The Stetson Mansion-A Victorian Christmas Treat
Front of the Stetson Mansion
The Stetson Mansion, located about a half an hour from Daytona Beach and 45 minutes from Orlando was built by famed hat maker, John B. Stetson in Deland, Florida. This spectacular circa 1886 Victorian mansion is one of the first properties in the world to be designed and built with Thomas Edison’s electricity.
Mr. Stetson, inventor of the Stetson cowboy hat that bears his name, was an original Florida snowbird as he spent 20 winters in Deland. In addition to electricity, his 10,000 square foot, three story mansion has other innovative characteristics. The Stetson Mansion boasts 16 unique parquet floors, a window wall shipped directly from Jordan, steam heat, Tiffany glass windows, hot and cold running water, and indoor bathrooms.
Cowboy hat
Presently, the Stetson Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Gothic, Tudor, Moorish, and Polynesian architectural details of this home combine to create a Victorian wonder. The Stetsons even had the added convenience of an on-site schoolhouse. The schoolhouse allowed them to home school their three sons while they wintered in the sunshine state.
Check out this guide to other historic homes in Florida to continue your adventure!
The mansion was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.
Renovation and restoration to the mansion began in 2006, as the owners worked painstakingly to preserve historic charm, while simultaneously creating a wonder for all to visit.
Each year from November to January 18th, the Stetson mansion opens its doors to the public for its annual Christmas Spectacular. Ten rooms are decorated in lavish Christmas themes. This years themes included: peacocks, Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, angels, and a fairyland to name a few. According to the owner, the themes of the rooms change each year, but the nativity is always present.
Main entrance to the mansion. (No pictures or video allowed inside)
Lenny and I stopped counting at 16 nativity sets and were told there were more than 40 located through out the ten rooms. The Christmas displays are absolutely DAZZLING- a real treat to the eyes. The former owner and room designer spends three months placing each element of the Christmas decorations by hand.
After visiting the mansion, Lenny and I drove about a mile away to Stetson University. In honor of his wife, John B. Stetson donated Elizabeth Hall to the university. (Elizabeth Hall was the first campus building wired with electricity-a novelty at the time of construction.) He similarly donated the chapel (located in Elizabeth Hall) in honor of his son, Ben. The chapel remains the university’s main concert and lecture hall.
Elizabeth Hall, Stetson University
A visit to the Stetson Mansion and Stetson University is well worth your time. Mansion tours are available for purchase online and range from $29-$40 per person plus taxes and fees.
Both Christmas (November 1-January 18) and Historical tours (February 1-mid October) are available. While you could take the standard audio tour, Lenny and I took the guided tour and thought it was fabulous.
We highly recommend spending a couple of hours at the first Victorian Mansion built in the state of Florida prior 1900. As you step back in time and enjoy a Victorian treat consider learning more about the early snowbirds of Florida with this resource.
Also, don’t forget your water bottle. Water bottles are travel essentials in the sunshine state. Here is one of my favorites.
All the best,
Jennifer
www.stetsonmansion.com
