Stetson Mansion
Stetson Mansion
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 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
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • GoPlaces67523543276
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommended!
    I had toured the regular mansion twice before and it is very very impressive. The Xmas tour is just spectacular. What The owner has done with Xmas decorations is unlike anything you have ever seen. He is extremely artistic and creative. Every inch is covered in elaborate and exquisite decorations. The numerous nativity scenes are fabulous. Took the self guided format while listening to the itinerary on my phone. This format was too long and resulted in standing in one place too long leading to overcrowding and bottlenecks in some areas.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written November 3, 2023
  • AdrienneAB
    Anthony, Florida22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brings the Christmas season and the real meaning into focus
    this is a wonderful way to get in the Christmas spirit. We have been for 6 years and the trip is always fascinating. JT has the most wonderful imagination and is able to execute this into a real wonderland experience. The guides are well informed and entertaining. The house itself is a beautiful example of real craftsmanship.It is well worth the cost and time spent.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 5, 2023
  • Sarah J
    The Villages, Florida10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bucket list tour for sure!!!
    If you visit Florida or live in Florida, visiting the Stetson Mansion has to be on your bucket list!!! This magnificent home will leave you wanting to move into it! The craftsmanship is unmatched in today's world! Their Christmas tour will be the most awe-inspiring event you will find any where! Go to Stetson Mansion.com and book a tour! Very reasonably priced!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 5, 2023
  • Malte S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic experience
    Beautiful historic mansion. We went on the christmas tour and it was totally worth it. I have lived in the area for a quarter of a century but this was the first time touring the stetson mansion. The christmas decoration was done with a lot of care and effort. Truly amazing. I loved the gorgeous wood floors throughout the house. Hard to believe those gorgeous mosaic wood floors were all done by hand without power tools. Just amazing.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written November 8, 2023
  • Maggie C
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Get in the spirit!
    The beauty of this home inside and out is beyond compare. The floors the wood just incredible. The Christmas decor is beyond imagination. Can’t begin to describe the beauty, the intricacy, the intent of the decor, room after room after room; more than the eyes can take in. You could go thru the home several times and see something new each time. Will attend the Christmas spectacular next year and probably again this year!!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 8, 2023
  • Christine G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My Visit to the Stetson Mansion in Deland, Fl
    One must visit the Stetson Mansion in DeLand, Florida to get into the Christmas Spirit! Stepping into the foyer of this mansion makes one’s head spin. There are so many beautiful Christmas decorations it makes your head spin trying to take it all in! The dining room is decorated with little fairies and has an enchanted tea party theme, each room has a theme —my favorite was the peacock bedroom—just beautiful! Kim was our tour guide—she was fantastic. Not only did she tell us about all the beautiful decorated rooms but she also gave us some of the history of this beautiful mansion. This is a “Must See”! How JT Thompson(one of the owners) managed to design the displays and decorate this mansion in three months is mind boggling!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 8, 2023
  • LuAnn S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Immersive holiday experience. Kept the focus of Christ in Christmas -- Thank you!
    Enjoyed one of the last historic tours offered, so had to come back to experience the Christmas Spectacular! And it certainly did not disappoint! The decorations were stunning. Wish I could have stayed all day to really immerse myself in the beauty of it all and to enjoyed the finite details JT put into each rooms' decor'!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 8, 2023
  • Happiness09062970578
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Over the Top
    This was my first time to see the Mansion and it was decorated for Christmas. The amount of time and detail was absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed the history of the house. The architecture is very unique and I would definitely go again.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 9, 2023
  • Denise H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must make it an annual “official start to Christmas”!
    Having toured many Victorian-era homes, I thought I knew what we would see, but, the Stetson Mansion is incredible! The amazing detail from the flooring to the walls, and ceiling. The Christmas decorations were such a splendid way of starting off the Christmas season; over 50 nativity scenes, alone, depicted throughout! JoAnn was so knowledgeable about the history of the home and such fun explaining each room’s decorations. We had never been before, but, certainly will return!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written November 10, 2023
  • Dana K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stetson Mansion Christmas tour
    We did the Christmas tour and it was incredible. Aside from the beauty of the home, the Christmas decorations are beautiful. I can't get over JT's creativity. Our tour guide Kim did an awesome job in combining the history of the home and Stetsons and describing each room. Great experience.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written November 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles5,976 reviews
Excellent
5,730
Very good
173
Average
45
Poor
16
Terrible
11

Paul S
Boston, MA10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Historic homes are sort of like an oldies station. Ever wonder why the music of the 60s sounds so good compared to today’s music? The oldies stations only play the best oldies; the tunes in the bad to mediocre range never make it to the playlist.

