The Florida artist spent decades creating this bizarre world. Now his family opens it on Halloween | Today’s news
Lewis VanDercar spent decades transforming his property in Wesley Chapel, Florida, into something far removed from the average family home.
Meet Florida’s very own Wizard – 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, the VanDercar family is reopening its doors and bringing back its Halloween connection. The Warlock Family Spookfest will take place on October 3rd at the Warlock House Enchantment and will offer families the chance to explore parts of the unusual property.
The event is a return to a tradition that dates back to the 1970s. When VanDercar lived on the property with his family, neighbors were invited around Halloween for costumes, stories, trick-or-treating and gifts. According to local reports, a former neighbor recalled VanDercar calling the children over and telling them stories.
The upcoming event is designed to recreate that playful atmosphere rather than turning the property into a conventional haunted attraction.
Children receive Warlock Apprentice Passports and can collect stamps as they move through themed activities, including pirates, mermaids, herbalism, bubbles, carnival games, broom decorating and storytelling. Games, crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and other activities are also planned.
How Warlock House was formed
VanDercar moved to the Wesley Chapel area in 1973 after purchasing property. Over the following decades, he constantly remodeled it, building a dome-shaped house covered with ivy to resemble a cave and surrounding it with his sculptures and other creations.
His artistic output transcended his own country. He drew Popeye cartoons from a studio in Miami in the late 1930s before moving to Wesley Chapel. He later served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and worked as an aeronautical engineer before establishing himself as a painter and sculptor.
His projects included a gorilla den for Monkey Jungle in South Dade and a giant dragon for a park on Merritt Island.
The property remained largely behind closed doors 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 October 3rd from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The family will also offer sculpture tours on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout October, at 7:00pm and 10:00pm, allowing visitors to see more of the sculptures and unusual landscapes created by VanDercar.
