Historic Sanford, Florida

Eighteenth Annual Holiday Tour of Homes - Downtown Sanford, Florida

Historic Sanford, Florida. Sanford has over 450 buildings listed on the National Register of Historical Places within its two historic districts. Several of the major avenues are brick streets and entire residential district is lined with majestic oaks laden with Spanish moss.

When: December dates to be announced

Details About the Tour

Candlelight Tour of Homes – Friday night for the first time located in Mayfair on the east side of downtown Sanford - a luminary walking tour of numerous locations, entertainment, carolers, reception, art show & student art exhibit. Food sponsors include Dexter’s, Bonefish & Willow Tree. Tour headquarters: Magnolia Square – Corner of 2nd St and Magnolia Ave. (6 blocks east of US 17/92).

Holiday Tour of Homes – Sat/Sun. showcases a variety of Sanford’s historical homes and includes a different grouping of homes, and buildings all but one have never been on the Tour before. Art Show. Antique cars. Tour headquarters: Sanford Museum – 520 East First St.

Tickets available: (407) 263-4488 (VI/MC accepted) and Matthew Gunderson (321) 363-7792 or from various locations including: Bill’s Car Wash, Knight’s Shoes, Paw Park Place, River House Pottery, Sanford Chamber, Sanford Museum & Willow Tree Restaurant.

NEW THIS YEAR: All homes have never been on the Tour before except for one, which has had major renovation. Friday night sponsored by Dexter’s & Bonefish Restaurants – two of the areas finest plus five local Sanford eateries. Art Show and Sale. See house info below. Walk the walk - Sanford’s RiverWalk.

Media Inquiries: Please contact Tony Daniels, Marketing Chair, Sanford Historic Trust, (407) 474-8375 tdanielsuk@aol.com

INTERESTING FACTS OF SOME HOMES:

2018 Mellonville Ave. built in 1884 in Victorian style and one of the areas oldest. Initially known as the John Dodd House it passed to the Sperling family in the early 1900’s, who renovated it in the plantation style. Contains original floors, windows, fireplaces and a servant’s stairs.

113 W. 15th St. – built in 1887 by Dr. Alex French brother of Dr. Seth French (for whom French Ave. is named). Alex French was Sanford’s Mayor 1879-81. Home contains several unique architectural features.

811 Palmetto Ave. 1925 Prairie style was used as a manse for various ministers of the Congressional Christian Church.

801 Palmetto Ave. was built by the local cigar manufacturer and magnate in Sanford!

(currently under restoration).

411 Magnolia Ave. is a frame vernacular built in 1909. During the 1920’s it was home of William Leffler, president and manger of Chase Co.

1008 Palmetto Ave. cir. 1909 and moved from French Ave. in 1997, it is reported to be a Sears Roebuck catalog home.

There are three homes on the Sat/Sun Tour that are under renovation in order to display the before and after process in preservation and restoration.

A home could be accessible for interior photographs by appointment. All homeowners sign an image release permission to the Trust.

Additional Information on Events In Downtown Sanford, Florida

Please visit our Vacation Guide for some hot idea on where to stay during your vacation in Florida.  If you are looking for information about what's going on in Central Florida, then please visit our Calendar of Events section where we will keep you informed on what's happening.  Don't forget to book a room at the Higgins House during your stay.