Similarly, the very best historic homes are often the ones that survive, and end up open to the public for explanation. This is particularly true for homes built in the late nineteenth century, where the builders and architects were starting to incorporate the new technology of indoor plumbing and electricity into their buildings.

The Stetson Mansion is one of those gems. The mansion, built by hatter John B. Stetson in 1886, incorporated cutting edge technology into its design. Like many of us today, Mr. Stetson sought some mid-winter warmth, and embarked on the task of building a small mansion in a tourism and citrus town that was being developed by his friend, Henry Addison DeLand.

The story of this home involves the friends of Mr. Stetson. Electricity? Sure, let’s invite Thomas Edison to supervise the wiring of the home. The Stetson Mansion attracted many famous visitors, ranging from U.S. presidents to British royalty into this comfortable winter retreat. Comfortable is the key word, as it is not an oppressively formal palace like those found in Newport; it is a place where you can feel right at home.

In fact, the owners of this mansion do feel right at home. The home has been restored and modernized, and this tour runs through a historic home that is also a private residence. The old fuse box, installed and labeled by Thomas Edison, is next to a cappuccino machine. Renovations and restorations added modern amenities, such as a walk-in closet and some en suite bathrooms, that are subtle enhancements that are tastefully done to preserve the integrity of the original home.

Reservations are required, and the Stetson Mansion operates under limited hours that respect the owner’s ability to live in this historic home. If you have the good fortune of having Jo Anne lead you through the home, you will spend a couple of hours filled with interesting stories about Mr. Stetson, his wife, his home, his visitors, and his relationship with DeLand.

We spent the morning taking a St. John's River Eco Tour in DeBary, and we toured the mansion in the afternoon. The two tours combined into a wonderful day in Central Florida.
Written February 25, 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.

Tim L
Denver, CO32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa Ermine
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. 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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Bill B
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
I took my 89 year old mother to this beautiful, historic, mansion. She loves Christmas decorations, but she just can't do the things she used to do, so I figured this tour would be perfect for her. JoAnn gave an intro speech on the porch, which was very informative. As soon as we walked in the front door, the unexpected happened. Not only was my mom impressed, but I was utterly speechless! Throughout to entire tour, I was amazed at the beauty, thoughtfulness, and imagination of the decorator. Every room was a different journey of inspiration! The tribute to heroes was very special to us. Two uncles in the Navy, along my father, brother, me, and my son having served in the Marine Corps, made this room emotional. Not only was this Christmas tour outstanding, I will definitely be back for the Grand Tour of the house when it opens!!! I'm currently reading the two books written by the owners that restored this historic mansion, and highly recommend them. You will be amazed at both the history of J. B. Stetson and the passion for the restoration of this mansion.
Written January 11, 2020
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.
Hello and thank you to you and your mom for making it to the last week of our Christmas Spectacular. I am thrilled to read that you both enjoyed your visit to our home and that you will always have this memory with your mom, how beautiful. I design every room with love and attention to detail, the Heroes Tribute room was definitely one I paid extra special attention to. Thank you to you and all your family members that took the oath to serve our country. I have been so incredibly touched this season by the outpouring of support and kindness from guests like yourself and all us at the Stetson Mansion wish everyone a 2020 filled with that same support and kindness. We open for historic tours in February and we do hope to see you back at the mansion soon. Please thank your mom for her visit as well. All the best!
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PeterButzin
Tallahassee, FL157 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
J.T. and Michael, the mansions owners and restorers are to be congratulated for their careful restoration and updating of this richly historical property.

I knew nothing about John B. Stetson's 20 years of "wintering" in Deland, although I had a clew in the 1990's when our family visited Stetson University as a possible "college landing" for our elder daughter. (She decided on Eckerd College, but Stetson has a recognized liberal arts program and a lovely campus.)

I particularly appreciated our visit because (1) I have advanced degrees in American History; (2) I'm a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and (3) I'm an avid woodworker, who appreciates fine moldings, unique, custom hardwood floors and hand-made window, frames, latices, leading and stained glass.

