Tour of Historic Homes & Gardens
December 14 & 15, 2024
Noon to 5 pm both days
West Volusia Historical Society presents an unforgettable tour of 10 historic homes and gardens ready for the holiday season.
This year's tour features University Terrace, one of the earliest and most fashionable East DeLand subdivisions, with gently curving streets on rolling hills.
This neighborhood was platted by Harry W. Prahl, an Erie, PA engineer and contractor in late 1925 at the height of the Florida Land Boom. Prahl commissioned Architect G. Medwin Peek, a native Floridian, to ensure quality and architectural balance, and the area initially featured houses with Tudor and Colonial influences on one side of Pennsylvania Avenue, and Mediterranean and Mission on the other. Following the land bust and Great Depression, construction resumed in University Terrace and continued for nearly 100 years - its charm retained. Featured homes on this tour represent most of the decades of this vibrant period of growth and resilience. Be aware that these older homes may not be accessible for those with mobility issues.
Check in and parking is at WVHS Conrad Center, 137 W. Michigan Avenue in DeLand. Pick up your program booklet on the day you begin your tour. The booklet and map will give you access to the homes on the tour. Board one of the hop-on-hop-off buses that circle the route all afternoon or walk the neighborhood at your own pace and board the bus to return to Conrad Center.
$40 per person Saturday and Sunday
Admission fee is good for both days. Tickets are not refundable.
Purchase tickets at the Conrad Educational & Research Center, 137 W Michigan Avenue in DeLand, either Saturday, December 14th or Sunday, December 15th. Hours: noon to 5 pm.
If you made advance reservations, check in at the Conrad Center, 137 W Michigan Avenue in DeLand to pick up your tour booklet and map and take the shuttle bus to begin your walking tour.
NOTE: as publicized, online advance ticket sales closed at 4 pm on Friday, December 13.
Day of the Tour
Check in at the WVHS Conrad Center Educational & Research Center 137 W. Michigan Avenue in DeLand.
Park in the designated grass lot at 137 West Michigan Ave, just east of DeLand House Museum, or on Florida Ave in the paved lot behind Stetson University's Davis Hall. A shuttle bus will take you to the Tour neighborhood. Please use the free transportation provided; parking on the neighborhood streets is very limited.
You will receive a program booklet and map which gives access to the homes and gardens on the tour.
Things to Know
Allow plenty of time to assure a leisurely visit to all homes & gardens
Wear clothing comfortable for walking; no heels to protect these historic homes and avoid oversized handbags and back packs.
The shuttle bus takes you to the neighborhood; tour locations are in close proximity. Buses circle the neighborhood continually for your convenience and will return you to headquarters.
Support the privacy of these generous homeowners; no pictures or videos inside the home.
Be respectful of personal items in the home.
Enjoy!
