Read more about the article Vizcaya Gardens – Miami, FL – Part 2

Vizcaya Gardens – Miami, FL – Part 2

In the previous post, I wrote about touring Vizcaya’s main house. This post will focus more on Vizcaya’s elaborate gardens completed in 1922. You could easily spend a few hours taking in this 10-acre area.

Vizcaya Background

Serving as the winter home of John Deering, founder of International Harvester Corporation, the original estate consisted of 180 acres and cost close to $26 million ($780 million in today’s dollars) to build. The 54-room house features a Central Courtyard filled with lush tropical plants, shrubbery, and a soothing fountain. Once open to the elements, glass now protects the area from heat and direct sunlight.

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Read more about the article Vizcaya Mansion – Miami, FL – Part 1

Vizcaya Mansion – Miami, FL – Part 1

One of the top places to visit in Miami is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Completed in 1916, the estate served as the final home of John Deering (1859-1925), founder of International Harvester. Who knew there was so much money in agricultural farming equipment?

The Mansion

Tucked in the Coconut Grove neighborhood, Viscaya encompasses 43 acres on Biscayne Bay. John Deering, who retired from his company in 1909, hired Paul Chalfin to design and furnish a 38,000-square-foot, 54-room estate in Miami.

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