Is the Versace House Still in Miami?

Are you a fan of luxury fashion and architecture? Then, you might be curious to know if the Versace House in Miami still exists.

The iconic mansion was once the home of Gianni Versace, the founder of the world-renowned fashion brand. Let’s dive into the history of this magnificent property and find out its present status.

The History of Versace House

The Versace House, also known as Casa Casuarina, was built-in 1930 by Alden Freeman. It is located on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1992, Gianni Versace purchased the property for $2.95 million and invested an additional $33 million to renovate and convert it into his dream home.

The mansion features 10 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a swimming pool lined with thousands of 24-karat gold tiles, frescoed walls and ceilings, and several ornate statues. The design is inspired by Italian architecture mixed with elements of Byzantine and Rococo styles.

The Tragic End of Gianni Versace

Unfortunately, tragedy struck on July 15th, 1997 when Gianni Versace was shot dead on the steps of his beloved home by a serial killer named Andrew Cunanan. The murder shocked the world and left a significant impact on the fashion industry.

After Gianni’s death, his family sold the property to Peter Loftin for $19 million in 2000. Loftin converted it into a boutique hotel with ten luxurious suites named The Villa by Barton G., after its operator Barton G. Weiss. It remained as a hotel for several years until it was put up for auction in September 2013.

What Happened to Versace House After Auction?

In September 2013, Joe Nakash bought the property for $41.5 million at an auction. Nakash is the founder of Jordache Enterprises, a major clothing company. After the purchase, he planned to convert the premises into a luxury hotel and condominium complex.

The renovation process was slow, and the property underwent several legal battles between Nakash and Barton G. Weiss over unpaid bills. In 2018, it was reported that the mansion would reopen as a hotel under the name The Villa Casa Casuarina.

Conclusion

The Versace House still exists in Miami Beach, Florida, but it has undergone several changes over the years. It is now owned by Joe Nakash and operates as a luxury hotel and condominium complex.

Although Gianni Versace’s era may be long gone now, his legacy lives on through his brand and his beloved home. If you ever get a chance to visit Miami Beach, don’t forget to stop by The Villa Casa Casuarina to witness this iconic piece of fashion history.