MARCH 5 VIZCAYA MUSEUM & GARDENS

We went to Vizcaya in Miami today. This was the home to James Deering and was built in the early 1900's. The homes interior couldn't be photographed unfortunately, but was as wonderful to experience as the gardens. Many of the furnishings were found in other buildings and were cut from the original building and shipped to Vizcaya and reinstalled. 

James Deering was an american businessman who merged two companies to form International Harvester.

One of the tables in the formal dinning area dated back to the 1400's.

Even President Regan and Pope John Paul met and sit in the Living room.

The house and gardens sit on approximately 50 access today. Initially there were over 180 acres which was used for staff, aching shops, domestic farm function and canals for gondolas to move about.

Deering was inspired by estates of Europe, particularly Italy and adapted these models to Vizcaya subtropical setting. Built in two years (1914-1916), the main house was meant to look old, as if a family ad lived in it for centuries.

James Deering was fascinated with water craft and most of his guest would arrive via water way.

Hope you find the pictures represent the grounds as we saw them and can enjoy the sense of the wealth for the time.