Experience the Versace Mansion

Experience the Versace Mansion

The former Versace Mansion, now known as The Villa by Barton G is located on Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami. This stunning 19,000 square foot Villa, along with its elegance and magnificence also boasts an Observatory on its roof, Opulently decorated boutique-style rooms, Enchanting courtyard with Antique Fountain, Swimming Pools, Boutique Hotel, and Fine Dining Restaurant. It’s no wonder that the former Versace Mansion is the third most photographed house in the United States behind the White House and Graceland.

A Short History of The former Versace Mansion

The Villa, By Barton G. was born as Casa Casuarina in 1930, built by architect, philanthropist, author and political reformer Alden Freeman as an homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere, the “Alcazar de Colon” in Santo Domingo.  The house in Santa Domingo was the home of Christopher Colubus’s son, Diego, in 1510. One of the house’s cornerstones actually contains original brick from the “Alcazar de Colon”.

In 1937, after Freeman’s death, Casa Casuarina was bought by Jacques Amsterdam, who renamed it “The Amsterdam Palace.” Operated as an apartment building, it housed artists attracted by its architectural curiosity.

In 1992, couturier Gianni Versace, Italian fashion designer and the founder of the Gianni Versace international fashion house,  first encountered Casa Casuarina. Versace exquisitely restored, expanded, and embellished its features, adding the south wing, the pool and garden areas.  He and his companion, Antonio D’Amico, were openly gay and were regulars on the international party scene. Versace was acquainted with some of the biggest icons of our time – Lady Diana, Madonna, and Elton John just to name a few.

The Casa became a private club in September 2000. Events impresario/restaurateur Barton G. Weiss acquired the mansion in December 2009, imprinting his own signature style on the storied house at 1116 Ocean Drive, which has now been reopened as The Villa by Barton G.

The Tragic Story of Versace’s Death

In 1997, at age 50, and at the top of his fashion game, Gianni went out for his usual morning walk down to the News Cafe on Ocean Drive for breakfast, a  regular morning ritual when in South Beach. Upon his return, he was shot dead on the doorsteps of his mansion by Andrew Cunanan, a 27 year old serial killer who had been stalking Versace for more than a year. Cunanan shortly thereafter turned the gun on himself, committing suicide after fleeing to a nearby boat in a massive Miami police standoff.

How Versace Obtained The House

In 1992, on a trip to Miami, Versace encountered Casa Casuarina for the first time. Although it had fallen into great disrepair, Versace fell in love with it and purchased the residence for 3 million dollars. He invested an additional 33 million dollars in to restoring it. That’s right, he put 33 million into a 3 million dollar house. He exquisitely restored, expanded and embellished all its features. He demolished the adjacent hotel to create the South wing, pool and garden. The result was a triumph in Italian design and the Casa soon became part of the world’s stage.

What Happened to The House After Versace’s Death?

Versace’s estate was massive and took several years to settle. To give you an idea just how big his estate was, he left his 11 year old niece, Allegra, a half a billion dollars. In September of 2000, telecom Executive Peter Loftin bought Casa Casuarina for 20 million from Versace’s sister Donatella, who now runs the famous brand.

The deal she made with Loftin was that she would sell the house to him for 20 million dollars, however this did not include the furniture. He agreed to the deal and she later sold off the furniture for 90 Million!

Owning Casa Casauarina has been dream of Loftin’s since Versace remodeled the house. After Loftin purchased it, he dedicated himself to both preserving its history and bringing vibrant new life to it. He hasn’t made any structural changes, but has done extensive work to preserve its architectural history. He restored all of the interior walls and brought back the opulent style of Versace with lavish furniture and details.

Renowned events impresario and restaurateur Barton G. Weiss has acquired the former Versace Mansion from Loftin, and takes up style where fashion designer Gianni Versace left off. After a more than $1 million renovation the 19,000-square-foot property was completed in March 2010.

The gated Villa is Miami Beach’s exclusive backdrop for weddings and events, and gives hotel guests exclusive access to the mansion’s upper floors and two private lounges. Gastronomes will delight in the restaurant at The Villa By Barton G. which serves its refined continental cuisine in the pebble-mosaiced Dining Room seven nights a week.

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