Vizcaya, Miami Beach

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Vizcaya is not actually in Miami Beach, but is in Miami. Don't expect to come here and take a lot of photos because photography is forbidden inside the house.

A bit of Venice, on Miami's Key Biscayne is maybe what James Deering the second son of William Deering of International Harvester tried to recreate when he built Vizcaya. In 1916 when it was finished, it was meant to look hundreds of years old. Entrance fee for the 34 rooms is $10 for adults. I've been here twice - once in 2004 and once in 1962 for an antique car show when photography was allowed inside.

Another Deering estate at Cutler is that of Charles Deering (1852-1927) who was a wealthy Chicago industrialist, art dealer and early environmentalist. The son of William Deering, who started the Deering Harvester Company in Maine, Charles served as the first chairman of the International Harvester Company.

The Spirit of an era!

If you are into antiques or have a romantic vibe this place is a must to visit. The nice lush gardens (native hammock forest) at the sea shore are wonderful.

The villa is furnished (1916) with euopean decorative arts and has a lot of nice little romantic corners.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Built by James Deering between 1914 and 1916 in the style of an Italian Villa.
Originally comprised of 180 acres now 30 acres that include 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay.

The Summit of the Americas was held here in 1994 and it has been visited by Pope John Paul II and Queen Elizabeth II.

Pic is of front of house.

More Vizcaya

This is called the Stone Barge and sits off the East Terrace and was intended as a breakwater for small boats.

Industrialist John Deering built this Italian Renaissance-style villa in 1916. Tours of the formal gardens and antique filled rooms are available.