United States
Florida (FL)
DeLand
Things to Do in DeLand
Stetson Mansion

Stetson Mansion, DeLand: Hours, Address, Stetson Mansion Reviews: 5/5

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Stetson Mansion

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Stetson Mansion
5
4,870
#1 of 62 things to do in DeLand
Architectural Buildings
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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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 $15. Payment is cash at the door and we do charge applicable sales tax. See you at the Mansion!!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
136 within 3 miles
Philly Diner
83
0.2 mi$ • American • Diner
Dobro's
120
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Taqueria Tierra Caliente
6
0.3 miMexican
Mirino Bakery & Deli
24
0.5 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Deli
Taqueria La Preferida Taco Stand
1
0.5 mi
Pad Thai Cafe
1
0.6 miThai
BakeChop
144
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • International • Pub
Urban Brick
233
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
Tony's New York Pizza
229
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
Santorini Greek Cuisine
925
1.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Greek • Healthy
See all
Attractions
60 within 6 miles
Athens Theatre
180
1.1 miTheaters
Freedom Playground
32
0.6 miPlaygrounds
Bill Dreggors Park
8
0.6 miParks
Hontoon Island State Park
270
State Parks
St. Peter Catholic Church
29
0.9 miChurches & Cathedrals
Blue Spring State Park
2,025
State Parks • Parks
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company
75
1.2 miBreweries
LifePoint Community Church
8
0.8 miChurches & Cathedrals
Museum of Art - Deland
77
1.5 miArt Museums
Henry a. DeLand House Museum
27
1.3 miHistory Museums
See all
Popular mentions
5.0
4,870 reviews
Excellent
4,671
Very good
146
Average
34
Poor
12
Terrible
7
Expedition577150
The Villages, FL10 contributions
A Different Perspective on this Visit
Mar 2021 • Friends
Our tour guide was wonderful, and this is our third time visiting. We’ve gone to see the Christmas display twice and were overwhelmed with the uniquely beautiful themes and displays in each gorgeous room. This tour, though, was the grand tour that included seeing the third floor in addition to the first two. Although there were no Christmas decorations, the magnificence of the architecture coupled with the historical information Joann provided gave us another layer of respect for this amazing property. I’m certain we’ll be back to tour Stetson Mansion again, and I very highly recommend their tours during any season.
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim L
Denver, CO24 contributions
Amazing Historic Mansion - A Must See
Dec 2020
Wonderful tour of a great mansion. There are very few 100+ year old historical homes that have been preserved and so incredibly restored. Priceless examples of what artisan carpenters are able to create. You can see the love and pride that the current owners have invested into this great treasure.

The tour lasted for more than an hour and a half and the price was very very reasonable. Our tour guide Joanne obviously loves her job. Her excitement and the history and stories she conveyed gave life to this home.

