A Florida artist spent decades creating this bizarre world. Now his family is opening it for Halloween

Florida artist Lewis VanDercar spent decades transforming his Wesley Chapel property into a world of sculptures, gardens and unusual buildings. His family is now reopening the Warlock House for a Halloween event and October statuary tours.

Lewis VanDercar spent decades turning his property in Wesley Chapel, Florida, into something that was far removed from an ordinary family home.

Meet Florida's very own Warlock - Lewis VanDercar

The late artist filled the eight-acre site with concrete sculptures, gardens, unusual buildings and artwork, creating an eccentric landscape that eventually earned him the nickname “Warlock of Wesley Chapel”.

Now, decades after the property largely disappeared from public view, VanDercar’s family is opening its gates again and bringing back its Halloween connection. The Warlock Family Spookfest will be held on October 3 at the Warlock House Enchantment, offering families a chance to explore parts of the unusual property.

The event marks a return to a tradition that dates to the 1970s. When VanDercar lived at the property with his family, neighbours were invited over around Halloween for costumes, stories, tricks and treats. A former neighbour recalled VanDercar inviting children over and telling them stories, according to local reporting.

The upcoming event is designed to recreate that playful atmosphere rather than turn the property into a conventional haunted attraction.

Children will receive Warlock Apprentice Passports and can collect stamps while moving between themed activities, including pirates, mermaids, herbology, bubbles, carnival games, broom decorating and storytelling. Games, crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and other activities are also planned.

How the Warlock House took shape

VanDercar moved to the Wesley Chapel area in 1973 after buying the property. Over the following decades, he steadily reshaped it, building a dome-shaped, ivy-covered home intended to resemble a cave and surrounding it with his sculptures and other creations.

His artistic work extended beyond his own land. Before moving to Wesley Chapel, he drew Popeye cartoons from a Miami studio in the late 1930s. He later served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and worked as an aircraft engineer before establishing himself as a painter and sculptor.

His projects included a gorilla’s lair for Monkey Jungle in South Dade and a giant dragon for a park on Merritt Island.

The property remained largely behind closed gates for years, becoming a familiar but inaccessible part of local folklore. VanDercar’s family has since continued his artistic and environmental legacy through projects including The PlanTree Nursery, which operates on the property.

The Warlock Family Spookfest is scheduled for 3 October from 2PM to 6PM. The family will also offer statuary tours on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout October, at 7pm and 10PM, allowing visitors to see more of the sculptures and unusual landscape created by VanDercar.

About the Author

Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.

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