Gianni Versace’s Mansion Ignites Bidding War

The firm auctioning off slain fashion mogul Gianni Versace’s former villa claim the luxury Florida property has sparked a frenzy among potential foreign buyers. The Casa Casuarina failed to find a buyer when it was on the market last year, but the owners hope the buzz generated by an auction will convince someone to part with more than $40 million.

“We have been contacted by a bunch of international buyers, from Russia and a lot from South America,” Adam Marshall, a lawyer at a firm that represents the latest owners, told us.

The palatial mansion, complete with marble and mosaics, is situated in South Beach just a stone’s throw from the ocean.

It was here, on the doorstep, that Versace, 50, was shot dead in July 1997 by serial killer Andrew Cunanan.

In the wake of the murder, the Italian fashion designer’s family put the property up for sale and it subsequently changed hands in 2000 for $19 million.

Most recently, the villa had served as a boutique hotel.

For now, the upcoming sale remains shrouded in mystery and it appears unlikely the press will be able to witness the September 17 bidding process.

“We can’t reveal their identities for the moment,” said Marshall of those interested. “No one wants to make public their names when we are asking a $3 million deposit and to show wherewithal to pay $40 million.”

“Casa Casuarina is the Mona Lisa of real estate in South Florida,” said Coldwell Banker realtor Jill Eber, who gave reporters a tour of the property on Tuesday.

Eber highlighted — among other things — a swimming pool lined with 24-karat gold and palm trees that provide both shade and privacy from prying paparazzi.

“It’s a unique property because there is nothing more iconic than this villa,” she said.

“You can see, you can feel Versace’s vision, Versace’s soul everywhere,” Eber added. “He’s everywhere here. Versace lived and owned it and designed all you can see in this property.”

Casa Casuarina boasts 10 bedrooms and 11 baths, mosaic flooring and an array of frescoes and murals custom-made for Versace.

Two rooftop terraces boast spectacular views of the beach and an observatory has everything one needs for an evening of star-gazing — cushions, armchairs and a bar.

Other luxury features include gold-plated bathroom fixtures and an open-air courtyard.

A suite once occupied by the designer himself contains a king size bed, as well as a huge bathroom, a walk-in closet and even a small terrace overlooking the sea.

The Mediterranean mansion was built in 1930 by architect and philanthropist Alden Freeman in tribute to a house built in the Dominican Republic in 1510 by Diego Columbus, the son of explorer Christopher Columbus.

Seven years later, in 1937, the house was sold to Jacques Amsterdam, who called it “The Amsterdam Palace.”

It was in 1992 that Versace bought the property for $2.9 million, in addition to the empty Revere Hotel next door. He spent $33 million on renovations.

The villa went on sale more than a year ago for $125 million but, in the absence of buyers, the asking price dropped to $75 million several months ago.

Potential buyers have until September 12 to make a deposit and prove they meet the requirements to make an offer.

Unobstructed Ocean Views: Laguna Promontory Residence in California

With its contemporary irregular design and plenty of glazing, the Laguna Promontory Residence stands out in its surroundings. Located in the Laguna Beach resort city, California, United States, the retreat boasts three bedrooms with fantastic ocean views and is situated just a one minute walk away from the beach.

With a jaw-dropping renting cost of $1800 per night, the villa is likely to impress. The living spaces on the bottom floor are highly modern, featuring comfortable lounge furniture and ensuring unobstructed ocean vistas. The bedrooms are located on the upper level, each offering a king sized bed and a flat room TV. Other amenities of the villa include a two car garage, a full floor master suite with walk-in closet and private furnished terrace and a finely appointed gourmet kitchen with wine fridge. The overall design is modern and refined, yet also vivid and holiday inspiring.

Daily Dream Home: Waverley Residence

Located in Sydney’s Waverley neighborhood, today’s dream home borrows the name of its location. Known as the Waverley Residence, this modern and sustainable home was designed by Anderson Architecture. Displaying an uncluttered collection of spaces that seamlessly connect to one another and to the outdoors, the contemporary residence boasts a ground floor created with comfort in mind. Natural colors compose a stress-free atmosphere in an open floor plan that combines the living space, dining area and kitchen into a bright social space. Because clients requested “a warm and modern 4 bedroom house with a strong connection to the outdoors and minimal reliance on artificial heating, cooling and lighting”, architects transformed the existing weatherboard house into a striking contemporary home that grabs the attention of everyone lucky enough to visit it.

Using passive solar techniques, natural ventilation, internal thermal mass, shading systems and an operable roof design, architects created a sustainable comfort to be enjoyed by the owners and their guests. The roof was designed to capture northern light and extend the influence of natural sunshine on each indoor activity. An asymmetrical facade adorned with wood breaks the monotony that once used to define this plot of land. Now, an outdoor area extends the possibilities for relaxing and entertaining, while the interior spaces remain in permanent visual contact with the surroundings.

Technical details and existing problems turned the architect’s work into a challenge: “Extensive computer modelling was used to confirm principles and develop the passive solar design, resulting in an 8 star certification. This modelling highlighted the limitations imposed by a 3 storey northern neighbour on passive solar potential, and led to a C-Bus controlled active design, featuring operable shading, ventilation, day-lighting and heating/cooling elements regulated by numerous internal and external temperature, rain, light and wind sensors.”