The Mann Manor
In the early 1900's, George and Kate Mann had a cracker-style home and barn, with a separate cottage on the property for their household staff. Mr. Mann was a cattle baron, having been credited with introducing the Brahman bull to central Florida during the "open range" days. At one time, he maintained a ranch of more than forty thousand acres in the Kissimmee area. His wife, Kate Dear," was prominent in Bartow's religious and social circles of the day. In its day, the home was full of antiques, original Remington's (a famous western artist who captured the open range spirit), fine linens, and importantly, friends and family. After the death of the Manns, the property was empty and lifeless for several decades.
In 1998, after searching for the perfect location for an office, the opportunity arose to purchase what was then known as the Mann Mansion. At that time, however, it was far from what any of us would have described as a "mansion." The home had been in a state of disrepair for more than a decade, and some locals were of the opinion that the only way to restore it was with a wrecking ball. Fortunately for the house, a love of history, historic homes and more particularly for small towns gave it hope. So, after much prayer and encouragement from loved ones, the home was purchased in May, 1998, and plans began for the restoration of what is now known as Mann Manor. The Mann Manor would become home to the Sutton Law Firm.
During the property's restoration, the Mann Manor underwent a major face lift that took until March, 2000 to complete. In the fall of 2000, the Mann Manor was nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. A scrap book of the property's more detailed history, as well as the restoration project is available for viewing in the Great Room. Feel free to browse through its pages during your next visit to the office.
Sutton Law Firm
The Mann Manor
325 West Main Street
Bartow, FL 33830
Telephone: 863-533-8912 | Fax: 863-533-4633
Mailing Address
Post Office Drawer 427
Bartow, FL 33831
