What Happened to Versace Miami House?

The Versace Miami House, also known as Casa Casuarina, is a luxurious mansion located in the heart of Miami Beach. The house was originally built in 1930 by architect Alden Freeman and was later purchased by the famous Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1992.

The History of the House

Versace bought the property for $2.95 million and spent an additional $33 million renovating it to his liking. He turned the house into a masterpiece, incorporating his signature style into every aspect of it. The mansion featured an open-air courtyard with a pool, dozens of rooms adorned with frescoes and mosaics, and a rooftop observatory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The Tragic Incident

On July 15, 1997, tragedy struck when Versace was shot dead on the steps of his beloved mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The news shocked the world and left a gaping hole in Miami’s cultural landscape.

After Versace’s death, his family sold the property to Peter Loftin, a telecommunications entrepreneur, for $19 million. Loftin operated Casa Casuarina as a high-end boutique hotel until 2013 when it was auctioned off to VM South Beach LLC for $41.5 million.

The Current State of the House

Today, Casa Casuarina operates as a luxury hotel and event venue under new management. Visitors can stay in one of its ten guest suites or rent out parts of the mansion for private events such as weddings or corporate retreats.

Despite its new ownership and management, the house still pays homage to its former owner through its decor and design elements. Visitors can see Versace’s signature style throughout the property from its ornate gates to its mosaic-lined pool.

Conclusion

The Versace Miami House has had an eventful history, from its construction in the 1930s to its renovation by Gianni Versace in the 1990s and its current status as a luxury hotel and event venue. Despite the tragedy of Versace’s death, the house remains an iconic landmark in Miami Beach and a testament to the designer’s vision and legacy.