wonder house halloween tour

The Wonder House – Bartow, Florida

All Bartowans are familiar with The Wonder House, Bartow, Florida.  After all, it was once the town’s main tourist attraction from 1934 to 1963. Sadly, like many mansions before it, The Wonder House has been through its share of owners and long stints of abandonment. 2015, the new owners purchased it to pursue their dream of preserving an era.

The Wonder House might be one of the most exciting mansions to visit in Florida. Not only is it a work in progress, allowing you to see the stages of transformation, but it’s also full of hidden technology way before its time. Further, it’s home to many oddities that you don’t find in the era’s traditional mansions. How about a moat that enters the main house through a basement if this does not intrigue you?

If you enjoy history, architecture, restoration, and urban exploration or are looking for something to do that’s off the beaten path, you need to add The Wonder House to your must-see list!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our  disclosure and privacy policy  for more information.

The History of The Wonder House , Bartow, Florida

The Wonder House was Conrad Schuck’s dream home. Originally from Pittsburg, Conrad was told he was dying due to a weak heart. Expecting to live another year, he moved south to Florida with his wife and nine children. Despite his diagnosis, Conrad embarked on building his dream home in 1926. Fortunately, he got to see the project because he lived to the ripe age of 94 and passed away in 1971.

It’s believed that the Wonder House’s completion date was 1941, although the historical archive has not confirmed this as exact. Once completed, Conrad opened his home to the public in 1934 and became a popular local tourist attraction for about 30 years. Visitors paid a dime to see the ponds and 25 cents to wander around the interior. The Wonderhouse was kept open for tours from 1934 to 1963.

Photos from Post Cards, this is what the home looked like in all its glory:

If you take the current tour, which I highly recommend, you’ll learn more about what people came to see. The current owners have re-created some of the prior attractions. I won’t give it all away; you’ll need to visit to witness all the attractions.

Once Conrad passed the house, they transitioned hands many times:

• The DuCharmes family purchased the home in 1964. The DuCharms added central air and heat. The DuCharmes also enclosed the porch and updated some of the bathrooms .
• Lucy DuCharme lived in The Wonder House until she died in 1999. Lucy DuCharme offered Christmas tours of The Wonder House from 1963 to 1972.
• In 1999, Chuck Heiden and his wife, Helen, bought The Wonder House and began restoring it. Chuck and Helen occupied the house from 2002 to 2011. Their dream fell apart when they divorced in 2011.
• The house was foreclosed after Chuck and Helen Heiden abandoned it sometime around 2012.
• From 2012 through 2015, two purchasers purchased and abandoned the house.
• Davis and Kreis bought the house in October 2015 and moved in in January 2016.
• They acquired The Wonder House at auction for only $162,750.

About Conrad Schuck

Conrad Schuck was an inventor with an insatiable imagination. A visionary who solved problems for our generation and holds numerous patents. You could spend hours researching all these inventions because there are so many. Some of the most significant ones are tilt-wall construction and the automatic operation of fuel burners.

Conrad was of German heritage, and several stories about him being a spy. At one point, he was arrested and jailed for three days during World War II, then released. Conrad was not a spy; ultimately, the FBI issued a press release declaring that Conrad Schuck was not a German spy.

Construction of The Wonder House

It’s hard to imagine the original brilliance when you see the house today or view pictures of it. The house is built in the shape of a cross, and Conrad made concrete channels to gather rainwater. This served to cool the house and water the plants that grew across the exterior. The plants don’t exist today, but Davis and Kreis are trying to restore this feature. The concrete without the plant-like vines is attractive; it’s adorned with gemstones, but it’s not as stunning as the original version.

Innovation was a thing for Conrad.  He built the house with concrete reinforced steel rails bought from a railroad company and designed the house to view every indoor and outdoor room.

Notice the two white doors that open up to the patio; they were entry doors to a garage. It’s sort of a drive-through garage, built for cars driving through!

The Current Owners of The Wonder House , Bartow, Florida

Meet Drew Davis and Krislin Kreis. Drew is a former MMA fighter and now an assistant state attorney. And Krislin, a photographer who teaches photography at Union Academy. Drew is originally from Chester, Virginia, and Krislin is originally from Estonia.

Meeting this duo was as impressive and exciting as touring the house. They are famous! Not only locally in Bartow , but they have been featured on Netflix’s ‘Amazing Interiors,’ which features Bartow’s historic Wonder House. The episode can be seen anytime with a Netflix online account. I suggest you watch this first to get a feel for what’s ahead of you. Or, if you prefer – watch it after like I did.

