Howey-in-the-Hills
Mission Inn Golf, Lake Harris frontage, and a historic Spanish-inspired town that most Floridians haven't found.
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Background
A brief history
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.
The feel
What it's like to live here
Howey-in-the-Hills is quiet in a way that Florida towns rarely are anymore. The Mission Inn's manicured grounds, the palm-lined streets around the resort, and the Lake Harris waterfront create a setting of genuine beauty that requires no hyperbole. The permanent community is small enough that most homeowners know each other, and the resort serves as the social hub — its restaurants, golf courses, and marina draw both residents and visitors from across Lake County.
The demographic is weighted toward retirees, second-home buyers, and golf-focused households who prioritize the Mission Inn lifestyle and Lake Harris access. The absence of a commercial core means residents drive to Leesburg, Tavares, or Clermont for groceries and everyday services, which filters for buyers who genuinely value tranquility over convenience.
The details
What to expect
Resort as Neighbor
The Mission Inn Resort is the community's economic and social center. Residents get privileged access to the courses, dining, and marina, and the resort's events calendar provides year-round activity that a town of 1,500 could not otherwise sustain.
Lake Harris Access
Lake Harris is one of the largest lakes on the Harris Chain — more than 13,000 acres — and the Mission Inn marina provides a base for serious boating. Waterfront properties with dock rights are genuine premium assets.
Seclusion Trade-off
There is no grocery store in Howey-in-the-Hills. Leesburg is 15 minutes, Tavares is 20, Clermont is 30. This is not a complaint for the right buyer — it is a defining characteristic of the lifestyle.
Golf
The El Campeon course is one of Florida's oldest continuously operating golf courses and has genuine historical character. The Las Colinas course is the more modern option. Serious golfers who move here consider course access a primary asset.
Inventory
The town is tiny and inventory is consistently low. When a lakefront home comes to market on Little Lake Harris or Lake Harris proper, it typically attracts immediate interest from buyers who have been watching for years.
Community
Amenities
- Mission Inn Resort and Club — two 18-hole championship courses including historic El Campeon (1917)
- Mission Inn marina on Lake Harris
- Lake Harris — major Harris Chain lake with access to four connected lakes and the St. Johns River
- Four dining venues at Mission Inn including waterfront options
- Mission Inn full-service spa
- Historic Hotel of America designation — unique cultural and hospitality anchor
- Lake Harris public boat ramp access
- Proximity to the Harris Chain trail and lake network
Education
School assignments
- Lake Hills School (Lake County Schools, PK-12 serving Howey-in-the-Hills)
- Tavares Elementary School (Lake County Schools) — some areas
- Tavares Middle School (Lake County Schools)
- Tavares High School (Lake County Schools) — primary high school serving Howey area
School zone assignments change. Verify with Orange County Public Schools before purchase.
Market Commentary
What the market is doing
Howey-in-the-Hills prices reflect Mission Inn's gravitational pull and the genuine scarcity of Lake Harris waterfront. Non-lakefront homes near the resort range from $250K to $550K. True lakefront on Lake Harris or Little Lake Harris can reach $800K to $1.5M for custom homes with dock access. The resort and the El Campeon course provide an amenity set that comparable golf communities in Sarasota or Naples would charge substantially more for. The value argument is real — but buyers should budget for the drive to everyday services.
Active MLS Inventory
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Homes available in Howey-in-the-Hills
12 homes currently listed in Howey-in-the-Hills.
$264,900
5089 El Destino Dr
Leesburg, FL 34748
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,706 sqft
Plantation At Leesburg
This property is under contract. Contact us for backup offer opportunities.
MLS# G5106855
$295,000
32443 Memory Ln
Leesburg, FL 34788
4 bd · 2 ba · 2,432 sqft
None
This property is under contract. Contact us for backup offer opportunities.
MLS# O6382132
$149,000
2353 W Coach N Four Dr
Leesburg, FL 34748
2 bd · 2 ba · 1,196 sqft
Leesburg East Coachwood Colony Add 02
MLS# G5106192
$244,500
5044 El Destino Dr
Leesburg, FL 34748
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,610 sqft
Plantation At Leesburg Casa Del Lago
MLS# G5111860
$204,247
32744 Westwood Loop
Leesburg, FL 34748
2 bd · 2 ba · 1,232 sqft
Pennbrooke Fairways
MLS# G5110592
$223,247
752 Old Oaks Ln
Leesburg, FL 34748
3 bd · 2 ba · 1,620 sqft
Pennbrooke Fairways
MLS# G5108177
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Listings courtesy of Stellar MLS as distributed by MLS GRID
IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.
Based on information submitted to the MLS GRID as of June 4, 2026. All data is obtained from various sources and may not have been verified by broker or MLS GRID. Supplied Open House Information is subject to change without notice. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information.
Ryan Solberg, Broker · MaxLife Realty LLC · FL License #BK3354351 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Full disclaimer · DMCA