The Palms of Sanford

“The Palms,” a Victorian-style estate home in Sanford, Florida, boasts nearly 140 years of history. Built for Henry L. DeForest, one of Sanford’s founders, the home greets guests with a striking southern-facing entry through a classic wrap-around porch. Gardens surround the property of the boldly styled structure, shaded by towering oaks and camphor trees. DeForest’s home, built in 1876, served as the heart of a Swedish immigrant operation tending thousands of citrus trees.

A winding brick drive, five-tier fountain and ornamental carved-wood flourishes add charm and character to this country home. Original stained-glass windows cast colorful beams throughout the first floor of this three-story treasure each sunrise. The interior features hardwood floors, ornate chandeliers and 11-foot ceilings. Once secluded in a forest of oaks and pine trees but now conveniently located along County Road 46-A, The Palms is within 5 minutes’ drive of both Interstate 4 and Highway 417. Surrounded by homes 100 years its junior, this peach, teal and burgundy architectural triumph is hard to miss.