
The Stetson Mansion

Built as Florida’s most modern and elegant mansion in 1886 by John B. Stetson, the famed hat maker, the Stetson Mansion is an architectural masterpiece embellished with rich details including 16 different intricate parquet floor patterns and 10,000 panes of antique window glass. On their wedding day our brides step down the grand staircase once graced by the Queen of England, Countess of Portugal and First Lady of the United States.
Florida’s First Luxury Estate sits on 3 private gated acres and has been enhanced with a multi-million dollar restoration and complete update to today’s standards and style. The interior will be thoroughly decorated for Christmas so keep this in mind when planning interior photography around the holidays.
Couples who chose our National Historic Place for their wedding usually have a keen interest in history and provenance. Their curiosity about Florida’s finest example of luxurious 19th century architecture might have attracted them to the mansion for one of our historic or Christmas tours where they were overwhelmed by the beauty of the home and knew this is where they desire to get married.
The Mansion is not a Victorian museum nor a Stetson museum filled with old artifacts or just antiques. The Stetson’s sold everything off in 1920 and nothing was left behind but the grand home itself and the school house/guest cottage. However, it is warm and welcoming with a wonderful positive energy and every fabulous original architectural detail still intact. A tour includes the rich history and an inspiring restoration story that guests happily take away with them. Not one part of the home is closed or roped off. All tours include “behind the scenes.” It’s hard to describe. Ask some one who’s been here or read our Trip Advisor reviews.
There are 5 new kitchen areas and thirteen new bathrooms, all different, boasting timeless style that blend with the home perfectly and come in handy when the house is full of family and friends! This private home can still throw a great party!!
Now for the first time in over 100 years it is with great pleasure that we can once again open this private estate to host tours, corporate functions and lectures, events, grand weddings and receptions and one of a kind parties for those who want to create memories of a lifetime. The meticulous extensive restoration, conducted as if a wealthy family always owned the property, now affords guests the opportunity to host a memorable event or just tour this “National Historic Place” property. It’s our way of sharing this amazing national treasure with the community. We feel like “stewards” more than owners.
We can’t wait for you to fall in love with the Mansion’s beauty and the story of a great American, John B Stetson, a smart and generous man who was well ahead of his time. His cowboy hats are the most iconic symbols of Americana, yet the man himself is unknown.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing our story about the Mansion. The intricate wood parquet floor patterns alone will take your breath away, so be warned!
Reservations Always Required!
“See You At The Mansion!”