The surrounding estate, which sat on Stetson’s 300-acre citrus grove contained gardens, gazebos and fountains. There was also wildlife, in addition to the prodigious local bird population. Peacocks and monkeys roamed the grounds, and Stetson had at least two wild Florida alligators (“Ponce” and “DeLeon”) that he delighted in showing guests—an exotic sight for most non-Floridians. Particularly noteworthy, was the 800-square-foot schoolhouse used for educating the Stetson offspring during their winters in DeLand. The Polynesian-style structure featured a striking 15-foot-high plank arched ceiling, lending a transportive South Pacific charm to the grounds (and probably made going to school on glorious sunny days a little more tolerable).
Though commonplace today, Stetson was among the first breed of well-off Americans to spend winters in the Sunshine State. Over the years, he drew to Florida a notable list of Astors, Vanderbilts, Mellons and Carnegies, plus the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and U.S. President Grover Cleveland, whom he entertained in the opulent style of the times. And while the period in Stetson’s life, seen in the mansion itself, is marked by extravagance, it was also his most philanthropic. He fervently supported local businesses, grew the area’s infrastructure and often entertained groups of DeLand residents at his home—just as he did the vacationing elite. His contributions to the area, including the funding of DeLand College (which would become Stetson University) are still felt in the present.
John B. Stetson died in his winter home in 1906 after ill health. The original contents of the mansion were sold off in 1920. Beginning in 2006, on the 100th anniversary of Stetson’s death, the mansion underwent a meticulous restoration and renovation by private owners Michael Solari and JT Thompson, who have kept all of the architectural details intact, with thoughtful modern upgrades and furnishings that blend styles and periods in a way that captures the eclectic spirit of the original design.