Miami
Beach, FL (March 19, 2010) � The Villa By Barton G. , known throughout
the world as the former residence of fashion designer Gianni Versace, debuts
in March as an oasis of luxury in the heart of South Beach with 10 richly
appointed suites and The Dining Room, an old-world fine dining restaurant
located in the mansion at 1116 Ocean Drive. Transformed by renowned events
impresario and restaurateur Barton G. Weiss, The Villa By Barton G. remains
true to Versace�s vision with private British trained butlers for hotel
guests, luxurious fabrics throughout and the highest end amenities such
as Frette sheets and towels, Kindle e-readers and custom nightly nibbles
as turndown treats.
�Transforming the Versace Mansion has been an extraordinary endeavor
as well as an exceptional opportunity to build my personal brand in hospitality
for the first time,�� says Barton G. Weiss, whose Miami-based successes
encompass his restaurants, top-tier events production and destination management
divisions and a highly creative culinary arts division. �My first foray
as a hotelier was a personal investment that has paid off handsomely by
breathing new life into this historic address.�
The Hotel
Accommodations range from the stunning Medallion Suite (434 square-foot)
overlooking one of the most beautiful mosaics in the mansion to the amorous
Venus Suite (1,428 square-foot) with two private balconies perched above
Ocean Drive and the mansion�s Thousand Mosaic Pool. The Villa Suite (1,174
square-foot), Versace�s one-time bedroom, boasts a nine-foot double king-size
bed, two balconies, seven closets and a custom oversized shower. Guests
are welcomed to The Villa By Barton G. by their dedicated British-trained
and certified butlers who personally attend to them throughout their stay.
In-room, poolside and rooftop spa services are available, as is open access
to the mansion�s two private lounges, lush Mosaic Gardens and the Thousand
Mosaic swimming pool.
The Restaurant
Mirroring the success of Barton G.�s other South Florida projects,
The Dining Room at The Villa By Barton G., open from 7 p.m. to late seven
nights a week, has already created a culinary buzz, opening on March 4
to capacity. Distinct from the New York supper club ambiance of Prelude
by Barton G. at Miami�s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and
Barton G. the Restaurant in South Beach, with its over-the-top presentations
and ground-breaking creative cuisine, The Dining Room at The Villa By Barton
G. offers refined European cuisine elegantly presented by Barton G. Signature
dishes at The Villa � served on Versace-Rosenthal china in the famed pebble
mosaic dining room � include The Villa Salad, with its smoking nitro Caesar
dressing and Rack of Lamb with Greek Yogurt Jelly Cubes. The Dining Room�s
Parisian trained pastry chef begins the meal with freshly baked truffle
bread, and ends with memorable desserts ranging from the Tower of Profiteroles
to Les Trois Pommes.
Additionally, The Villa By Barton G. will host Miami Beach�s only afternoon
tea, launching on April 15. The Saturday and Sunday Tea at The Villa will
feature a variety of the world�s most exotic teas, pastries and finger
sandwiches served by The Villa�s British-certified butlers.
| The Villa, By Barton G. was born as Casa Casuarina in 1930, built by
architect, philanthropist, author and political reformer Alden Freeman
as an homage to the oldest existing house in the western hemisphere, the
"Alcazar de Colon" in Santo Domingo.
In 1937, after Freeman's death, Casa Casuarina was bought by Jacques
Amsterdam, who renamed it "The Amsterdam Palace." Operated as an apartment
building, it housed artists attracted by its architectural curiosity.
In 1992, couturier Gianni Versace first encountered Casa Casuarina.
Versace exquisitely restored, expanded, and embellished its features, adding
the south wing, the pool and garden areas.
The Casa became a private club in September 2000. Events impresario/restaurateur
Barton G. Weiss took over the mansion in December 2009, imprinting his
own signature style on the storied house at 1116 Ocean Drive, reopened
as The Villa by Barton G. www.TheVillaByBartonG.com |
Private Events
The Villa By Barton G. is South Florida�s most distinctive and elegant
venue, with its historic interiors, marble tiled courtyard and Mosaic Garden.
Available for weddings, corporate and private events, events begin with
guests entering the gated Villa for cocktails in the courtyard, followed
by memorable dinners or receptions beside the Thousand Mosaic Pool.
Rates at The Villa By Barton G. start at $2,100/night.
