Howey-in-the-Hills

Howey-in-the-Hills carries the name and imprint of William J. Howey, one of Central Florida's most ambitious early land developers. Howey began purchasing land around Lake Harris in 1914 and by 1920 had assembled approximately 60,000 acres for a citrus empire. He built Florida's first citrus juice plant in 1921, pioneered overseas fruit shipment to England, and attracted investors with a vision of Howey as a great commercial and shipping hub. The town of Howey incorporated in 1925 and became Howey-in-the-Hills two years later. To draw visitors and investors, Howey hired Chicago golf course architect George O'Neil to design an 18-hole course — opened in 1916-1917 — that O'Neil predicted would be 'America's most famous course in a short while.'

The Depression and fruit fly infestations broke Howey's citrus empire, but the land and the golf course survived him. In 1964, entrepreneur Nick Beuche purchased the Floridan Country Club on the same grounds. Over more than five decades, that facility evolved into the Mission Inn Resort and Club, a Historic Hotel of America that today operates two 18-hole championship golf courses — including the original El Campeon course, one of Florida's oldest — four dining venues, a spa, and a marina on Lake Harris.

The town proper has remained deliberately small, with a population under 1,500, which is both its greatest charm and its market peculiarity. Residential development near the Mission Inn and along the Lake Harris shoreline has attracted buyers seeking true lakefront exclusivity at prices that don't require Miami or Palm Beach budgets. The resort anchors the town's identity and drives the tourism and second-home demand that keeps the local real estate market active despite the tiny permanent population.