Vaersace is a big name in the field of fashion and design. The fashion designer Gianni Versace who made it a big name was shot dead by a spree killer Andrew Cunanan right outside his Miami Beach, Florida mansion. The feelings of fans and admirers were the same as when John Lennon was shot dead outside his New York home. One fails to understand why such creative people were killed for rhyme or reason. But in any case, Gianni Versace’s Miami Beach mansion acquired a historical significance as it became witness to the tragic murder of its renowned owner. According to a real estate firm the mansion has been put up for sale by the current owners for an asking price of $125 million.
The Pool Lined with 24 Karat Gold
Located on South Beach the mansion is known as Casa Casurina. It is a rather large house with a total living space of 19,000 sq ft. The mansion features 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The mansion stands in a gated compound and the unique feature of the grand mansion that floors you as you come in is the 54 foot long pool which is no simple pool as it is lined with 24 karat gold. The pool is the centerpiece of the elaborately designed compound and it is enhanced by mosaics, frescos, statues, arched doorway and a courtyard. The high profile listing is being handled by Coldwell Banker and their real estate agents have upped the ante in showcasing the highlights, features and amenities of the luxury property.
Inspired by Alcazar de Colon in Dominican Republic
The Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman who was a multi facted personality of his time. He was not simply a proficient architect but had written several books on diverse subjects. He had also established himself as a political reformer and a philanthropist. The design of the mansion was inspired by the “Alcazar de Colon” in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic which was considered the oldest existing house in the Western Hemisphere. The Alcazar de Colon is a historically significant house as it once served as a colonial palace and the other significance of the house is that it is the only known home of the family of explorer Christopher Columbus. The house has now been converted into a museum. You can get more information about the historical house on its dedicated website.
The Crown Jewel of Luxury Real Estate
The mansion was bought by Versace in 1992. He had put the house through an extensive renovation that had cost him about $33 million at the time. He had not only incorporated many improvements in the pool and the garden but had expanded the south wing of the mansion. Unfortunately Versace couldn’t enjoy the grandeur of the renovated mansion for long as it was in 1997 that he was shot to death on the doorstep of his home. It was believed that Andrew Cunanan, a spree killer had shot the famous designer and had then killed himself in a house boat in Miami Beach. The mansion was bought by Peter Loftin in 2000. He conserved the Versace touches in the mansion as he believes that it is not just a property but a piece of art steeped in history. Its location in the middle of South Beach makes it most suited for the rich and famous. The real estate agents also believe that the mansion is the crown jewel of luxury real estate.
