Originally built in 1888 by John Thomas Mizell, the small two-story farmhouse contained five room. The home was bought and sold several times until 1936 when the final owner, Harry P. Leu purchased the 40 acres and home for $40,000. Harry and is wife, Mary Jane Schmidli completely renovated the home adding central electricity and plumbing. In 1961, the Leu’s deeded the home and gardens to the city of Orlando with the stipulation that it would forever remain a botanical garden for people to enjoy.
Harry P. Leu Gardens presents the Leu's Holiday House. This holiday season, take a stroll through the Leu House Museum decorated for the holidays. Each year the Historic home, once resided in by Harry P. Leu is decked out for the holidays by designers from Seminole State College's Interior Design Students. Each room has a different design theme ranging from Victorian to American Colonial to Funky Retro. Throughout the historic home, you will enjoy beautiful holiday accessories and trees decked with traditional ornaments. Fun and amazing miniatures from Ron's Miniature Shop & Museum will be on display throughout the Museum.
Leu’s Holiday House can be seen from Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day. The Leu House Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm with guided tours conducted on the hour and last 30 minutes. The Museum and Gardens are closed December 25. Admission to the museum is included in the garden admission. As always, free admission Monday mornings from 9 am until Noon.
