For decades, mysterious iron gates in Wesley Chapel hid a bizarre wonderland of concrete sculptures, hidden cave-like dwellings, and overgrown gardens. Outsiders called the creator the Warlock of Wesley Chapel. Now, his family is swinging those heavy gates back open.
Lewis VanDercar spent his life transforming eight ordinary acres of Florida land into an eccentric maze. Long before the property became a local urban legend, VanDercar worked as an illustrator drawing Popeye cartoons in a Miami studio during the late 1930s. He survived World War II serving in the merchant marines, engineered aircraft, and eventually dedicated his existence to sculpting and painting. His massive creations ranged from a gorilla lair for South Dade's Monkey Jungle to a towering dragon on Merritt Island.
Yet his finest and strangest canvas was always his own home. He built a dome-shaped, ivy-covered residence meant to mirror a natural cave, lining the surrounding acreage with handcrafted concrete statues and lush, labyrinthine gardens. When asked by a Miami Herald reporter in 1988 whether he was a genius or simply crazy, VanDercar offered a characteristically blunt reply: “I'm both. I think us geniuses should be modest.”
Reviving The Warlock House Halloween Tradition
Back in the 1970s, neighborhood children knew the property for an entirely different reason. VanDercar regularly invited local kids over for spooky stories, treats, and theatrical mischief. That playful spirit vanished behind closed gates as the years wore on.
That is changing. The family is officially launching the Warlock Family Spookfest on October 3 at The Warlock House Enchantment, located at 25950 Queen Sago Place in Wesley Chapel.
Unlike commercial haunted houses designed to terrify teenagers with jump scares, this event leans heavily into whimsical folklore and interactive exploration. Young visitors receive a Warlock Apprentice Passport upon entry. As they wander the sculpture-filled grounds, they collect custom stamps at various themed stations.
Activities scattered across the estate include:
- Broom decorating and herbology stations
- Mermaid and pirate interactive zones
- Carnival games and bubble-craft areas
- Live storytelling beneath the oak trees
Admission is priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children aged ten and older, while younger children enter free. The festival runs from 2 pm to 6 pm.
How To Visit The Property Beyond Halloween
If you miss the October 3 festival, you still have windows to see the historic sanctuary. Organizers have scheduled special statuary tours throughout October on Tuesdays and Fridays. These evening walks kick off at 7 pm and 10 pm, giving visitors a chance to view VanDercar's concrete architecture illuminated against the autumn night.
Planning a visit requires checking ahead through official channels like The Warlock House Enchantment to secure time slots, as capacity is strictly managed to protect the delicate artwork and historical structures. Wear comfortable walking shoes because navigating the sculpture mazes takes real effort. Step past the gates, grab your passport, and experience a rare piece of old Florida outsider art brought back to life.
