Gianni Versace
The opulent Miami Beach mansion of the late fashion designer Gianni Versace is a piece of history, standing as an indelible symbol of glamour and tragedy. It was on the stone steps of this mansion that serial killer Andrew Cunanan ended Versace’s life in 1997, a spot that now serves as a backdrop for numerous tourist photos daily.
Not only can tourists photograph the house, but they can also stay there overnight. The former residence, now a boutique luxury hotel known as the Villa Casa Casuarina, offers a unique blend of historical richness and modern luxury.
The mansion was initially built as an apartment complex by Mayflower descendant and Standard Oil heir Alden Freeman in 1930. Versace bought the original house in 1992 for $2.95 million and the adjacent Revere Hotel for $3.7 million. He then spent a staggering $32 million on renovations, including the demolition of the Revere to create space for a pool, garden, and a new southern wing of the home.
Versace transformed the 24 original apartments into 10 large suites and built an additional two suites in the southern wing. One of the mansion’s most striking features is the pool, lined with 24-karat gold tiles.
In 2013, the Victor Hotels group bought the property at an auction for $41.5 million. In addition to providing guest accommodations, the mansion operates the restaurant Gianni’s, serving a delectable blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
During the production of FX’s American Crime Story miniseries, which focused on Versace’s murder, the mansion served as a filming location for about a month. The series’ producer, Ryan Murphy, expressed disbelief that they received permission to film at the site.
The mansion’s current management has preserved much of Versace’s original design and has only added modern touches for the convenience of guests. A resident artist even maintains the artwork that Versace commissioned for the property.
Among the suites, the Villa Suite stands out as it was Versace’s former room, while the Venus Suite is where his sister, Donatella Versace, used to stay.
We love the details in this bedroom!
Located on Ocean Drive, just a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, the Villa Casa Casuarina continues to embody the luxury and style that Versace was renowned for, serving as a living tribute to his legacy. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s pack our bags and experience this unique blend of history and luxury first-hand.