A Glimpse Into Fashion Royalty and a Luxurious Stay- the Versace Mansion

Miami’s most sensational property and the third most photographed residence in America, after the White House and Elvis Graceland is the Versace Mansion– the erstwhile home of the ace fashion designer Gianni Versace and now a fancy boutique hotel, The Villa Casa Casuarina. The luxurious hotel became a star-studded destination since it opened in 2014, and boasts of celebrity guests including the Kardashian sisters, Drake, Lionel Richie and Justin Bieber.

The Versace Mansion was back in the spotlight thanks to the second season of the FX series American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace. The entire show was filmed at the property, portraying the story of the famed designer’s life and death. 

From the grandeur of its interiors, to the iconic pool area and plush courtyard, the Versace Mansion has become a renowned tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe.  

Let’s step inside to explore the splendid home and the lifestyle that was once owned by the designer.

History of the Mansion

Home to the celebrity fashion designer Gianni Versace, this house has a flashy history. It was originally constructed in 1930 by Alden Freeman, who inherited a massive fortune from his grandfather’s Standard Oil Trust, the Rockefeller company. Freeman was inspired by the monumental Alcazar De Colon, built by Christopher Columbus’ son in Santo Domingo. He made the dream house Casa Casuarina, dividing it into apartments, occupying the top-floor suite and renting others to his friends. 

After his death, the house was bought by Jacques Amsterdam, who renamed it Amsterdam Apartments, but it had since fallen into disrepair. Until one day, Gianni Versace stumbled upon the entrance of Casuarina, awe-struck by the statue of Kneeling Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love) and decided to purchase the property and restore it to its former glory.

Address and Cost of the Versace Mansion

Nestled between art-deco hotels and restaurants lies the Versace mansion, also known as Villa Casa Casuarina, is now a stunning luxury hotel that offers an unparalleled experience to guests in the heart of this bustling city. 

Versace bought the 24-apartment structure for $2.95 million, along with the Hotel Revere next door for $3.7 million. The designer was renowned for his extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle. He spent a mammoth $32 million on renovations, including ten suites, 11 bathrooms, opulent courtyards, lush gardens, and a 54-foot-long mosaic pool inlaid with 24-karat gold tiles. The palatial abode was adorned with plush fabrics upholstered on the furniture, classic antiques, Picasso’s paintings, and so much more.

Interior of the Versace Mansion

Gianni invested a surplus amount for renovating the Versace Mansion, which has a magnificent display of Italian Renaissance and Baroque design, highlighting leisure and grandeur. Once a 24-apartment complex, it was remodelled into ten suites with custom-made furniture and over-the-top interiors. 

The Mosaic Suite, where Madonna used to stay, brags a luxurious bathroom with excellent aesthetics, as well as stunning views of the pool.

Another exquisite room, was Donatella’s Venus suite (Gianni’s sister) features a bespoke double-king-size bed, glitzy curtains, fresco walls and ceilings, and Italian marble flooring. 

But the most arresting feature of the mansion is the state-of-the-art mosaic pool, crafted from colourful mosaic tiles, out of which thousands of them are 24-karat gold, imported from Italy. Adjacent to the garden, the designer built the south wing, which houses two suites, the Moroccan Lounge, eight-person hamam Turkish steam room and a shower- A delightful haven!

Villa Casa Casuarina

After the tragic death of Versace, the palace sat empty for three years before his sister Donatella sold it for $19 million. However, after the owners filed for bankruptcy, it was purchased at an auction for a cash deal of  $41.5 million by Victor Hotels Management. Currently, the lavish retreat, The Villa Casa Casuarina, offers impeccable stays and hosts events and weddings for guests. In addition to the beautiful guest rooms, it has a sumptuous restaurant and bar, a multi-purpose lounge, a rooftop, and a classic Mosaic Garden, with tiles exhibiting iconic figures from Greek mythology, the most notable being Medusa, featured prominently in the Versace brand logo.

“We really returned it to that same feel that Gianni Versace had when he had it as his private residence. His design is intact, and everything that we did to the property was just adding modern electronic conveniences that hotel guests, and restaurant patrons, expect.” General manager Chauncey Copeland says. 

Versace’s Castle in the Sand

The Versace Mansion in Miami exudes an aura of glamour and grandiosity that is simply unprecedented. From its eccentric architecture and décor to its celebrity appeal, it is a must-see destination for anyone looking to get an inside lap of luxury. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, curious traveller, or simply an admirer of the finer things, you won’t want to miss out on this memorable experience. 

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