Miami Daily

Vizcaya is one of the most famous attractions for tourists to Miami, as well as a preferred of many locals also. It was constructed as the winter house of wealthy businessman James Deering, furthermore it provides a peek into the lives of the super-rich of the 1910s as well as 20s.

Villa Vizcaya was constructed by the rich American businessman, antiquities collector and socialite, James Deering. Deering was part of one of the richest families in America; moreover he was the Vice President of the agricultural equipment producer, International Harvester.

James Deering acquired the land in the year1910, and Vizcaya was constructed mostly in between 1914 and 1916. And work on the village and gardens continued on until year 1923. James Deering used Vizcaya as his winter home from Christmas of 1916 until he passed away in the year 1925.

Throughout his winters at Vizcaya, Deering entertained guests and friend, and hoped that his nephews and nieces would like visiting him at Vizcaya. Vizcaya included a bowling alley, tennis courts, a swimming pool and billiard room to be enjoyed by his guests. In the year1923, James Deering opened the gardens to the people on every Sunday.

Deering half brother, Charles Deering, afterward built his personal estate in Miami, James Deering Estate at Cutler, is another lovely appeal that is open for tourists.

For the construction of Vizcaya, Deering hired a New York interior designer and painter named Paul Chalfin to manage the development. James Deering wanted the want an antique Italian estate, as well as the two men who travelled all over Europe to obtain both materials and ideas for the house. The architecture is mainly Mediterranean Revival, with Baroque elements.