By Cindy Peterson
Historic Clifford House in Eustis is Officially Open
The City of Eustis is excited to announce that the historic Clifford House Museum & Gardens is open for tours.
The Clifford House, located at the corner of Bay and Bates Streets in Eustis, Florida, is an antebellum-style home, complete with a deep porch that extends across its façade and around much of one side. Its low lines, broad massing, balustrade window’s walk, and double-columned, pediment two-story entry speak volumes of Southern living in the 1900’s.
The City’s Events Department, led by Director Miranda Muir, has completed the 6-month re-tooling of the entire downstairs of the Clifford House. The team is currently in the process of evaluating and cleaning the upper level of the home, which will also be opened for tours upon its completion.
“The Clifford House is such a vital and visible landmark in our beautiful city, and the City Commission is delighted that it will be preserved and protected for future generations,” said Mayor Michael Holland, during the restoration process.
The tour of the Clifford House will take guests through five rooms of the house, resembling the layout and decor as it would have appeared when the house was in use. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the house through preserved items such as furniture, clothing and appliances. Additionally, technology has been involved in the displays, creating interactive exhibits throughout the home.
The exterior of the Clifford House has also been rejuvenated through Eustis in Bloom. The greenspace surrounding the house is now adorned with walking paths and pollinator gardens. The property is open for the public to enjoy. The Gardens will be decorated for the Events Department’s first Christmas Tree Stroll from Nov. 29 – Dec. 15, with trees decorated by local organizations on display.
The Citrus Museum, located on the Clifford House property, will also be open for guests to experience.
The first day of tours will be Thursday, Dec. 5. Tour hours will include 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Reservations are strongly encouraged, but not required.
For more information on the Clifford House, and how to tour the building, visit https://www.eustis.org/Residents/CliffordHouse. Follow the City of Eustis and the Events Department on social media for updates on seasonal events taking place at the Clifford House Museum & Gardens.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
