High Fashion columnist for the Miami Examiner News
Come experience the grandeur of the Villa by Barton G formerly the Versace Mansion
Photo: the Villa by Barton G
By Sinthyia Darkness
The fashion world as shocked and saddened on July 15, 1997 when famed fashion designer Gianni Versace was fatally shot outside his South Beach estate, Casa Casuarina. He was returning from a walk to a nearby café that carried newspapers written in Italian. Mr. Versace was just 50 years old. We know that the Versace empire continued, despite the loss of Mr. Versace's genius. We at Miami Style were curious as to the past and future of the legendary 1116 Ocean Drive.
This exquisitely preserved mansion built in the 1930's is considered the crown jewel of Miami Beach. Known by the names of Casa Casuarina, Versace Mansion, Amsterdam Palace and most recently, The Villa by Barton G.
Dubbed as "the most magical property on Miami Beach," Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by a gentleman by the name of Alden Freeman who was heir to the Standard Oil fortune. The estate was modeled after a residence in Santo Domingo named the Alcazar de Colon. Alcazar de Colon was constructed in 1510 by Diego Columbus, son of legendary Christopher Columbus. Casa Casuarina was constructed with brick from the Alcazar de Colon.
Mr. Freeman owned the property from its construction, until his death in 1937. The property was then sold to Jacques Amsterdam. It was at this point in its illustrious history that the estate was renamed as Amsterdam Palace.
In 1992, Casa Casuarina was purchased by it's third owner, famed fashion icon Gianni Versace for 2.9 million dollars. At the time it the building served as a thirty unit apartment complex. Mr. Versace's purchase displaced all of the tenants residing there. Versace expanded the original building by adding a two story addition to which provided an extra 10,000 feet of living space. The Revere Hotel stood next door, which Versace purchased and used what remained of the demolished hotel for the expansion.
Many historians opposed the demolition of the hotel.
The Miami Design Preservation League had sued Mr. Versace to prevent the hotel which was built in 1950 from being razed. Critics said that he used his celebrity, legal loop holes and nearly four million dollars to acquire the landmark hotel with this intent of expanding Casa Casuarina. In its place went his lavish mosaic swimming pool which was patterned after one of Versace's scarves. It was out here in this breathtaking area that Mr. Versace hosted parties and fashion shows until that dreaded day in July 1997, when Mr. Versace was murdered. The perpetrator was Andrew Cunanan, who went on a killing spree taking the lives of five people. Interestingly, just eight days after the murder, Cunanan was found dead by suicide on a houseboat, just two miles from the Versace mansion. The houseboat upon which Cunanan shot himself sunk into the Intercoastal Waterway just off of Collins Avenue in December 1997.
Despite the extensive police investigation, No motive for this murder has ever been established. Casa Casuarina was auctioned off after Versace's murder. Peter Loftin, a telecommunications executive purchased it in 2000.
Recently, there was another sad chapter added to this historic estate's history. June 8, 2010, Scott Rothstein, a Florida businessman and attorney, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge James Cohn to serve 50 years in prison for masterminding a$1.4 billion dollar Ponzi scheme . Rothstein was charged with racketeering, mail fraud, wire fraud,money laundering and conspiracy. Prosecutors offered examples of Rothstein's fraud which included forging judges' signatures on court documents to extort money from victims. He was facing a hundred years behind bars, but decided to work with the FBI to apprehend members of the Sicilian mafia in exchange for leniency. Afterward Rothstein will enter into the witness protection program.
Rothstein was part owner of the grand estate. Sadly, Casa appears to be the latest victim of Rothstein and his investment scheme that cheated people out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Upon his arrest, Rothstein left the estate with hundreds of thousands worth of unpaid bills. Even the Miami-Dade tax collector has filed a claim in Rothstein's criminal case to collect $226,248.02 in back property taxes. Needless to say that Casa Casuarina has fallen into disrepair.
