Debary

Debary Hall was the winter house for a popular hunting retreat created by a New York wine importer. From the 1870s to the 1940s, this St. Johns River estate hosted family and invited guests, most of whom arrived in the early days on steamers owned by the Debary's. Known for its quail hunting and hospitality, the retreat grew to more than more than 6,000 acres. Today's public historic site is much smaller. But it still features the restored 8,000-square-foot vacation house; key outbuildings; and chances to explore early tourism in the St. Johns country, the lives of local workers at the retreat, and much more.