It’s been a while since our last Historic Southern Home tour! Today I’m sharing an estate that’s just a little different than my usual antebellum plantation…and while I don’t always consider Miami (or Italian style in general) all that Southern, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share Vizcaya with you.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, once known as Villa Vizcaya, was built by businessman James Deering in the early 20th century…it took about 9 years to complete. Deering and designer Paul Chalfin actually traveled to Italy to learn more about the Italian Renaissance architecture style before bringing the style home to Miami. Deering employed three architects for the construction: one for design, one for actual construction, and one for the landscape and gardens.

Settle in, because this one is a jaw-dropper.

Since 1952, the estate has been open to the public and offers daily tours and programs. The 180-acre property has been reduced to a meager 43 acres (ha!), but the gardens alone would be worth the trip. Vizcaya still retains most of its original furnishings as well as the historic layout of the formal gardens.

The director of the museum had this to say: “Vizcaya has been described as ‘the finest private house ever built in America,’ ‘a jewel among Miami’s skyscrapers and subdivisions,’ and ‘some Noah’s Ark of decorative arts,’ its exteriors offering the ‘manic tranquility of the great European folly gardens.’ Most of us who know Vizcaya well embrace this place for both its serious significance and its eccentric charm.”

The museum features the main house with 34 decorated rooms showcasing over 2,500 art objects and furnishings; ten acres of European-inspired formal gardens; a significant orchid collection totaling 2,000 specimens; and 25 acres of endangered primary growth forests.  Who’s ready to head to Miami?!

Photos via Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.