We purchased Michael Solari's book about Stetson, the mansion and the renovation in the "schoolhouse", which ends the tour.

This brief, easily readable book includes lots of "before & after" pictures. It also makes it clear, even in 2014, when the first edition was published, that the owners would like to sell the property to a worthy buyer. (A particularly strong pitch is made that Stetson University could make this into a profit center.)

If I were younger, and wealthy, I'd be happy to make an offer.

My hope that the property will continue to be preserved as a part of late 19th century history.

What was the nature of our visit? We spent a "multi-generational" week near Disney and Universal. Our children's and grandchildren's generations spent their days at the theme parks: which, at 77 years old, I see as little more than very expensive opportunities to stand in line for hours. Not for us. So, I Googled "historic homes in Central Florida" which provided links to the Stetson and Howey mansions. Alas, we couldn't squeeze in the Howey mansion, which will await our next visit. But I was intrigued with the Stetson Mansion's website, and we couldn't have been more pleased with our visit. We've lived in Tallahassee since 1973. Although we've traveled most of the state, we were unfamiliar with the Stetson Mansion, which is a gem, well worth visiting.

Oh, and a shout out to JoAnne, our tour guide. She was entertaining, well-informed and vivacious. My understanding is that one of the owners, J.T., also provides guided tours. Although this would have been a special treat, JoAnne presented herself, enthusiastically, as almost part of the family.
Written April 14, 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.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were a group of five adults that visited the Stetson Mansion on the Grand Tour. Our first impressions were of the beautiful parquet floors throughout the first and second floors. Totally awesome. The tour guide, JoAnn, was great and very knowledgeable and was able to answer every question posed by the tour group of 21. We were impressed by the original blinds in the Elizabeth bedroom and the effort that it took to restore them. The original architecture and windows were amazing and worth seeing.

We do wish that we would've been informed of a bathroom on site as we were so nervous about being stuck that we spent an hour before the tour looking for one in the city. (We, as well as the others in the tour group, are on the older side!) Joann explained it was to prevent a line since only a single (and original) bathroom was available. Understandable, but still. Overall, we enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to anyone. The tour is not for handicapped or anyone physically unable to climb stairs, so beware. Beautiful home and kudos to the owners for the restoration and sharing with the public.
Written February 29, 2020
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.
Hello friends and thank you to each of you for allowing us to share our home with you, we appreciate your visit. The floors and windows always take center stage but then on each of the 3 floors more history and beauty abounds. JoAnn has a wonderful way of making all our guests feel welcomed and comfortable as she guides everyone through every room in the mansion. We are so happy that you enjoyed your tour so much. I will be sure to share your 5 STAR review with JoAnn :) See you at the Mansion!!
Written July 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Expedition577150
The Villages, FL12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dgisme
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We went on the first day after the Christmas decorations came down. The house is a sight to behold even without all the glitter and tinsel.
We took the grand (afternoon) tour, which includes all three floors of this magnificent home. Our guide Jo Ann eagerly described details of the home, John Stetson's history, and what the current owners have done to preserve what they could from the 1886 home, and restore or tastefully renovate what could not be saved.
As a woodworker, I was blown away by the architectural detail of the parquet floors, wainscoting, and ornamental woodwork.
The tour took about 2-1/2 hours, but unlike a "museum" tour, we were encouraged to sit on the furniture to rest in many of the rooms. The stairs to the upper floors are steep, but everyone in our group was able to navigate them with little difficulty.
Did I enjoy it? Immensely!
Will I do it again? Absolutely!
Written February 6, 2020
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.

Rita L
Fenton, MI12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Simply grand! I teach the power of our intentions and the value of having a vision...and I am also an artist. Joann, JT, and Michael certainly tell the magic of the Stetson Mansion beautifully, but also demonstrate the power of like-minded people coming together and living the life they have always imagined! Thoughts ARE things - listen to your whispers and move in the direction of your dreams. Well done - professional, friendly, pure magic and a creative paradise of charm & grace.
Rita Long
Written February 11, 2020
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.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 5,961
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

STETSON MANSION - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

All DeLand HotelsDeLand Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in DeLand
All things to do in DeLand
Theatre & Concerts in DeLandAmusement Parks in DeLand
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars