Awesome place to spend a cool winter day with family, friends or your partner…read more We really enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking in the historical surroundings of this home. My only complaint is the story that's shared while touring is extremely long winded and standing in place for an hour can be very uncomfortable for older folks or those out of shape. They offer you a seat but it's kind of awkward because nobody opts for that and you have no idea the interesting tales will take as long as they do. My advice, SIT before they begin the storytelling -- history behind the house.

If you're looking to learn more about Florida history, check out Chinsegut Hill! The historic site…read moreis now owned by the Tampa History Center, which offers guides tours of the manor house. We did the guided tour, which lasts about 30-45 min. The tour walks you through the manor house while you learn about the several decades of Florida history the house has witnessed. The house sits on 114 acres that you can walk around and explore, as well!

William John Howey (January 19, 1876 - June 7, 1938) was an American real-estate developer, citrus…read moregrower, and Republican politician from Florida. He founded and served as mayor for the town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida where he developed and sold citrus groves, becoming one of Florida's greatest citrus developers. He was one of the first citrus growers to send fruit from Florida to England. In 1921 he opened Florida's first citrus juice plant. He ran for governor on the Republican ticket in 1928 and 1932. Mr. Howey's prominence led to many distinguished guests visiting the Howey mansion, These included Lord Bathhurst of England, H.B. McNeal, publisher of Golfer's Magazine, golf master Chick Evans, Kansas Governor Alfred Landon, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Phillip's of petroleum fame, and President Calvin Coolidge who was guest of honor at an all-male dinner party in February 1930. Mr. Howey's former home near Lake Wales, Florida became the site of Florida's Bok Tower at the Bok Tower Gardens. In 1925 Mr. Howey commissioned a 20 room mansion in the town he founded. The architect was Katherine Cotheal Budd. During WWI she designed temporary lodgings known as hostess homes for women who were visiting their husbands at military training camps. Budd is credited for creating 72 lodgings with a homelike atmosphere and the Howey House is one of a few existing examples of her work. The Howey Mansion was designed in the popular Mediterranean Revival style. The house is set back on a wide lawn with wrought iron gates and a long horseshoe drive. The entrance to the home features an elaborate, two story bas relief frontispiece .The massive front door and the woodwork on the first floor is made from peaky cypress. Leading to the second floor is a graceful curving stone stairway with a wrought iron banister. Other features of the home include three large fireplaces, a ballroom-size drawing room, enormous beamed ceilings, and a servant call-bell phone system. There is even a hidden passage behind a sliding bookshelf panel in the library. The original 15 acres grounds of the mansion were called The Park and included many botanical plants and shrubs. On March 6, 1927 The Park was the host site for an open air concert performed by the New York Civic Opera Company bringing the top opera singers of the day to the mansion for a concert for the community. The mansion was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Place on January 27, 1983. On April 12, 2017 it was listed for sale at $480,000. The new owners are Brad and Clay Cowherd, Orlando real estate investors who have made period-accurate restoration of the house. I visited the Howey Mansion for the Founders Day Festival. Admission for tours of the home was discounted to $10. The Howey Mansion is available for private rentals like weddings while historical tours are also available Monday through Friday at 11am. The Founder's Day event included a local market, food trucks, live music, and family activities. I enjoyed visiting the tents and touring the mansion including the hidden bar in the basement that was created during prohibition. Behind the mansion, is a trail through the woods that will take you to the Georgian marble mausoleum where the Howey family is interred including William J. Howey (1938), daughter, Lois Valerie Howey (1941), and Mary Hastings Howey (1981). This year Centennial Founder's Day Celebration, marked100 years since the town's founding in 1925.

What an incredible place! We really enjoyed the tour Fran and Mercy gave us. They were extremely…read moreknowledgeable about the property and you can tell they love what they do. The property itself is gorgeous. If you're looking for an event space, you're in luck they rent it out for weddings and other events.

This is not your typical tourist trap. It's a unique home that attracts the curious. The owner/tour…read moreguide is a perky lady who is renovating the house back to its original splendor and adding her own personal creativity. She talks about the history of the house and her encounters with the spirits of the original owner. Lots of antiques throughout and a few quirky collections. A diamond in the rough with the mystique of an opal. There is an assistant tour guide, Joan of Bark, who is the sweetest, most laid-back pup. Take some time to enjoy this unicorn.

