and love for the mansion. Michael and I look forward to every day that we get to share this architectural masterpiece with new friends. No matter how many times... More

barbacat

Edison, New Jersey

Senior Contributor

23 reviews

14 attraction reviews

Reviews in 6 cities

5 helpful votes

“A bit of history near Disneyworld--Stetson Mansion”

Reviewed 28 April 2013

In Deland Florida, about 40 minutes from Orlando is the beautifully restored home of the Stetson family. Who knew that the maker of the famous Stetson hat of cowboy movies was from Philadelphia PA with a winter home in Deland. We had a wonderfully informative guided tour by Suzanne. A formal tea is served by reservation several times per week.

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See 2 more reviews by barbacat for DeLand

First of all thank you for your top rated review as well as your visit with us! Suzanne's teas and tours are a huge success and her passion for what she does is very apparent. I always love to hear from friends from my home state of New Jersey..I grew up off exit 144!! Thank you for letting people know... More

shaggen

Hudson, Florida

2 reviews

1 helpful vote

“Gorgeous”

Reviewed 19 April 2013

So worth the trip. Great history and beautiful renovation. The Zen garden out back is so peaceful. Must return for the Christmas tour.

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Thank you so much for visiting and touring the Stetson Mansion!! I too love the Zen garden and I take any opportunity I can to meander through it! I always feel more centered and joyful when I do. Thanks for posting and I look forward to seeing you at Christmas time!! More

FloridaTraveller1

florida

Top Contributor

76 reviews

15 attraction reviews

Reviews in 35 cities

49 helpful votes

“Beautiful setting for a outdoor party”

Reviewed 9 April 2013

We were invited to a private function for the second year in a row & the house along with the beautiful grounds/landscaping do not disappoint. It is the perfect place for an outdoor party, wedding etc.

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See 3 more reviews by FloridaTraveller1 for DeLand

Thank you very much for letting readers know that Stetson Mansion is also available for that special event as well! From weddings to fundraisers, we've hosted them all! So happy you enjoyed your time at the Stetson Mansion!! More

florettemelton

Lexington, North Carolina

1 review

“What a great time!!”

Reviewed 26 March 2013

As a real estate broker, I am always interested in seeing fabulous, unique properties. My husband and I are both interested in historical tours and interesting sights. The Stetson Mansion fits the bill on all counts! The floors, the windows, the attention to detail in the restoration is fabulous. J.T., one of the owners, is truly a wealth of information... More

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What a great compliment to have a realtor and lover of historic properties give such a wonderful review! The Stetson Mansion is situated just a little ways from the worlds most visited city Orlando so we do look forward to the day that many many more visitors from around the globe add the Stetson Mansion to their must see list... More

Lois K

Summrfield

1 review

2 helpful votes

“Worth a second visit”

Reviewed 8 March 2013

We first visited Stetson Mansion in December when it was dressed up for Christmas - Outstanding. A return visit was the first thing we scheduled when our daughter came to visit in February. The lack of Christmas decoration in no way diminished the experience, in fact we were better able to take in the wonderful wood floors and architectural details... More

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Thank you, thank you Lois for your top rated review and for also bringing up a great point. The Stetson Mansion is magical and spectacular during the Christmas season and I recommend everyone put it on your holiday calendar of things to do! :) But if you want to see the mansions details in all their natural beauty without embellishments... More

Ann W

The Villages, Florida

2 reviews

1 helpful vote

“a must visit”

Reviewed 6 March 2013

I've been to the Mansion twice in the last 4 months, once during the Christmas decore phase and now just to concentrate on the Mansion itself. NEVER have I seen such magnificent, beautifully preserved floors and wood work. NEVER have I seen such imagination to take a Victorian house and turn it into a liveable, modern home, while retaining the... More

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Ann thank you so much for such a passionate review!! Having guests like you visit the mansion truly is a gift for Michael and I . Your ideas and feedback are awesome and we are really trying to implement your recommendations! Thank you again so much for allowing us to share the mansion with you and for posting your feedback... More