In 1992, while on vacation with Gianni Versace's family in Miami Beach, he took a walk down Ocean Drive and was immediately attracted to the house by the “Kneeling Aphrodite” statue and fell in love with the unique Spanish architecture of the property. Obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, Versace purchased the original house built by Freeman for $2.95 million and the lot next door, an old Art Deco hotel called the Hotel Revere. Although this neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and despite strong opposition from the Miami Design Preservation League, Versace bought the Revere Hotel next door for $3.7 million in order to demolish it and put in the Garden, Swimming pool and South Wing. Versace invested an additional $32 million in renovations in which he added the South Wing, the pool and garden and turned the 24 apartments into 10 large suites in the original house and an additional 2 new suites in the South Wing. He also removed the elevator shaft in the Courtyard, replaced the fountain and reconstructed the observatory, including a new copper dome. Versace had planned to buy the then-vacant lot next door to the north in order to put in a second garden, but when his death intervened it became part of the Victor Hotel. The renovations took almost 3 years to complete and in July 15, 1997, only 5 yrs after purchasing the home, Versace was killed on the front steps of the house on his usual morning walk home from News Cafe. In addition to Gianni Versace, the house was also used by his many close friends and family members. His brother Santo’s bedroom is now called the Venus room, his sister Donatella’s bedroom is the Signature suite. Some contents of when Versace lived here were auctioned in New York City in April of 2001 for a reported $28 million. What still remains here from the Versace era are the richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings, and windows, as well as the pool, garden, and the entire south wing. The house sat empty for about 3 years and in September of 2000, Donatella finally sold the property to Peter Loftin, a telecommunications magnate from Raleigh, N.C. for $19 million. Loftin used this house as a private residence as well as a hotel, membership club and private events venue from 2001 to the end of 2009.

Restaurant: showcasing Mediterranean fare, Gianni’s transports diners to an elegant oasis accompanied by world-class cuisine for a truly memorable experience. Led by Executive Chef Thomas Stewart, Gianni’s offers a modern menu with mouth-watering dishes and over-the-top cocktails, an extensive wine selection and champagne options.

The Moroccan Lounge sets the mood with Greek mythology figures and matching coral elements chosen by Versace.

The patio overlooks the elegant Mosaic Garden containing the largest medusa on property.

The Medusa Dining Room (Versace’s formal dining room) offers an intimate 30seat Dining Room featuring pebble mosaic walls and storied history.

The Venus Suite (Donatella’s room): the largest room in The Villa, the spacious Venus Suite features a separate sitting area and two balconies – one overlooking Ocean Drive and a second overlooking The Thousand Mosaic Pool. Relax with two flat screen televisions, an in-room stereo system and DVD player or luxuriate in the custom double queen sized bed. The Italian marble bathroom features an oversized shower with double head, double sink and bidet.

The Aviary Suite: step into paradise in The Aviary Suite where parrots, hummingbirds and doves decorate the walls, with its private terrace and sitting room. With a kingsized bed and two full-sized beds/sitting alcoves, The Aviary Suite epitomizes tranquility and luxury.

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