You get to see most of all three floors of the mansion which is a big plus. People traveling along the Atlantic and pass by Daytona Beach or anyone visiting Orlando MUST SEE this home. Worth the time, effort and fee.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lisa Ermine
3 contributions
Great visit - take the time to see the Stetson Mansion!
Dec 2020 • Solo
While at my timeshare in Daytona this week I was a bit disappointed in the lack of street Christmas decorations. Most years I drive to St. Augustine to see loads of beautiful Christmas lights! But this year I was visiting alone (Hubby wasn’t able to join me) so instead of that long a drive I decided I would go to see the beautiful Stetson Mansion Christmas extravaganza!
Arriving there I found the Christmas decorations were not done this year with good reason, Covid 19- explaining that it takes months over months to decorate and with the the unknown future back from April or if they would even be able to stay open, made a choice not to decorate.
All things considering I had a wonderful experience, a very knowledgable and pleasant guide and viewed an absolute fantastic Mansion and happy I made the visit.
I will tell you everything was run with perfection, smoothly and on time. The home has been kept up impeccable and the different ideas of use of rooms, bath and grounds are major league. The hidden stories of the Stetsons were fun to learn and the now owners lives were also included into the mix which made the tour a one of a kind!
I also loved the school room and the thought of being able to buy some things for Christmas (Without any pushing) and as a nice remembrance of my day. Everyone vacationing the surrounding cities should take the drive and time to visit the Stetson Mansion, it is worth the cost as well as an all around well provided experience.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jana P
St. Johns, FL33 contributions
Gorgeous Victorian Mansion Tour
Jun 2021
JoAnn was quite a master at giving the tour (with 7 years experience) sharing lots of interesting facts about the house, the times, and the Stetsons. It was nice to be able to sit down during certain parts of the 100 minute tour. I would not recommend bringing any children who would find it boring. I especially enjoyed seeing the dozen or so different parquet floors which in each room were a work of art. The original ornate glass windows were gorgeous. It gave me a new appreciation for the artistry of carpentry with so many hand-created finishes. It was like going inside of a great album of paintings, and being able to admire all of the details. The recent refurbishing of the estate was stunning. So many bathrooms were added that one day it could be made to be a 4-star B&B! I would definitely remove the two magnolia trees in the front which obscure the street view of the home. This is one area attraction that shouldn't be missed.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JT T
Jana it sounds like you really soaked up all the history and beauty that the Stetson Mansion has to offer, thank you very much for touring our home. The floors still blow me away and I have been walking on them for over a decade, it's kind of like walking on works of art. The mansion's history, architecture and beauty are a constant source and inspiration for me and being able to let others share in that is quite a remarkable privilege. Thanks again for visiting with us. See you at the Mansion!!
Written July 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jennifer G
1 contribution
Stetson Mansion Tour A Must See
May 2021 • Couples
My husband and I attended the Stetson Mansion tour on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Our tour guide was Joanne and she was absolutely fantastic!!! She had so much knowledge of the time period and you actually feel as if you are transported back to 1886 when the mansion was built. The attention to detail in the mansion is exquisite. The parquet floors throughout the house are stunning and each room has a different pattern. The owners of the home JT Thompson and Michael Solari have done an amazing job decorating and restoring the home reminiscent of the time period. The tour was so enjoyable and my husband and I look forward to returning at Christmas to see the gorgeous decorations!! Whether you are new to the area or just visiting, I highly recommend the Stetson Mansion tour. You will not be disappointed!!
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JT T
After reading your review aloud to Michael we both had the exact same response..."our guests are the best!" Thank you for taking one of JoAnn's famous tours of the mansion and for sharing your experience with everyone. Restoring Stetson Mansion was a colossal undertaking but an absolute labor of love. We chose to do an adaptive restoration whereas we incorporated modern conveniences but did not compromise the architectural or historical integrity. There is still not much we would change. Christmas planning and designing is in full force and after the 8 week Christmas transformation we will open the first week of November...sooo excited! Thanks for the 5 STAR recommendation. See you at the Mansion!!
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jesse1
West Palm Beach193 contributions
Well worth a visit escpecially at Christmas time
Dec 2019
The two owners of the Stetson Mansion have done a phenominial job in keeping the character of the house while updating the home at the same time. The Christmas touur is well worth the $30 per person to see the house deceorated with every conceivable type of Christmas decor. There are three tour times during the winter season and the 5pm tour adds additional charm as it gets dark when you tour the house and the full majesty of the lights comes out.

The house sits off of a quiet side street behind an oil change facility (which is not seen from the majestic home) and it is best to park on the grounds. The neighbors all have do not park or stand here signs on the properties surrounding the mansion. As the tours have to let folks in and out, it is best to arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before the tour starts.

A special thanks to our wonderful docent Demetre who did an outstanding job keeping the tour lively and informative.

Downtown deland is only 5-7 minutes away and is also well worth a visit.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JT T
Hello Jesse and thank you for touring the Stetson Mansion with the always fun and informative Demetri, we really appreciate your visit and your 5 STAR review. I can't believe we are only days away from ending our 9th Annual Christmas Spectacular, what an awesome holiday season it has been. Christmas is a magical time at the mansion but throughout the year a tour of the mansion is a memorable one. We do also have parking available at the Church across the street from the mansion as well for guests. Our 2020 Historic tours begin in February and run all throughout the year so we will be excitably waiting to reopen the estate as soon as we get the mansion back to its natural and beautiful state. Wishing you and all our guests a Happy and Healthy New Year!!
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark C
4 contributions
A museum experience you can touch things in!
Apr 2021
We have desired to visit the Stetson Museum but had been unable to do so in the past due to their limited hours/availability. Only offer three tours on Saturday(s), and tours may not take place if there are less than eight guests. We were fortunate and were able to attend one of the Saturday tours.

