MIAMI, United States. – Located in the heart of Miami, the biscay mansion it is a true treasure of 20th century architecture and design. Built between 1914 and 1922, this impressive property was the home of businessman James Deering, who set out to create a haven of art and beauty on the edge of Biscayne Bay.
The mansion, inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, was designed by architect F. Burrall Hoffman Jr. and interior designer Paul Chalfin, with meticulous attention to detail and an in-depth knowledge of art history.
Construction of Vizcaya began in 1914, when Deering purchased a 180-acre piece of land on the shores of Biscayne Bay. At the time, Miami it was a rapidly growing city, and Deering wanted to create a residence that reflected both his love of art and his connection to the local community. The project took nearly a decade to complete, and during that time, Deering and Chalfin traveled Europe in search of inspiration and objets d’art for the mansion.
The result is an impressive ensemble that combines elements of Italian Renaissance architecture, Baroque design and the English landscape tradition. The mansion has 34 rooms decorated with antiques, art and decorative objects from Europe and America.
Meanwhile, the Vizcaya Gardens, designed by landscape architect Diego Suárez, are an exceptional example of Italian and English garden design, with fountains, grottos and sculptures that blend with the tropical vegetation of Florida (2).
Vizcaya is also a testament to the collaboration between Deering and Chalfin, who worked together on every aspect of the mansion’s design and construction. A talented and openly gay interior designer, Chalfin had a unique vision for the property and was tasked with curating the objets d’art and antiques that fill the mansion.
Today, Vizcaya is owned by Miami-Dade County, which has turned it into a center for cultural, educational, and social events. The richness and historical beauty of the villa continues to be a source of inspiration for artists and designers from around the world.
In a world where urbanization and modernity often overshadow beauty and history, Vizcaya remains a reminder of the importance of conserving and celebrating cultural and artistic heritage. The mansion and its gardens offer a haven for those seeking inspiration, knowledge and connection to the past.