The second you enter The Wonder House, you can feel Drew and Kristin’s love for this house. They both beam when they talk about the history and the restoration process they have been through. It’s beyond evident that this is something they both enjoy. Fortunately for all of us, they are saving a marvel for generations to come.

In addition to resorting to the home. This dynamic duo has made painstaking efforts to research the home’s history down to the blueprints on display. They are also restoring the home faithful to style, honoring Conrad’s original dream.

Both are passionate about historic preservation and want The Wonder House to be preserved for future generations to come.

Restoration of The Wonder House , Bartow, Florida

When Drew and Krislin moved in, the house was bare. Stripped of all the former furniture and décor, there wasn’t even electricity. Then, the duo was met with severe water leaks resulting from vandals and termite infestation.

Not discouraged by this, they have continued to restore this house to its former glory room by room, project by project. And they have filled the house with furniture and relics that mirror Conrad’s style.

One of the things I enjoyed on tour was seeing the various phases of restoration. For example, upstairs has a sunken bathtub on a patio that’s getting tender loving care. The bathroom inside also has a sunken bathtub previously covered with flooring. This bathtub is unique; it has a mirror system that lets you see what’s happening on the lower level!

The renovation is incomplete; many rooms are undergoing construction, and some are untouched. This alone makes it worth checking out now. I am particularly looking forward to when the moat is redone.

Where To Stay In Bartow, Florida

Wonder house facts.

• The house is four stories tall. It has a basement and a sub-basement.
• There are twenty rooms, and the home sits on two acres.
• All four sides of the home have porches, and every bedroom has a balcony.
• The Wonder House has also been called The Crazy House and The House of a Thousand Gadgets.

Tours Of The Wonder House, Bartow, Florida

• Tours are available on a weekend if you make a reservation in advance online.
• All tours cost $30 per person, and all proceeds go towards restoration efforts.
• You need at least two hours to take the tour. The current owners are incredibly passionate about the home’s history and restoration. As a result, you may go over two hours, especially if you tour the gardens.
• No photographs can be taken inside, but you can roam the gardens following your tour.
• This is a historic home, and it does not include elevators or ramps. This said, don’t be dissuaded. A tour around the garden is ample to satisfy curiosity, and there is Facetime! Get creative if you have restrictions. The owners will work with you as best they can.
• Free parking.

Special Events At The Wonder House

The owners offer two special event tours annually: Halloween and Christmas.

A new limited ghost hunting tour for select nights and daytime and nighttime tours has been added. This tour runs for 13 nights of Halloween.

The ghost-hunting tour includes all four floors above ground (the 4th floor is off-limits on regular tours), EMF detectors, and a way to experience the house like never before. Spaces for tours are minimal.

Christmas tour dates are released on November 1st at 6:00 PM!

Address Of The Wonder House, Bartow, Florida

• The address of The Wonder House, Bartow, Florida, is 1075 E. Mann Road, Bartow, Florida 33830

Note: The Wonder House is a private residence! The owners live here, so please respect this.

Drew Davis and Krislin Kreis own the Wonder House.

Drew Davis and Krislin Kreis bought the house in October 2015  at an auction for only $162,750.

It’s called the Wonder House because it is full of “wonder and whimsical artifacts.”

Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children (up to 12 years old).

Closing Thoughts

I had never heard of The Wonder House until Bartow’s local community told me about it. Ironically, this is right up my alley. I’ve always been passionate about exploring mansions, castles, and palaces. The Wonder House is different, though. It’s not your traditional mansion, hence the name. I would describe it as a mysterious time capsule once home to a vast collection of one man’s eccentric collections. A collection the current owners are replacing piece by piece.

The house’s design and layout are eclectic; the colors are vivid, and the detail is stunning. Every room has a the, hides technology we now take for granted and has a story.

The garden is home to the moat that is connected to the sub-basement. It now sits full of plants rather than water. Regardless, the two beautiful stone bridges are still intact and just as majestic to cross without the water. Some people say that the moat is a pool or vice versa. Indeed, the moat was used as a swimming pool, but it is connected to the main house!

Don’t believe me? Then, you will need to take the tour to see for yourself.

