August 14, 2008 at 05:54pm by Gus
The Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive is the second most photographed house in the United States.
We received an email from the public relations company for Casa Casuarina, announcing that the folks over at Versace House are going to start offering guided tours at the mansion:
Ever wonder what’s behind the doors of the über famous and ultra-exclusive celebrity haunt, Casa Casuarina in South Beach? Well, now you can find out. The mansion is opening its doors to the public for the first time ever, with Casa Experience, a series of fascinating guided tours honoring the venue’s iconic history and legendary architectural beauty, Monday, August 18 - Tuesday, September 30, 2008. The unique and memorable guided historical tours, accommodating a maximum of 20 people each and spanning 45 minutes, will be given three times a day throughout the breathtaking historic property – at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - and are priced at $50 per person, on a first come/first served basis.”
The mansion is best known for being the home of fashion designer, Gianni Versace, who was murdered on the front steps to the gate by Andrew Cunanan in July 1997 after being followed home from a nearby café.
The house was purchased from the Versace Estate in 2000 by telecommunications billionaire, Peter Loftin, for approximately $19 million.
Most people think the Casa Casuarina is for members only, but this is no longer the case. Last year, Mr. Loftin began allowing anyone to book rooms at the Mansion, just like a hotel. Rooms start at around $1,200 a night.
In addition to the guided tour, they will also be serving breakfast for $25 and lunch for $35.
The tour sounds fun. Who wants to go?
 | Gus Moore heads up Miami Beach 411 as site administrator, where he has been helping people understand how Miami works for over a decade. See more articles by Gus > |
