A Unique Historic Mansion In The Heart Of Florida Is A Must-See Attraction With Eclectic Oddities

Florida may conjure up images of beautiful white-sand beaches, palm trees, and dazzling water parks, but when you look past the obvious, you'll spot a hidden gem right in the middle of the state. Whimsical exterior, decorative balconies, intricate stonework — the Wonder House checks off every box for what makes an attraction one of a kind. And when you learn about its history, you'll realize that the story behind the mansion is even more peculiar.

Let's start from the very beginning. Conrad Schuck, a contractor from Pennsylvania, was told by doctors he only had a year left to live, but he could extend his lifespan if he moved to a warmer area. He decided to make his last years count and left for Bartow, Florida with his family. There, Schuck found a property and decided to build a home. In 1926, construction of the Wonder House began while the family lived across the street.

Despite the odds, Schuck was alive a year later and still working on the house. In fact, he went on to live till he was 94. By then, the Wonder House had been open for tours for about 30 years before the DuCharme family purchased it in 1964. They offered their own Christmas tours from 1963 to 1972, but it didn't reopen for regular excursions until years later in 2015.

The 18-room, four-story property didn't even have blueprints — Conrad Schuck relied on his vision and creativity to build the structure. He used concrete reinforced with steel rails that he bought from a railroad line and constructed on solid bedrock. He also gave the house its iconic cross-shaped layout. This was both an aesthetic and functional decision. Each room was connected to two porches, and there was a constant flow of ventilation — a much-needed solution to surviving hot summers. Another standout feature was its hollow columns, which carried rainwater to the plants outside while regulating the temperature inside. The porches had intricate glass and tilework, which created a stunning contrast against the light-gray concrete.

Facing the Wonder House is a moat that was once filled with koi and two concrete bridges that lead visitors to the mansion. When you enter the house, you'll be immediately struck by the oddities on display — Schuck was a passionate collector of curiosities, so don't be too surprised when you see snakes preserved in jars. The hand carvings and mosaics on the walls add a textured charm to the interior, which complements the house's eclectic atmosphere.

Despite the time and effort invested, Conrad Schuck never lived in the Wonder House — he didn't even consider it finished. When the DuCharme family bought it, they made minor changes and completed the construction, but they made sure to preserve its distinct look. That's when the Wonder House finally had its first residents.

Years later, a new owner lost the house to foreclosure, which left it vacant and abandoned with its fate unknown — until its story took a new turn in 2015. Now, we have the privilege of marveling at this house once more. Visitors can explore three floors of the Wonder House by making an online reservation. Tours run for 90 minutes, where you'll learn about Schuck's clever inventions that made building the house faster and more efficient. The Wonder House is also under restoration, so kindly show respect during your visit. Although hiking, camping, and relaxing on the beach are classic Florida activities, the Wonder House offers something entirely different, and you wouldn't want to miss out on an exclusive experience.