Looking for more posts on Central Florida? Start here:

• 10 Reasons to Visit Bok Tower Gardens
• Bartow, Florida – A Sleepy Town Making a Comeback
• Ca’ d’Zan – The Ringling Museum And Mansion
• Lakeridge Winery – Florida
• Safari Wilderness – An Africa Safari in Florida!
• Streamsong Resort – Why You Need to Stay and Play
• Sweet Magnolias Cafe & Gift Shop – Bartow, Florida

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to allow us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Brit On The Move™ Travel Resources

Ready to book your next trip? Use these resources that work:

Flight cancelled or delayed? Find out if you are eligible for compensation with AirHelp.

• Book your Hotel:  Find the best prices; use  Booking.com
• Find Apartment Rentals:  You will find the best prices on apartment rentals with  Booking.com’s Apartment Finder .
• Travel Insurance :  Don’t leave home without it. View our suggestions to help you decide which travel insurance is for you:  Travel Insurance Guide .
• Want to earn tons of points and make your next trip accessible?  Check out our recommendations for Travel Credit Cards.
• Want To Take A Volunteer Vacation or a Working Holiday?  Check out the complete guide to how here!
• Want to Shop For Travel Accessories?  Check out our  Travel Shop .

Need more help planning your trOur Resources Page highlights ting the great companies we trfor travelling.

Share with others!

Nikki Webster is a travel writer who covers how to travel while grinding a day job without breaking the bank. Nikki is always in search of off-the-beaten-track experiences and unique stays. She is particularly fond of Florida and writes extensively about the state. She flies around 60,000 miles annually and has visited 74 countries, 50 states, and six continents. You can read all about her travels at www.britonthemove.com or follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Similar Posts

Danville Florida – The Most Magical Stay In Florida

There are several Danvilles in America, but there’s only one Danville, Florida. And Danville, Florida, is a no ordinary town. Instead, it’s one man’s creation of nirvana. A city within a town, an escape from reality, and an experience-loaded eclectic resort. We all know unforgettable stays in weird and beautiful accommodations are a trend. However,…

The Best Places To Live in Jacksonville Florida

There is something magical about a place that gets perfect weather 90% of the year, where the beaches are picturesque, and the people are humble and kind. Florida is one of those places. Unsurprisingly, so many people are finding their way to Jacksonville as their new home. We will share the best places to live…

Useldange Castle, Luxembourg

Useldange is a small town located in the southeast of Luxembourg. It is in the canton of Remich, in the district of Grevenmacher. The town has a population of around 1,000 people. Visitors flock here for its picturesque setting and peaceful atmosphere. There are several hiking trails in the surrounding area, and the town is…

20 Las Vegas Best Restaurants

Choosing which restaurant to visit in Las Vegas can be challenging, with many hotels and entertainment options. There are so many different types of food, and it’s hard to decide. Add to this, Las Vegas is home to many Celebrity Chefs, allowing you to dine at some of the most fabulous restaurants in the county….

How to Stay Fit While Traveling: 5 Best Tips & Tricks

How to stay fit while traveling can be a challenge for everyone. For most people, going on a trip or taking a vacation also means taking a break from their fitness routine. But if you are so deep in your ritual that not taking the time to stay fit each day seems like something is…

Santa Fe New Mexico – The Ultimate Guide On Things To Do

At the end of 2018, I completed visiting all 50 States. New Mexico was one of the remaining four to explore in 2018. I chose to spend a week here. You might ask why? Well, this was an easy decision. The west, mainly the Rocky Mountains, has always been good to me. I chose Santa…

13 Comments

Have a home in Floral Lakes and have gone on a night tour at Christmas and the Wonder Home was always pointed out. Still anxious to take a tour. J. Fournier

Hi J, They actually offer Christmas and Halloween tours. I want to return to see the house dressed for an event. If you get the chance make a reservation and go see it you won’t be disappointed :) Nikki

I had the opportunity to spend a little time with one of the long time care takers of the the wonder house, he told me that a gentleman came to visit the Shucks and he was so amazed he came up with the name Wonder house. This man’s last name was Ripley . And yes the name belonged to a show called Ripley’s believe it or not

Hi Joe, Well, you learn something new every day – I did not know this! Thank you so much for sharing. Nikki

Loved this article ! Thank you for recognizing the Beauty and the history of the Wonder House! Krislin and Drew are absolutely artists in the way they are re-creating this home. You will be blessed by their enthusiasm and their knowledge of the history of the house. Visit and enjoy every moment of your tour! You will come away thrilled with something you have never experienced! ( and the baked goods at the end of your tour are items you probably have never experienced but will want to again)