Easy drive to Deland from New Smyrna/Daytona Beach areas. Tour took approximately 1-1/2 hours and was done at a relaxed pace. This is an old home which does not have an not elevator, so there are stairs to climb if you want to enjoy the entire home. Our tour guide was Joann who was very knowledgeable, engaging as well as entertaining. We are allowed to touch things and sit on the furnishings! The house and grounds are beautiful and we enjoyed our visit.
Written April 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JT T
Thank you so much for your visit to the Stetson Mansion, I am thrilled to read just how much you enjoyed your tour. JoAnn brings the home to life and it is always a treat to watch as she guides our guests back in time from room to room. We are all so excited about slowly returning to normal times and we thank you all for your patience. See you at the Mansion!
Written April 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nancy B
Tulsa, United States4 contributions
A Beauty To Behold
Feb 2021
Beauty and excellent craftsmanship overload!! This place is breathtaking. Honestly, there are MUCH larger houses in my home town of Tulsa but NONE that compare to the style and intricate detailed work displayed in this home - especially given the time in which it was built. It would be hard to put any one thing at the top of my list because there is so much to admire. The floors are beyond description as is the wood trim and molding that was ALL handmade and carved. It is a house with such beautiful windows that not only let in such glorious light, but almost give off a glow of yesteryear and the scenes that would have been taken in during the 1880-90's. This is a timeless piece of history and our guide, Joanne, was SO entertaining. Her enthusiasm for the history and beauty of the surroundings made the tour even more enjoyable. We've tried many times on our annual trips to Florida to take in a tour here and were so pleased our schedule and the tour schedule finally meshed. There is no disappointment here. On a lighter note, I joked with my husband that I can't even imagine what must be spent each month just on wood polish for this masterpiece.
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda S
1 contribution
Top Mansion Tour in Florida not to be missed!
Apr 2021
Our mansion tour was given by JoAnn, and she was full of knowledge and stories about the history and restoration of the Stetson Mansion. Best tour guide ever. The mansion has been beautifully restored by Michael and JT, and it shows in every room of the house. The parquet floors are exquisite and the pattern is different in each room. The Tiffany and leaded glass windows are gorgeous. I am so glad my friend and I were able to visit this mansion and I would highly recommend the tour to anyone visiting this area of Florida. I have heard that the decorations for the Christmas holiday are awesome and I hope to get back to see those on a future visit.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JT T
"Best tour ever!" We can't hope for better than that, thank you to you both for the opportunity to share our home with you. There is eye candy at every turn and I have to admit that it is hard even for me to pick out a favorite room, feature floor even after all these years. I am getting ready for my eight week hibernation in August as I transform the mansion into a Christmas wonderland, I can't wait to welcome the world back after having to cancel last years celebrations. Thanks for your 5 STAR recommendation and we truly hope you get to make it back for our 10th Annual Christmas Spectacular. See you at the Mansion!!
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
loisraley
The Villages, FL5 contributions
A HOME TO REMEMBER
Dec 2020
Relax and enjoy the ambience this fabulous home has to offer. As you step in the magnificent highly tastefully restored home, you will feel all the love of the present and past dwellers in this beautiful home,as the love will fill your soul. From the details in the hardwood floors, to the hand carved crown moldings, the hours and perfection will stand out as to the sweat the craftsmen that so diligently, a hundred plus years ago, gave. Seeing the home several years ago so tastefully decorated for Christmas, I missed seeing all the details until yesterday. Seeing the home without the lovely decorations, gave me an opportunity to see the workmanship in the home. I would recommend all to see the home at Christmas time and also, if the owners will continue allowing the public touring, see it without the decorations...this home is one of a kind and a must for all to appreciate the long lost art of craftsmanship.
Written December 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Stetson Mansion
Stetson Mansion is open:
  • Wed - Fri 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Sat - Sat 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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