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Most
of the original structure and design stayed
intact as Versace had fine taste for décor from
the 1920-1930 eras. Some of Miami’s elite
residents
were often issued an invite to the
Villa to experience one of the famed Versace
parties.
Tragedy struck on July 15, 1997 when Gianni
Versace was shot dead at the gates to the Villa
as he was returning home from breakfast.
Reports
say that Versace was unlocking the gates to the
Villa when he suffered two fatal gunshot wounds
to the back of the head from Andrew Cunanan.
The Versace Villa was bought in 2000 by Peter
Loftin. Mr. Loftin turned it into a 35 room club
and restored its original name of Casa
Casuarina.
There are 10 bedrooms available for
overnight stays each decorated in its own motif.
The themes chosen were Italian, Persian,
Egyptian, Wedgewood, Baroque, La Mer, Parrot,
Pompeii, Safari, and the Owners’ Suite. The
rooms can range from $1200-$4000 per night
depending whether it is high season or not.
Although a lot of redecorating has taken place,
none of the original structural design has been
changed. On the contrary, most everything has
been
kept exactly the same as the way Versace
would have wanted it.
A new spa is the only major change that has been
added to the villa for the comfort
and pampering
of its guests.
The villa’s main purpose is to
give wealthy clients the chance to slip away
from all of the stress and worries of their
normal everyday lives and
just have a day of
relaxation.
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