Stetson Mansion
Stetson Mansion
5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Stetson Mansion is a spectacular Victorian mansion built for famed hat maker 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 is one of the first homes in the world to be designed and built with Edison electricity. 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 Reservations are required $20-$30 per person and children are $15. Payment is cash at the door and we do charge applicable sales tax. See you at the Mansion!!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Lynn S4 contributionsMore than Christmas at the Stetson MansionThe tour was excellent due to the knowledge of our guide. She is described as the owner and designer’s right hand ‘man’. She was excellent in her presentation of the absolutely unique Christmas decoration and decor along with the information about the house itself. The house was done up more magnificent than any display I have ever seen. An A+ presentation. I would recommend this to anyone whether holiday display is your thing or not this house will impress. Hopefully you too will have the same guide. She was the best!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 10, 2024
- Alix M1 contributionPure Holiday and Historical Magic!Such an amazing experience! The Stetson Mansion is pure magic, enchantment, history, and whimsy! The Christmas Spectacular Tour had a “Wow Factor!” around every corner and our entire group smiled in awe the whole time! This is a ”Must-See!” for any weekend adventure or Florida visit itinerary! We had such a wonderful experience with the Christmas Spectacular Tour and we cannot wait to go back for the Historic Tour in February. You will not be disappointed with your time touring The Stetson Mansion!Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 3, 2024
- Sandy MOcala, Florida1 contributionFantastic tourThe Stetson Mansion is absolutely beautiful! A lot of the woodwork is original from the 1800's and beautifully maintained. There are thousands of Christmas decorations. They decorated each room with a different theme. I highly recommend seeing this house.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2024
- 1barbarag8 contributionsChristmas house tourWent here for their Christmas decor displays. Beautifully decorated rooms and loved the Stetson history woven throughout the decorations. The grounds and gardens especially Sophie's garden were lovely. Highly recommend a visit, we will definitely be back next year to tour the house!Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 7, 2024
- Lorraine MVero Beach, Florida206 contributionsAn Enjoyable DayI have heard so much about this mansion we decided to come for a tour. We enjoyed our experience and felt the website explained everything well. There is only a Porto -potty which was very clean. We did learn that the place has been sold to locals who plan to continue the traditions while expanding in to some new arenas, like food. We are happy to have booked our tour this season before a changing of the ownership occurred. That said, I think the current owners found a great way to offset the expense of renovating the home and paying the taxes by offering both Christmas and historic tours. The home is lovely as are the grounds. My two comments are: entrance prices are a bit high and I was not happy that I couldn’t capture any pictures of the inside decorations. The tour guides were very nice (and the new owners) so we wish them the best of luck.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2024
- JFH234Lake Toxaway, North Carolina54 contributionsSpectacular is the word!Went to see the Christmas Spectacular with my wife and it is truly something to see. The home itself is a wonder of craftsmanship and the holiday decorations are off the charts. Be sure to listen to the audio tour while walking thru the place, it adds so much to the whole experience. Extremely well done!Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2024
- JillsjourneysNew Smyrna Beach, Florida96 contributionsHidden gemWe went for the Christmas tour where every room was theme decorated for Christmas. The renovations were amazing and the wood work from the floors to the ceilings were incredible and original. The stained glass through out were so beautiful. We took the guided tour. Our guide Suzy Toronto did a fabulous presentation. We learned so much. I want to go back when it's not decorated for Christmas. Such a gem.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 8, 2024
- Rachel G1 contributionGet there if you can!Amazing! If you are anywhere near the area and haven't gone, you definitely should. The house has been so beautifully restored and has such a wonderful collection of Victorian architecture and memorabilia. It's an added bonus of you can do it for their Christmas Spectacular. The house was so beautifully decorated and I loved the themes for each room! It's so great the house is opened for everyone to enjoy, get there if you can!Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 8, 2024
- bsadler20Palm Coast, Florida7 contributionsBeautiful way to start the holiday season.We took the guided holiday tour on a Thursday afternoon. The decorations were absolutely gorgeous. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained the rooms well. Price was about $45 with tax so somewhat expensive for a tour that was only a little over an hour. I also wish you could take pictures inside as it was so beautiful. Gift shop had very reasonably priced items.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 9, 2024
- dragosomersetNew Smyrna Beach, Florida20 contributionsCelebrating the Reason for the SeasonThank you Michael and JT for the best Christmas Spectacular! JT has such an imagination and we enjoyed all of the rooms. It was difficult to choose a favorite! We loved the added touch of uplifting messages placed in the displays and all of the nativity scenes. This is a must see for residents and visitors. And thanks again for keeping the real reason for the season alive!Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
6,296 reviews
Excellent
6,024
Very good
189
Average
49
Poor
20
Terrible
16
Cheryl J
