Vizcaya - Beautiful Miami Mansion

Right in the heart of Miami, on Biscayne Bay, is a beautiful mansion and gardens from the early 1900's.  Vizcaya, built and owned by James Deering, president of International Harvester.

It used to have 180 acres of land and canals.  It was intended to look like a old Italian mansion.  It had canals throughout the property with gondolas, but most of the land has been sold off so the property would be more affordable to maintain.  We visited in the morning and it was hot and a little humid. I recommend visiting in the fall or winter so you can really enjoy the gardens.  

You are greeted by these fountain aqueducts and a cool tree shaded path.  When we went, admission was $12 and the audio guide was $3.  They are currently doing work on the interior courtyard skylight of the mansion, but it doesn't interfere with the tour or the beauty. 

There are many garden rooms and that is why I loved the gardens so much. They were a realistic size.  You could imagine a party or family gathering within them.  Each had characteristics and landscaping that was visually appealing.

On Biscayne Bay, there is this wonderful barge.  It is so creative and original.  It has a Venice feel and gondolas used to take people back and forth from the dock.  Not very far, but you wouldn't want to swim it.  The water is full of sea grass and algae even though the water is moving.  On a hot day like the day we visited, it smelled just a little, but not enough to ruin the ambience.  

Michael and Delaney

The grounds are very picturesque.  There are couples there taking engagement and wedding photos.  

Katie

Such a beautiful location.  It had such character.

It is definitely my favorite home and gardens that I've ever visited.  The garden didn't have a lot of flowers (at least not in bloom that I saw), but if was so beautifully designed and so intimate, I loved it.  

I liked it better than Hearst Castle or the Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island.  It wasn't the biggest or most opulent, but it was the one that felt real to me.  It I were able to have a garden like this, it would be a dream come true. 

There were lots of garden rooms with cozy gazebos and a beautiful Casino tucked away for reading and listening to music. 

This was the two story casino and it was at the top of the garden with a beautiful circular patio in front of it.  I could imagine a wedding or party there. 

I loved the worn look of all the stone.  It had a casually formal look which I love.

There are no pictures allowed in the house, but the way it was designed was amazing.  It was just the right size, not overwhelming big, but not cramped in any way.  It was furnished with antiques gathered throughout Europe in the Empire and a heavy Spanish style (I'm not a fan of heavy Spanish style).  It was air conditioned, so you could escape the heat.  For being built in 1915, it had all the latest equipment: refrigeration, dumbwaiter, elevator, electricity and more. 

If you ever go to Miami, this is a must see!