Lilian Place Heritage Center

Purchased by the Heritage Preservation Trust in 2009, Lilian Place was built in 1884 and is the oldest home on the beachside of Daytona Beach. It is open Wednesdays through Mondays, 1 to 5 p.m. and guided tours are provided until 4 p.m. Victorian Tea is served at 2 p.m. every third Tuesday and Wednesday Winedown happens at 5:30 p.m. every third Wednesday. It is a prime example of Italianate High Victorian architecture with its high ceilings, wood crown moldings and heart-of-pine floors. The house also has a "widow's walk" which is based on a New England design which allowed the wives of whalers to watch for their husbands returning from sea. Lucille, the mystery ghost of Lilian Place, has been causing mischief for over 100 years.  Strange incidents have been rumored through the years including a woman dressed in white, laughing children, and a man resembling Stephen Crane, the famed author of the Open Boat.  Crane was aboard his boat "Commodore" when it sank off the shoreline of Daytona Beach on December 31, 1896.  Crane made it to shore and was taken to Lilian Place to recuperate. The Lilian Place and Hotchkiss House are available to rent for parties, weddings and special events.