Day Trip

Vacation Rentals Near Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens

In Lake Wales, an easy day-trip drive south from Lakeland vacation rentals.

About Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens

Pinewood Estate is a 20-room Mediterranean Revival mansion built between 1929 and 1930 as the winter home of Bethlehem Steel executive Charles Austin Buck, originally named El Retiro. Now part of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, the restored house and its lush gardens are open for tours and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors pair the estate with Bok Tower's famous Singing Tower carillon, hilltop gardens and nature trails for a full day out. Lake Wales is an easy drive south of Lakeland, making a Lakeland vacation rental a relaxed base for a day trip to one of Central Florida's most beautiful historic landmarks.

Highlights

Restored 1929–1930 Mediterranean Revival mansion (originally 'El Retiro')Listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesSet within Bok Tower Gardens with its iconic Singing Tower carillonSurrounding gardens designed in the Olmsted landscape tradition

Visitor Tips

→Pinewood Estate tours often require a separate ticket on top of Bok Tower Gardens admission; check availability ahead.
→Special holiday and seasonal decorations make the mansion especially popular in winter, so reserve early.
→Plan a half to full day so you can enjoy both the estate and the gardens' trails and carillon recitals.