The best house tour I have ever been on! Super cool to hear so many details from the owner of the…read morehouse and hear about her personal experiences in the restoration process.

Very cool historical park. Been going by it for many years and finally stopped by. Being there in…read moreperson where one of the largest battles happened was really an emotional feeling. The old kapok trees here are beautiful. There is one in particular

This place is very pretty! The gazebo is closed but there are plenty of other shelter places to…read morepicnic. They offer some activities and have a small book exchange. There are restrooms too, it's a very shady tree covered area. While we were there someone was doing photos there!

Wonder place to visit especially for a simple family day with older children or a date night.read more

From the owner: This page is intended for weddings and event bookings only. Not for museum or Ybor city tours…read more The Ybor City Museum, located in the heart of Tampa’s vibrant Ybor City, offers a historic and charming venue for weddings and special events. Its beautifully landscaped courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery and iconic brick architecture, creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere for outdoor weddings, receptions, concerts and social gatherings. The museum features a serene and elegant bridal suite plus a relaxing groom’s lounge, providing comfort and privacy for the wedding party. Combining historical charm with modern amenities, the Ybor City Museum ensures a unique and memorable experience for any celebration. Interior space includes a bridal suite, grooms lounge, board room, meeting rooms and unique photo locations. The outdoor courtyard features a stage, fountain and an intimate oasis in the heart of Ybor City. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Ybor City at our museum and special event space. Discover the stories underneath the trees, where the community bloomed and thrived since 1886 and known as "Cigar Capital of the World".

House built in 1877 by a ship captain. Boat parts were used un the home. Wood stoves for heating…read more Now next to 275 and in danger of being demolished for proposed TBX highway toll road expansion. Article on the house: http://www.tbo.com/central-tampa/historic-farmhouse-of-x2018capt-billx2019-jackson-for-sale-in-seminole-heights-20130822/

Wonderful house in a booming neighborhood. The location near the Interstate and the size of moving…read morethe house is a future concern for those who want to preserve Tampa's heritage.

This is a historic house located in downtown Bartow at 590 East Stanford Street. Named the Benjamin…read moreFranklin Holland House,, it is also known as The Gables and the Roy Trent Gallemore House. The house was built in 1895 and was designed by architect E.R. Wharton. The two and a half story house is in the frame vernacular style with shingle elements and it is considered one of the best examples of a shingle style home in Florida. There is a one story wraparound screen entrance porch. Benjamin Franklin Holland was known in Bartow as a pioneer and a public servant. He was born in Carroll County, Ga., in 1846. When he was 17 he was a Confederate soldier in a battle at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia that saw half of his company killed. During the battle he was wounded and by the time he recovered the Civil War was over. To heal from a shattered hand and tuberculosis he moved to Polk county where he married and had three children. He founded Polk's first abstract business and served in three county offices: school board member, county commissioner and county treasurer. One of his children became Florida governor Spessard Holland who grew up in the home. The house was listed on the US Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is a private residence so you can only view it from the street but it is a beautiful home and worth a drive by if you are in the area.

Had an absolutely wonderful experience visiting the Gingerbread House in Safety Harbor. This place…read moreis full of charm and personality, with such a cozy and whimsical feel that makes it stand out right away. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and full of character. It really feels like stepping into something special and unique to Safety Harbor. Everything is thoughtfully decorated and has that homemade, artistic touch that makes the place feel personal and welcoming. Overall, a super memorable visit and a true gem in Safety Harbor. Easy 5 stars and definitely worth stopping by.

The original owner B. Rhett Green had this house built in 1908 in the classic Victorian style. It…read moreincludes traditional gingerbread at the peaks of the roofline and still includes its original hardwood floors! It is one of the last homes of its era and type in all of Pinellas County! In 1910, it was a popular place for neighborhood women to bring their laundry. They had a big cast iron kettle of boiling clean water. This house had the best well in town since other nearby wells were full of sulfur! Electricity, fueled by a coal burning plant located on Iron Age Avenue, was added to the house in the 1920s. Use of electricity was limited to the hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Plumbing was installed in the 1930s, less than 100 years ago. The original claw foot tub fell through the floor and remains below the house to this very day! Life is good with history, hidden in plain sight!