Stetson Mansion, DeLand

About Stetson Mansion

Built in 1886 for hat maker John B. Stetson, this Gilded Age mansion in DeLand is Florida's largest and grandest home constructed before 1900. Visitors tour the three-story Victorian structure featuring 16 different mosaic parquet wood floor patterns, 10,000 panes of antique glass, and hand-made wood embellishments throughout. The home was the first in Florida designed with Edison electricity, steam heat, indoor plumbing, and a call bell system. The estate encompasses over two acres with gardens, gazebos, fountains, patios, and a pool. On the grounds stand a Polynesian-style schoolhouse, now converted to a guest retreat with spa bath, and Sophie's Garden meditation space. Historic tours explore the architectural details and the mansion's history, while Christmas tours showcase elaborate seasonal decorations. The mansion sits in DeLand, near downtown's antique shops, theaters, and restaurants, and close to Blue Springs State Park and the Barberville Pioneer Settlement.