Enter Mr. Barton G. Weiss, restaurateur and hotelier who has brought his impeccable attention to detail and world class dining experience to South Beach. Attention to the smallest detail is a trait in common with the late Gianni Versace. Barton G. Weiss embraces and celebrates Versace's style and upon acquisition of the estate, painstakingly had it restored to its full glory. Versace's luxurious fabrics adorn the suites. The river rocks and mosaic tiles were scrubbed meticulously with toothbrushes. Versace's signature Medusa head, can be seen throughout the property. Meals are served on vintage La Mer-pattern Versace by Rosenthal dinnerware inside the gorgeous pebble mosaic dining room and Mr. Weiss had the guest soap and shampoos custom mixed. It is with that same passion, that Weiss not only embraces the Versace elements, but also brings his own brand of style to the table. It is on this note that we ring in a new era of the legendary Casa Casuarina now known as the Villa By Barton G. Those of us who loved Versace, can rest assured that the legacy of Casa is within expert hands.
I arrived at the famed gates and was greeted by Charles Cinnamon who proved to be a most gracious host. Mr. Cinnamon's appearance was reminiscent of Richardo Montalbán on Fantasy Island. As I walked through the breezeway leading to the mosaic pool area, the scent of orchids perfuming the air, the only word that came to my mind was majestic. This is one of those dream locations that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Photographs really do not do this property justice. However, the ones that we have gathered for you to enjoy in our slideshow courtesy of the Villa are magnificent indeed.
The Villa by Barton G makes it possible for you to stay at their 10 luxurious suits, one of them, Gianni Versace's own bedroom with a bed spanning 9 feet wide. Your suite comes complete with your own butler. The property is magnificent and trumps the Biltmore Hotel. Guests have access to the two beautiful private lounges and no visit would be complete without a visit to Versace's beloved Morocco room. One of the exclusive guest privileges are the made to order massages and spa treatments which are available 24 hours a day en suite, poolside or in their fantasy Rooftop Lounge. The villa combines traditional Eastern techniques with their own signature services to create an unforgettable experience. Barton G's delicious message menu includes:
The Villa Indulgence
Eight hands. Eighty minutes. Four sets of hands simultaneously work on all the body's reflexology points for the ultimate in relaxation.
Cool as a Cucumber-
Cucumber and lemon grass oil combine in a refreshing blend to firm the skin and relax the mind.
Tropical Bliss-
Skin-firming coconut and healing mango caress away tensions and rejuvenate the muscles.
Zen Out-
Green tea oil soothe and detoxify the muscles.
Deep Tissue-
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue with slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.
This treatment is recommended for those experiencing Chronic pain, Limited mobility, Injury recovery, Repetitive strain injury or Muscle Tension.
Lomilomi -
Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage . This treatment incorporates long flowing strokes and makes use of the palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees and feet.
This massage treatment is recommended for: Improved circulation and digestion, back aches and headaches.
Reflexology-
Reflexology applies pressure to the feet and hands to promote healing, relaxation and comfort. It can be used in combination with other techniques.
Recommended for: Easing stress, Relieving sports injuries, Improving circulation.
Shiatsu-
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.
Recommended for: Deep muscle and tissue relaxation, Stress reduction, Releasing bodily toxins, Disease prevention.
Swedish-
Swedish massage employs long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.
Recommended for: Easing muscle tension, Calming nerves, Improving circulation.
Thai-
Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage
also includes compressions and stretches.
Recommended for: Sports injuries, Relaxation, Stress reduction, Improved circulation, Increased energy and flexibility.
The Villa by Barton G also offers several facials and body treatments:
Villa Vino Vici
Italian red wine and organic sugar body scrub sloughs away dead skin while anti-oxidants promote healing.
Afternoon Tea
Organic brown sugar and green tea combine to nourish the skin and the senses. Instant bliss.
Secret Garden
Mango oil, apricot kernels and lemongrass remove dead skin and revive the body.
24 Karat
Fit for royalty, the 24 Karat facial uses pure gold to life and firm and brighten the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The Villa by Barton G has outdone themselves with the creation of this incredible environment that engages all the senses. Gianni Versace would be proud.
To book your own fantasy getaway at the Villa by Barton G, please call 305-576-8003
We will have more photographs available at the Miami Style blog.
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As promised, here are some of the photos that we used for this news article along with a few personal photos taken at Casa Casuarina
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