Historical Homes of Lake County

  The Clifford House (1911)   Eustis, Florida   C ompleted in 1911 , Clifford House proudly stands astride Lake Eustis as a memorial to one of the Great Lake Region’s earliest settlers – a merchant and town builder - a pioneer who refused to give up even in the aftermath of Florida's Great Freeze. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, the history attached to its application states the original owner, Guilford Clifford , had designed the house years earlier, but actual construction was delayed because of Florida’s Great Freeze of 1894-95. Many of Clifford’s fellow founders up and left the area following that freeze. Although the name Clifford may not top a list of first settlers of the Great Lake Region, his name rightfully belongs near the top. An 1883 Eustis history states Guilford D. Clifford was among the first group of pioneers to arrive at Lake Eustis in 1875 . As of that time only a handful of settlers could be found anywhere in the vi...

  The Yancey-Westervelt Home at Umatilla (1922)     F amily, faith, civic-pride, Bulldog victories, bumper crops, and relentless pursuits by its owners to form a more prosperous Umatilla is merely part of the amazing history of this residence. For nearly half of the home’s 99 years of existence, two prominent Umatilla families have called this lakeside dwelling home. And while one might expect a citrus grower or two lived here in the past, which in fact a few did, the diverse talent of those who have called this house their home goes well beyond the growing of Umatilla’s original commodity. A much-loved Umatilla High School principal, teacher, and coach, for example, grew to adulthood in this house, and most certainly acquired his respect and love of community from his parents. The future educator’s father was a well-respected contractor, noted for changing Umatilla’s skyline, while the mother - she tirelessly devoted herself to church, civic and community functions...