Hi Candy, I could not agree more! Outside of the obvious, the love that Krislin and Drew have shine and they are talented. You said it best, “artists”. I predict they will win many awards for restoring one of the most unique homes of its time. It’s a tour that should be on everyone’s list visiting central Florida :) Nikki

So cool – if you love The Wonderhouse check this out. But you got to go and see it,, your it to give justice

https://youtu.be/-SZk0WAmtBw

Hi there, Did you guys create the video? Asking as I might include it but need to know the source:) Nikki

I took the Christmas tour and…………. The Wonder House tour has been the best tour of any historic houses I have been to. There were no paid tour guides, the current owner is your guide, and he was fantastic. One of the other owners bakes and you can get a taste of her wonderful baked goods at the beginning of the tour. This will be the best tour you have ever taken, you can count on that!!! Well worth the price.

Hi there, I’ve not been at Christmas yet but it’s on my list:) I totally agree, this really is one of the best tours out there:) Nikki

I was raised just south west of the Wonder House. Used to ride my horse over as a youngster and “chat” with Mrs Schuck. She was a nice lady,

Wow, that had to have been something! Did you ever get to tour it back then?

Excellent, glad to hear this! It’s a special place and well worth a visit. Nikki

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Wonder House

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

WONDER HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

The Wonder House

Photos & videos.

See all 39 photos

Review Highlights

“ It is easy to see Krislin loves this home which she lives in and oversees the renovations. ” in 6 reviews

“ Drew is so knowledgeable about the house and gives an amazing tour, well worth the $25 admission fee. ” in 5 reviews

“ One of the many amazing facts is that the builder and owner never lived in the house. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1075 Mann Rd

Bartow, FL 33830

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about The Wonder House .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

This one-of-kind historic house has entertained, intrigued, scared, and confused thousands of guests, visitors, and passersby since 1926. Is it haunted? Has anyone died there? Does anyone live there now? All common questions in every social media forum, blog, and article found on the internet while researching the mysterious place. The wonder house website proved to be the best resource for accurate information regarding the house, history, tour cost ($25), bookings, etc. After a few clicks, I excitedly received an official email from the Wonder House confirming my reservation along with additional "good to know" details about directions, parking, etc. My After Tour Review/Conclusion: WORTH EVERY PENNY! Get Online asap, book the next available tour, and hold on to your hat!

This one of a kind house is spectacular. The gracious and informative co-owner, Krislin, takes you on a guided tour of the place. One of the many amazing facts is that the builder and owner never lived in the house. It had amenities: ac, irrigation, drive-thru garage, that few houses in the country had. A fascinating place and well worth seeing.

We had an amazing time at The Wonder House. Krislin was such a knowledgeable and passionate guide. As the owner and restorer of this unique and beautiful house, she gave us a detailed history of the genius that built it and all the quirks and amazing thought put into it. Attending this tour helps her restore The Wonder House to its original state and for that alone it's more than worth the cost of attending the tour. Do yourself a favor and go see it in person.

The bridges over the old swimming area

From the front porch

It was interesting hearing the history of this house. Conrad Schuck, the builder along with his nine children and brothers built an original, one of a kind home. He was very gifted and ahead of his time with his ingenuity. It is still a mystery how he did some of the construction in the 1920's & 30's without the modern machinery we have now. Krislin, our tour guide was a wealth of information on the history of The Wonder House. It is easy to see Krislin loves this home which she lives in and oversees the renovations. Oh, and if you love dogs, her helper, Joan of Bark, is very amusing and an added bonus to the tour. I highly recommend you tour the Wonder House if you are anywhere near Bartow, Florida.

