Gianni Versace made his home in Miami until his tragic death in 1997. His private residence, which he purchased and remodeled in his inimitable style in 1992, became famous in its own right as word of its opulent style and celebrity house guests spread through the fashion world and beyond.
In homage to Versace’s epic verve, the iconic mansion at 1116 Ocean Drive has been restored and transformed into a luxuriously appointed boutique hotel by events impresario and restaurateur, Barton G. Weiss. This luxurious retreat overlooks Miami’s exclusive South Beach and comprises ten extravagant suites, an exciting new restaurant and an exclusive private event space.
The opulent glamour in which Versace lived and with which his home has been restored, reflects the mansion’s Miami setting perfectly. Attracted by the Caribbean beaches, the tropical climate and the ubiquitous Latino influence -on everything from food to music to architecture- the city has been a mecca for the rich and famous for decades. The rebirth of the Versace mansion mirrors the latest rebirth of Miami cool.
Barton G. Weiss spared no expense on this very personal project, revitalizing the marble flooring and the mosaics with which Versace imprinted his style throughout the building, refreshing the elegant gardens, and restoring the famed Thousand Mosaic Pool, inlaid with 24karat gold, to its former glory. It took an army of artisans, designers and craftsmen to achieve his vision, including a group of Bulgarian artisans who he brought over especially to hand-paint the exquisite frescos.
Guests at The Villa by Barton G. can choose from ten stylistically distinct but equally lavish suites, including the Medallion Suite that overlooks one of the most impressive mosaics in the mansion, the Venus Suite, an expansive boasting two private balconies that survey the mansion’s Thousand Mosaic Pool and Ocean Drive itself. Versace’s bedroom has been transformed into the Villa Suite which -featuring a nine-foot double king-size bed, two balconies, seven closets and a custom-built oversized shower- retains the great man’s extravagant aesthetic. Each suite has been custom designed using Versace fabrics and Frette linens, and is complemented by Thierry Mugler personal grooming products, Kindle e-readers and state of the art Sonos music systems.
Attended to throughout their stay by their own personal fully certified British butler, guests enjoy in-room, poolside and rooftop spa services and unlimited access to the mansion’s two private lounges, the Mosaic Gardens and the Thousand Mosaic Pool.
The Dining Room at The Villa by Barton G., is already on its way to becoming one of Miami’s premium eateries. This seventy-seat restaurant is located in the Versace Mansion’s own dining room, famous since those times for its opulent pebble-mosaic walls and frescoed ceilings. Serving sumptuous interpretations of classic European cuisine on the original Versace-Rosenthal china and crystal, the Dining Room is complemented by its cocktail bar, a perfect venue in which to enjoy delicious house cocktails such as Mosaic’s Mojito or the Empire Martini. House specialties at The Dining Room include The Villa Salad, with its smoking nitro Caesar dressing, Rack of Lamb with Greek Yogurt Jelly Cubes, and the freshly baked truffle bread with which each meal begins.
From this fall, the Villa by Barton G will offer Miami Beach’s only afternoon tea, where guests will be served exotic teas, sumptuous pastries and delicate finger sandwiches by the in-house butlers.
With its marble tiled courtyard and the tranquil Mosaic Garden, The Villa by Barton G. is a perfect venue for weddings, corporate and private events. Guests are served cocktails in the courtyard of the gated Villa, and are then treated to an unforgettable dinner or a sumptuous reception beside the Thousand Mosaic Pool.
- Ben Stewart
The Villa by Barton G.
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive
Miami, 33139
Tel: 305 576 8003 Reserve Online
Website: www.thevillabybartong.com
The Villa by Barton G.