Historic Tour of the Stetson Mansion - The House that Hats Built

Please read entire description of the event before signing up for the event.

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 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 Stetson Mansion was one of the most innovative homes in America at the time and now, after years of restoration, was recently ranked as the most underrated tourist attraction in the country (and among the top 10 in the world) by TripAdvisor.

DeLand, Florida is about 180 miles from Sarasota, about a 3-hour drive. The visit to the Stetson Mansion can be done in a day, or one can plan to stay overnight in Deland. I encourage car-pooling and can help facilitate it.

Tickets to visit the Mansion cost $40 each.

To reserve a private tour of the Mansion I’ve had to purchase and pay for the tickets in advance.

Payment for the tour must be made via Zelle (preferably) or by check to arrive no later than 5 business days from registering to attend. Cost of tour is not refundable unless someone from the waiting list joins the tour and pays the $40.