Tucked away in the beautiful town of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, is a house that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the 1920s. Built by William J. Howey, the founder of this picturesque town and a savvy land promoter, the 24 room mansion evokes the opulence and vision of a man, who shaped much of this Central Florida landscape. Ernest Hemingway’s often quoted remark, “The rich are different”, feels especially apt when entering this architectural gem. It is like stepping back in time.
In the early 1900s, W. J. Howey amassed an astounding 60,000 acres in Lake County, laying the foundation for his sprawling citrus empire. Unlike many of the land speculators during Florida’s property boom, Howey’s approach was methodical and grounded in the fledgling citrus industry that was slowly taking root across the region. His success in Polk County had set a model for his ventures here, where he planted groves that would support a growing citrus industry, while establishing the town of Howey as the city inevitable.
In 1925, William and his wife, Grace, began plans for their permanent home. The house was designed by Katherine Cotheal Budd, a pioneering architect best known for her innovative work during the Great War. Budd created a temporary lodging concept that offered a welcoming, homelike atmosphere for women visiting their husbands at military training camps. She is credited with designing 72 of these “hostess homes”.
Designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, the house sits far back on a broad, manicured lawn, accessed through massive gates and a sweeping horseshoe drive. The rose-colored stucco walls, mellowed by time, are covered in creeping fig around the tower and turret. The double-barrel roof is constructed with original Ludowici tiles, characteristic of the period and style. The grand entrance is defined by an elaborate bas-relief frontispiece extending two full stories, incorporating two openings: an arched double doorway with wrought iron ornamental grille doors and a fanlight above, topped by a square casement window. A second entryway opens into the Foyer and features a stunning semicircular fanlight of hand-blown stained glass, designed in a peacock plumage motif with multicolored panels and diamond accents along the sides of the massive pecky cypress front door.
The Foyer is the architectural centerpiece; its curved walls rise dramatically to the second story, crowned by a wide, elegant, curving staircase adorned with a wrought iron banister. The wall surfaces in both the Foyer and the upper hall are made of pre-cast plaster. In a striking display of Old World craftsmanship, an Austrian artisan created the mixture on-site and in complete secrecy, sealing off the doorways during the process and barring all other workmen from entering. Many interior walls are over a foot thick, and the home’s wood and stone floors remain tight and smooth. Even today, the original heavy doors swing silently and close with precision, a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship that brought this remarkable home to life.
Throughout the house, grandeur and refinement abound. Three immense fireplaces and a ballroom-sized Drawing Room with massive beamed ceilings evoke the opulent spirit. Even the original electric call bell system speaks to the thoughtful convenience built into this Estate. It is the unexpected touches that truly captivate. One such surprise lies midway up the main staircase: a charming Sitting Room tucked into the tower at the rear of the house. This intimate space is cleverly serviced by an enclosed servant stairwell and a dumbwaiter that connects directly to the Butler’s Pantry below; an ingenious combination of elegance and utility.
Located directly beneath the Sitting Room, the Library features an equal division of floor to ceiling bookshelves and windows overlooking the Fountain Courtyard. A hidden passageway lever, common in grand homes of the era, lies concealed behind a sliding panel. Intriguingly, the entrance it reveals is located outside the Library, adding to the mystique surrounding the Vault, secured with a bank safe door, used during Prohibition.
A visionary in Florida’s citrus industry, William J. Howey was the first grower to ship fruit overseas to England. His stately home, located across Palm Avenue from what is now the Mission Resort + Club, became a social hub, especially during his gubernatorial campaigns on the Republican ticket in 1928 and again in 1932. The Mansion played host to a number of distinguished guests, including Lord Bathurst of England, Golfer’s Magazine publisher H. B. McNeal, golf legend Chick Evans, Kansas Governor Alfred Landon and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Phillips of petroleum fame. One of the most memorable events was a private luncheon honoring President Calvin Coolidge.
Nestled within the 15 acre estate, referred to as “The Park”, is a lush landscape of botanical plants and vibrant shrubbery, curated to reflect the elegance and grandeur of its era. On March 6, 1927, the front lawn became the setting for a remarkable event: an open-air concert by the New York Civic Opera Company. An estimated 16,000 guests arrived in more than 4,000 automobiles to attend the event of the season. One reporter noted, "The evening reached its crescendo not with a final aria, but with the thunderous applause for W. J. Howey himself."
Though the era of grand showplace mansions like the Howey House may have faded, the Mansion endures, standing as a graceful reminder that “Once upon a time...” still echoes through the Estate.
