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Stetson Mansion
Historical landmark in West DeLand, Florida
Travel Tips
Book the guided tour with JoAnn for an immersive experience. Photography is not allowed inside. 1
Architecture and history enthusiasts will find this fascinating. 2
Visit during the Christmas season for spectacular decorations. Photography is not allowed inside. 3
A peek into Florida's luxurious past. 4
Book the Christmas or Historical tour in advance and be prepared for no photography inside. 5
Tours available showcasing the mansion's intricate Christmas decorations and historical significance. 6
Book the guided tour for a detailed history of the mansion. Christmas season tours showcase spectacular decorations. 7
Introduction
History
- 📜 Built: Constructed in 1886 for John B. Stetson, a famous hat maker.
- 🌴 Snowbird: Stetson was one of the first wealthy Americans to winter in Florida.
- 🎓 Philanthropy: Stetson funded DeLand College, which became Stetson University.
- ⚡ Innovations: Introduced electricity to DeLand through his friendship with Thomas Edison.
- 🏡 Estate: Originally part of a 300-acre citrus grove with gardens, gazebos, and fountains.
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Architecture
- 🏛️ Style: High Victorian with Moorish, Gothic, and Polynesian influences.
- 🪵 Floors: Features 16 different mosaic parquet wood floor patterns.
- 🔲 Glass: Contains 10,000 panes of antique glass.
- 💡 Innovations: First home in Florida with Edison electricity, steam heat, and indoor plumbing.
- 🏠 Design: Not a museum but a private estate with modern updates.
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Tours
- 🎄 Christmas Tours: Available from Nov 1, 2024, to Jan 18, 2025.
- 🚫 Historic Tours: Not available in 2024, will return in 2025.
- 🎟️ Reservations: Required for all tours, bookable online.
- 🏠 Private Estate: Tours are of a private residence, not a public museum.
- 🌟 Highlights: Known for lavish Christmas decorations, ranked highly by USA Today and Fodor’s Travel Guide.
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Notable Visitors
- 👑 Royalty: Hosted the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII.
- 🇺🇸 Presidents: U.S. President Grover Cleveland was a guest.
- 💼 Industrialists: Entertained Astors, Vanderbilts, Mellons, and Carnegies.
- 🌟 Celebrities: Known for hosting elite vacationers of the Gilded Age.
- 🎓 Philanthropy: Supported local businesses and infrastructure, benefiting the community.
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Restoration
- 🔧 Restoration: Began in 2006, on the 100th anniversary of Stetson’s death.
- 🏠 Owners: Michael Solari and JT Thompson undertook the restoration.
- 🛠️ Preservation: Maintained all architectural details with modern upgrades.
- 🖼️ Furnishings: Blends styles and periods to capture the original design's spirit.
- 🌟 Recognition: The mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: (386) 873-0167 |
| 🌐 Website: https://www.stetsonmansion.com/ |
| 📍 Address: 1031 Camphor Ln, DeLand, FL 32720 |
🔗 Profiles:    |
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