The Wonder House is worth a visit if you are in the Bartow area. The home was the dream of Conrad Schuck, a building contractor and stone quarry dealer from Pittsburgh who was told by his doctors that he only had a year to live. In response to this devastating news, he packed up his wife and nine children in the 1920's and moved to Bartow so that he could take advantage of the warmer climate. To occupy his time he built his dream house. Conrad Schuck started construction on the eighteen room Wonder House in 1926 and he built it out of the bedrock he dug into while he was clearing the land. He purchased steel rail lines and scrap from the railroad and he made his four story house out of concrete over stone reinforced with the steel rails. The walls are 18 inches on the ground level. Schuck went on to work on the house with his son over the next 40 years, far outliving his doctors prediction. Leading up the house are two 30 foot bridges that crossed over a koi pond. The house was designed in the shape of a cross to maximize cross breezes in a time before air conditioning. Each room opened onto two porches. The walls are decorated with mosaics glass and tile and hand carvings. Concrete channels were built into the house to collect rainwater, which cooled the house and watered the plants that grew across the exterior. There is a fishpond on the third-floor porch. Conrad Schuck never lived in the house and when he finished it he opened it for tours in 1934. The Wonder House became a popular tourist attraction from 1934 until 1963. Visitors were charged a dime to see the ponds and 25 cents to see the interior. Conrad Schuck lived until the age of 94 and after his death, the Wonder House had a number of owners. Lucy DuCharme opened the house for Christmas tours when she owned it in the 80's and 90's. She purchased the house in 1964 and added central air and heat. Eventually the house was abandoned. In 2015, the Wonder House was in a state of disrepair when it was purchased during an online auction by attorney Drew Davis and his wife Krislin who are in the process of fixing it up. They are currently living in the house but you can purchase an online ticket to tour the house. They have taken the torch from Conrad Schuck and are now slowly working on returning the house to its former glory.

See all photos from Ariel W. for The Wonder House

The Wonder House is an amazing architectural achievement and a definite must if you visit central Florida. It was built in 1926 by Conrad Schuck and his family. The home was purchased in 2015 by a young couple who have embarked on extensive historically-accurate renovations of the property. They offer tours on Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Hint: they accept cash only and advance reservations are required. The tours are fascinating and they current owners, Drew and Krislin, have a great deal of knowledge of the history of the home. Krislin is also a wonderful cook and serves delicious homemade pastries for tour guests. I am interested in re-taking the tour in a couple years when more of the renovations have been completed.

The Wonder House is such an amazing piece of Florida History. It is being cared for by the sweetest couple ever. Drew is so knowledgeable about the house and gives an amazing tour, well worth the $25 admission fee. Krislin provided a tasty sample of one of her European style desserts that she makes and sells to help provide funds for the Wonder House. I highly recommend stopping by if you are nearby the area. Bonus, they have adorable dog, Joan, that is happy to provide petting opportunities throughout the tour.

My family and I really enjoyed the tour! It interesting to learn about the builder of the house and all of his invention. Kristlin is the owner and tour guide and she was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The desserts were wonderful, as well! Highly recommend!

Great place to learn about Florida history and a must see if you are in the Bartow area. The current owners are passionate about restoring the home and are preserving the history of Conrad Shuck, the crazy and genius builder.

Visited the Wonder House today and definitely worth a visit. The tour was by one of the owners Drew Davis and he was great. He was very knowledgeable and his dog was a great support. The house was featured on Netflix Amazing Interiors episode 9 but looks much better now. The history and tales about the house are really interesting.

See all photos from Wayne J. for The Wonder House

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Collections Including The Wonder House

Beautiful Bartow

By Ariel W.

Tampa Things to Do Unique Vacation or Local destinations

By Jasmine M.

People Also Viewed

Bok Tower Gardens

Polk County History Center

Frank Lloyd Wright

Magnolia Building

Benjamin Franklin Holland House

The Rhodesbilt Arcade

L.B. Brown House

Mister Chris’ Coffee Gallery

Historic Kissengen Spring

Best of Bartow

Things to do in Bartow

People found The Wonder House by searching for…

Best Abandoned Buildings in Bartow

Best Bartow Fl in Bartow

Tourist Attractions in Bartow

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Restaurants

Campgrounds

Other Landmarks Nearby

Find more Landmarks near The Wonder House

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Eastern Europe
• Moscow Oblast

Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

Information

Find all the information of Elektrostal or click on the section of your choice in the left menu.

• Update data

Elektrostal Demography

Information on the people and the population of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Geography

Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal .

Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

Elektrostal Map

Locate simply the city of Elektrostal through the card, map and satellite image of the city.

Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

Elektrostal weather.

Weather forecast for the next coming days and current time of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

Find below the times of sunrise and sunset calculated 7 days to Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Hotel

Our team has selected for you a list of hotel in Elektrostal classified by value for money. Book your hotel room at the best price.

Elektrostal Nearby

Below is a list of activities and point of interest in Elektrostal and its surroundings.

Elektrostal Page

• Information /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#info
• Demography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#demo
• Geography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#geo
• Distance /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist1
• Map /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#map
• Nearby cities and villages /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist2
• Weather /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#weather
• Sunrise and sunset /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#sun
• Hotel /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#hotel
• Nearby /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#around
• Page /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#page
• Terms of Use
• Copyright © 2024 DB-City - All rights reserved
• Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data