Stetson Mansion

1031 Camphor Lane, DeLand, FL 32720

386 873-0167

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View from the front porch looking at the schoolhouse

Front view of the Stetson Mansion during the holiday season

50 visitor photos

Ranked #1 of 11 attractions in DeLand

156 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.

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156 reviews from our community

patsfan34661

Summerfield, Florida

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Stetson Mansion”

Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

What a wonderful piece of Florida history. Mansion was restored to original decor. The work on the parkay floors, and the finish to the walls. The mansion is a place where you can feel at home. Tour guide Keith was very informative, and we ran into one of the owners while on tour. He made you feel like part of... More

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I remember you guys!! You were so much fun to talk with after Kent's tour! We love sharing Stetson Mansion with the thousands and thousands of visitors that visit with us especially when they are as enthusiastic and lively as you and your friends! Even after 5 years of leading tours I am just as excited and passionate now about... More

almeida1801

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

2 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

1 helpful vote

“stetson mansion tour in Deland, Fl”

Reviewed May 8, 2012

On a recent girls trip, four friends and I took the Stetson mansion tour, and i would highly recommend it. The home was beautiful with so much detail, and a very interesting history. Bill, who was our tour guide was very well informed, and a pleasure to be with. We loved our morning there. More

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We love when we have girl's groups, clubs or organizations touring the mansion! There is a different kind of energy on a tour when you are share the mansion with a bunch of friends. The enthusiasm, excitemnet and passion is infectuous! Thank you so much for your time with us! More

Jeanine W

Orlando, Florida, United States

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Very nice tour of a unique, beautiful estate”

Reviewed May 8, 2012

My group of friends had Bill as our guide. He did a wonderful job and we enjoyed our tour. I particularly enjoyed the historical information provided during the tour and restoration details that you don't usually get on ordinary historical home tours. More

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Bill does a great job here at the mansion! Thank you so much for taking time out to experience the magic and grander of the mansion as well as the charm of Bill! We try to really share all aspects and details about the estatate so that we touch base on everyone's interests. Our team will answer any question as... More

Barbara K

Longwood, Florida, United States

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Tour of the Stetson Mansion”

Reviewed April 30, 2012

This mansion is a jewel and well worth the trip to DeLand. The visit requires walking up old curving staircases, difficult for some people, but even a tour of the first floor is spectacular. The wood molding and wood floors are exquisite. More

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Thank you for your complimentary commments! When we decided to save the mansion everyone called it a diamond in the rough so we have been polishing our hearts out and now look at her! I agree with you, the first floor alone would be an amazing tour and every know and than we offer that for large groups on a... More

Gary A

Sanford, Florida

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4 reviews

Reviews in 2 cities

2 helpful votes

“Nice but ???”

Reviewed April 22, 2012

person found this review helpful

Ok, very pretty but lots of pretty decorated homes everywhere. The owners were nice and well-informed and did a wonderful job but its just another nicely decorated home. My fav was the little schoolhouse at the back of the property. That alone was worth the price of admission. More

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See 2 more reviews by Gary A for DeLand

First I would like to thank you for coming out to visit the Stetson Mansion. I was a little surprised to read that you thought the mansion was" just another nicely decorated home". Although I do agree it is beautifully decorated and there are many other beautifully decorated homes to see I think you are really missing the reason for... More

NiCole B

Orlando, FL

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Don't Miss It”

Reviewed April 21, 2012

A treasure not to be missed! There is no detail overlooked. You cannot leave The Stetson Mansion without feeling like you are part of something extraordinary that will remain with you forever. You will revisit this home and its magnificent details again and again in your mind and in your dreams. More

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Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We are so happy that you felt that there were no details overlooked because we often are asked if there is anylthing we would do differently and to be quite honest there is very little. Maybe that's because we tried to think of all possible uses and more importantly what would compliment... More

bacloud

Windham, Maine

Reviewer

5 reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

1 helpful vote

“One of the most interesting mansions I've seen”

Reviewed April 15, 2012

Our tour guide, Michael, was one of the owner/restorers. What a thrill it was to visit the Stetson Mansion with its beautiful grounds, peaceful meditation garden, unbelievable features, including the most intricately designed wooden floors, mostly original, and tastefully decorated rooms. This mansion is well worth a long drive just to see it! Michael was informative and humorous. Check out... More

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Wow what a wonderful bunch of compliments! I think you just made Michael's head swell to twice the size! He does give a great tour and gives visitors his perspective of what the journey was like with me as the fanatical, slave driving partner during the restoration, it's actually very funny when I get to hear bits and pieces of... More

Kay D

Leesburg

1 review

1 helpful vote

“A Must See”

Reviewed April 12, 2012

Our guide ,JT, is one of the owners. He was so interesting I didn't want the tour to end. I could have stayed all day and listened to him. He actually lives in the mansion. He was so genuine, you could tell he was very proud of his home and what it took to get it where it is today.... More

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After reading your review I felt so proud blessed to live in such an inspiring piece of architecture that reminds guests,,as well as myself , just how great it is to be an American. Every where you look at mansion your eyes are treated to craftmanship and intricate detailing of a time gone by. Than when you hear about the... More

Fritz B

Leesburg, FL

1 review

1 helpful vote

“Stetson Mansion”

Reviewed April 12, 2012

This is one of the finest examples of craftsmanship I have ever seen. Also, you get to meet the craftsmen. If you are anywhere near it, you should see it More

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That was so sweet of you to call Michael and I craftsman! We can barely saw a piece of wood without causing some sort of bodily injury to ourselves :) Michael is really great with getting the best possible use out of a space, no matter how challenging and I have the ability to invision a project almost to completion... More

Rebecca J

Duluth, Minnesota

1 review

“Stetson Mansion a must see!”

Reviewed April 4, 2012

Wonderful restored part of history. Call and take this casual tour. Sit on the furniture and pretend you are a guest. Yes you can! Bill was our tour guide, he was warm, welcoming & full of knowledge. Beautiful part of our day....Thank You, Bill More

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We are so lucky to have Bill as part of our team here at the Stetson Mansion! He has a very easy going demeanor and not only loves the mansion but really loves sharing it with our guests from around the world! Thank you so much for visiting with us and for telling everybody what a great guy Bill is.... More