New York79 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We enjoy visiting guided age mansions and "cottages". This home has a blend of architecture types and lovely woodwork and parquet floors. While it is very heavily decorated for the Christmas holidays, we found it very interesting and breath taking inside. The lovely fireplaces and new kitchen are well done fitting in nicely with the renovations of the property. No interior photos are permitted for "security" reasons, yet they do publish and sell a book of interior photos. The school house made into a gift shop is also interesting and charming. The tickets are not expensive compared to Newport mansions etc and we recommend seeing this if you enjoy historic properties and holiday decor.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chuck B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Last spring, while enjoying an evening with friends, they mentioned the Stetson Mansion and asked if we had ever visited. Since we had never even heard about the Mansion we decided to check it out. Fortunately, our friends told us about the Mansion in March, 2023, and when we made our reservations to visit, we found that April would be the final month for historical tours at the Mansion. It was there that we heard about the Christmas Spectacular tours and, after touring the Mansion in April, we made ourselves a promise to return to see the Mansion decorated for Christmas. We returned in November, 2023, for the Christmas Spectacular tour and are so glad we did! Owner JT did a fabulous job decorating the Mansion for Christmas, 2023. During the tour we found out that he never repeats the decorations from year to year. That information made us promise to return year after year just to see what he comes up with. The amazing thing is that he sees these decorating ideas in his mind’s eye, then creates his visions! We could easily understand why the tours is called the “Christmas Spectacular”!
If you are ever in the Orlando/Dayrona Beach area between Nocember and Januaey, this tour should be a MUST DO on your itinerary. I can assure you that you will not be disappoiited. This is Central Florida’s hidden jem!
If you are ever in the Orlando/Dayrona Beach area between Nocember and Januaey, this tour should be a MUST DO on your itinerary. I can assure you that you will not be disappoiited. This is Central Florida’s hidden jem!
Written November 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy S
8 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The house and the decor are absolutely stunning. The historical information provided is always interesting. We have seen the mansion for both the Christmas tour and the historic tour, and we continue to come back.
The one suggestion I feel would help tourists is to allow more time in each room. Since there are so many people in a group, we don’t get to move around to really look at what is displayed. While the guide is talking, guests are standing still to listen. When the guide finishes, it’s time to leave the room. This just does not allow enough time to enjoy this stunning decor that you pay to see. Having the guide allow a bit of time after the lecture is complete would allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful thematic displays more more.
The one suggestion I feel would help tourists is to allow more time in each room. Since there are so many people in a group, we don’t get to move around to really look at what is displayed. While the guide is talking, guests are standing still to listen. When the guide finishes, it’s time to leave the room. This just does not allow enough time to enjoy this stunning decor that you pay to see. Having the guide allow a bit of time after the lecture is complete would allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful thematic displays more more.
Written November 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra M
3 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
I thought it was a very pretty house, but for the size of the house, I thought the price was too much! Also, the fact that you don’t even get to see the third floor unless you take a different type of tour or guided tour was a little irritating. Unfortunately, we ended up going at a time when it was decorated with Christmas decorations, which I don’t really need to see. My interest was in the house and the architecture. Unfortunately most of the house was covered up with Christmas decorations. However, the house is beautiful and I can only picture it without all the decorations. Personally speaking though I wouldn’t spend $39.50 per person, a booking fee, plus 6.5% tax in order to see all three floors and have it be done with a guide .
Written January 4, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katherine H
Gainesville3 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We have not yet visited the Stetson mansion but will be doing so on November 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.. So my concern is not with the tour, but rather with the lack of communication when a customer would like to ask a question. Before paying, on the Stetson Mansion checkout page, there is a space for a promo/discount coupon code. I looked online and called the mansion number to see if there might be a discount for seniors, AAA, educator, etc. After listening to the recorded message, at the very end, it tells you not to leave message, because the line is not monitored. Okay, now what.... So, I found a "contact ours" email and sent an email to that address asking about the possibility of a discount code that I could apply. ( I am a retired teacher on a tight budget, so paying nearly $100 for a guided tour for two is pricey for me. ) I got a generic email response, possibly "AI" ...with the same attached general information, that I have already seen and read online. Noone answered my question. So, since I could never get an answer, I had no choice but to purchase the tickets at full price....which I don't mind doing, but at least have the courtesy to respond and answer my question. This has been very frustrating, time consuming, and it is just one more example of the lack of real customer service in today's world.
