Through Restoration & Careful Attention to Detail, the Howey Mansion is Restored to its Glory
Our Owners
Brothers Brad and Clay Cowherd are Florida natives, having grown up in Winter Park. Their father and grandfather were longtime participants in the Orlando real estate and development scene, making the brothers third-generation real estate investors. Frequents to their lake cottage in Yalaha, along with the bakery, Blue Bayou, and Mission Inn, the brothers had long been interested in the then-abandoned and decrepit Howey Mansion, fostering a desire to return it to its former glory and render it an asset to its community once more. It's been the Cowherd Family's privilege and honor to restore the Howey Mansion alongside many historical experts, talented partners, and skilled tradespeople.
Brad lives in Orlando with his wife Christina and their five children. Avid travelers, the family runs a faith-based nonprofit in Guatemala, providing wood-burning stoves to the rural Mayan population. Clay lives in Chicago with his wife Rachael, who is a medical resident. They enjoy spending time with their two young children, Quinn and Stellan.
Brad lives in Orlando with his wife Christina and their five children. Avid travelers, the family runs a faith-based nonprofit in Guatemala, providing wood-burning stoves to the rural Mayan population. Clay lives in Chicago with his wife Rachael, who is a medical resident. They enjoy spending time with their two young children, Quinn and Stellan.
Our Restoration Managers
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On July 14, 2017 we began an amazing adventure. Brad and Clay Cowherd, our nephews, had just closed on the purchase of the long-abandoned historic Howey Mansion. We were there to change the locks and begin the restoration of this magical home. We had been researching the history of the mansion for many months in anticipation of this very day but nothing could have prepared us for what lay ahead.
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We are semi-retired and, as a couple, we brought our unique work experiences and a love for all things old to this project. We, along with our beloved boxer Lucie, slept in the Mansion that first night with no air conditioning and boards still on the windows. For the next 9 months we lived in the Mansion and worked with our nephews to find and supervise the absolutely amazing craftsmen who lovingly worked their magic to bring this central Florida landmark back to life. It is they who deserve the credit for many of the beautiful details that were able to be saved.
We will be forever grateful for the opportunity we were given to be a part of this amazing transformation. It brings us such great joy to see this once abandoned and deteriorating beauty come roaring back to life and to know that the Howey Mansion will be filled with love, laughter and community for a very long time to come.
We will be forever grateful for the opportunity we were given to be a part of this amazing transformation. It brings us such great joy to see this once abandoned and deteriorating beauty come roaring back to life and to know that the Howey Mansion will be filled with love, laughter and community for a very long time to come.
Our Caretakers
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Howey Mansion caretakers, Paul and Debbie Patton, hail from Bedford, Indiana. They recently moved to Florida to take on the position as caretakers because, as Debbie puts it, "It was love at first sight when we toured the mansion 6 years ago. It was in a terrible state of disrepair and broke my heart. I knew, right then, that I would be returning in some capacity, one day. When the new owners for the Howey posted the job of "caretaker wanted" a friend called me and said, "You guys would be soooo perfect for this!" So, we answered the ad, interviewed twice, got the job, went back to Indiana in April of 2019, sold our home in 4 days, packed everything and returned to Florida by June 1st. We just keep saying, "It's a God thing!"
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Debbie's background includes a major in horticulture at Vincennes University, Indiana. She is an artist and has 50+ years experience in community theater set design, murals, costume design and musical theater. Debbie founded her own company, Debonair Designs, 25 years ago and has been featured in publications for her decorative painting and interior design. Geneology and historical restoration are 2 of her favorite hobbies.
Paul has 40+ years experience in banking and community advocacy. His favorite hobbies include carpentry, remodeling and mission work. He finds the Howey a perfect "semi-retirement" job.
Both the Pattons love to travel and have worked, not only in the U.S. but, in Italy. They specialize in Venetian plasters, marbling and faux finishing which is a perfect match for the Italianate Howey mansion. The Pattons have a love for old architecture, historic preservation and gardening. Their mantra is, "Our goal is to help preserve and protect the mansion while Improving the beauty and integrity of this grand old lady. We feel blessed to be a part of this team."
Paul has 40+ years experience in banking and community advocacy. His favorite hobbies include carpentry, remodeling and mission work. He finds the Howey a perfect "semi-retirement" job.
Both the Pattons love to travel and have worked, not only in the U.S. but, in Italy. They specialize in Venetian plasters, marbling and faux finishing which is a perfect match for the Italianate Howey mansion. The Pattons have a love for old architecture, historic preservation and gardening. Their mantra is, "Our goal is to help preserve and protect the mansion while Improving the beauty and integrity of this grand old lady. We feel blessed to be a part of this team."
