Stetson Mansion
Stetson Mansion is located in beautiful DeLand, Florida.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designed by the noted architect George T. Pearson in 1886, the Stetson Mansion was built in the frame vernacular style. A blend of cottage, Gothic, Tudor, Moorish, and Polynesian details were incorporated into the building of the Stetson Mansion which presents an excellent example of the high style Victorian architecture.
Built for famed hat maker, John B. Stetson and his lovely wife Elizabeth, this amazing home and it's owners reportedly hosted such notables as the Astors (John Jacob Astor was one of the many unfortunate victims aboard the Titanic), the Mellons, the Vanderbilts,the Carnegies, Henry Flagler, Baron Frederick DeBary (of famed DeBary Hall), President Grover Cleveland, and King Edward VII (then Prince of Wales). Another of Stetson;s noteworthy friends was none other than one of the world's most well known and prolific inventors Thomas Edison, who actually supervised the electrical install at the mansion. In fact Stetson Mansion is one of the first homes in the entire world to be designed and built with Edison electricity.
J.T. Thompson explains, "The house is in the top 300 due to its architecture and history: architecturally because it incorporates so many styles into one home creating this spectacular structure, and historically because the notable guests the Stetsons frequently entertained."
Another of the mansion's claim to fame is the fact that it is Florida first luxury home. This is one of the few remnants of the Gilded Age that adorns the sunshine state and the opulence is apparent immediately when you walk in the front door. This was probably a feature not overlooked by Mr Stetson's A-list guests.
Tour A...$20 adults and $10 for children under 18 and $10 for students (to age 22.) Tour includes first floor, second floor and school house/Zen guest cottage.
Deposits are required for reservations for 8 guests or more. See policy below.
Tour B...$30 Grand Tours: All three floors will be offered on request (4 minimum)
The Grand tour will include the 3rd floor to see 3 beautiful and unusual bedrooms, the mother in law suite, 4 more brilliant bathrooms, and the balcony views. If this portion of the tour is added to the standard tour guests will re-enter the Mansion to climb the servants staircase to the 3rd floor after the standard tour concludes in the school house.
On tour days, if four or more people who are present taking the standard tour wish to add the 3rd floor after the standard tour, the option will usually be available.
Groups
Groups will receive one free admission for every 15 paid admissions with prepay.
Groups of 24 or more can plan a tour for almost any time of their choosing with a prepay.This provides wonderful flexibility for your club, organization or reunion.
Submitted by Dena Scroggins, West Volusia Tourism Bureau