Written November 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrissyNTom
The Villages, FL16 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This mansion was decorated to perfection. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable & joyful. She pointed out all the original handmade doors, moldings, floors & windows . So much history included. We highly recommend going to tour the house for the Christmas Spectacular, we plan to tour again with family & friends!
Written November 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judy R
DeLand, FL2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We went for the Christmas tour of the Stetson Manor and it was fabulous! Kim, art or guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The rooms were all decorated with individual themes and beautiful nativity scenes, well worth the money. It was amazing!!
Written December 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim and Claire M
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
The mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays! The self-guided tour was very relaxed and pressure-free, and staff was always close at hand to answer questions or assist with the recorded narration. The only drawback was that photography is not allowed inside the home, but again, the experience was simply amazing; I would recommend it to anyone and everyone visiting the area over the holidays!
Written December 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline Z
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
A MUST SEE. This is a private home and full time residence of those who painstakingly, lovingly, restored it to it's former glory, and as you will be told "as if the Stetson family still lived there". As such, there are modern amenities but the detail paid to restoration of architecture and furnishings and preservation of historical points such as Edison's fuse panel will quickly override your senses and you will not conscientiously notice most of them. Even the schoolhouse is an amazing piece of architecture. Once the tour begins (recommend the full, not partial) you will find yourself immersed in a time and culture in history so amazing you will almost feel the presence of the Stetson family and their famous visitors. My son graduates high school next May and wants to become an architect, which is what drew us to the mansion, in addition to his love of all things western and Stetson attire. The architecture is absolutely amazing and the floors are awe inspiring as is the dental work on the ceilings. To think each piece was hand made and installed or laid is unfathomable in today's age of construction. Purchase both books written by the owners about themselves and the restoration to wrap up an amazing day. We left with two desires - to meet the owners in person (and for my son, to talk architecture with Michael) and wondering what time the elegant lawn party started. (Oh, make that three - we wanted to stay overnight a few days....). Tickets are a bit expensive but worth the experience, and guides are extremely engaging and knowledgeable. We will definitely visit again, perhaps for what we have been told is a spectacular Christmas presentation. Remember on your visit, you are not going to a museum (they will tell you this too), but a living example of history, Florida history, and the home of two very amazing people. What a great experience! Thank you J.T., Michael, and JoAnn.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brenda K
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Friends
I've done many holiday home tours over the years. None have come even close to the Stetson Mansion. The thoughtful imagination and detail that is displayed is the most incredible I've ever seen. I highly recommend the audio tour as you will hear detail from the owner/designer giving you insight to each room you enter. The Stetson Mansion is a must see!!!
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The 7 pm evening tour. I imagine is wonderful for seeing all holiday lights. Will we miss anything outdoors if we tour at night?
Written December 8, 2024
Since we toured during the afternoon, I cannot say exactly what you might miss. The evening photos of the house indicate it is all lit up, so I imagine you won't miss much.
Written December 9, 2024
Stetson Mansion is the most amazing place. I wasjust there for their Christmas decoration. It was way over the top.
Written December 6, 2022
I want to book a tour in January and give it as a Christmas gift for my sister in law. She has bad knees and can't do stairs (a couple okay, but not a staircase) are there stairs to climb during this tour?
Written December 5, 2022
Please can you confirm there are public restrooms available at this attraction this year . Thanks
Written November 19, 2019
There is a bathroom that can be used by tour guests
Written December 30, 2020
Hi Tom Thank you for visiting the mansion and taking the time out to write a review. I read your review but it did not seem to match your rating of 3 (average) I was just inquiring if that was what you meant to rate your tour or was it a mistake. I did not quite understand if you thought it was or wasn't worth the price. So sorry for the confusion on my part but please let me know when you get a chance. Thanks JT
Written November 18, 2019
Thank you for visiting my friend. So sorry that when I click on ask tom T money a question it somehow goes to your inbox. All the best!
Written November 18, 2019
Website does not show tours available now but several people did the Christmas tour this week. Is this tour still available?
Written January 24, 2019
The last Christmas tour was Jan 15, I believe the tours begin again once the owner takes down all the Christmas decor, sometime in mid-February.
Written January 30, 2019
Hi, I would like to know if my mother would be able to tour in her wheelchair? Thank you.
Written December 7, 2018
This is a very beautiful old home and there is no wheel chair accessibility.
Written December 8, 2018
Do they list the Xmas tours on Groupon ? Or is this usually just for the regular tours only?
Written November 1, 2018
I don't know but if you write to the Stetson Mansion, attention of Michael, he will answer any questions.
Written November 1, 2018
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