On the sun drenched shores of Miami’s South Beach, where art deco buildings shimmer against the Atlantic breeze, stands one of the most iconic residences in the world- the Villa Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion.

It is a place where fashion met fate, beauty mingled with tragedy and luxury was stitched into every tile, fabric and fountain.  

Originally built in 1930 by architect Alden Freeman, Casa Casuarina was modeled after the Alcazar de Colon the Santa Domingo home of Christopher Columbus’s son.  The  estate paid homage to explorers, artists and revolutionaries. 

But the mansion’s true notoriety arrived in 1992, when Gianni Versace, the legendary Italian fashion designer purchased it for $2.9 million.   Versace already captivated by South Beach’s rebirth in the 90’s poured more than $30 million into transforming the house into his private oasis.   He added a mosaic tiled pool line with 24 karat gold, enlarged the estate by buying the adjacent hotel and adorned every surface with baroque elegance as only Versace could.  

The mansion became a glamorous temple of fashion and celebrity. Elton John sipped champagne in the courtyard, Madonna lounged on silk couches and Naomi Campbell walked the marble halls.

It was not just a house, it was the physical and embodiment of the Versace brand: bold, unapologetic and luxurious.  

But paradise turned to tragedy on the morning of July 15th 1997. Gianni Versace returning from a walk to the nearby News Cafe when he was gunned down on the mansion’s front steps by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.   The ornate gates, once a symbol of elegance, became a crime scene etched into American memory.

After Versace’s death, his family never returned.   The mansion passed through various hands and after years of uncertainty was eventually transformed into a boutique luxury hotel- The Villa Casa Casuarina. 

Today visitors can book a suite, dine at the restaurant Gianni’s or simply pause on Ocean Drive and gaze at the wrought iron gates where the story took its darkest turn.  

Yet inside the beauty remains, the Medusa-head mosaics still glint in the pool, the grand staircase still winds beneath frescoed ceilings and Versace’s creative spirit lingers like perfume in the air. 

There are 10 suites available and the pool is open to guests from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 am. including a private poolside breakfast.   Also there is a three course lunch special for $36.