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The Biltmore- Coral Gables, FL
The Biltmore’s jewel box lobby is impossible not to love. Dramatic and grand, with its magnificent starry vaulted ceiling, it’s proof that a long neglected property can be returned to its former glory. I feel very fortunate to have been able to step into its storied past, considering it all could have been lost, consigned only to the historic prints that now line the halls.
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Coral Gables Architectural Gallery
Coral Gables is impossibly quaint. Seemingly stuck in amber, in the best possible way, it still very much reflects the vision of its founder George Merrick, and the City Beautiful Movement itself. Dating to the early 1920s, South Florida’s first planned suburb consisted of several Mediterranean influenced residential areas connected by wide landscaped boulevards, a compact city center, and ample green space. With the help of renowned landscape architect Frank Button, and strict zoning laws, an oasis emerged, an aesthetic island where even utilitarian features were artistically designed. Today, the city still retains these ideals, as well as many original architectural features, such as the intricate entrance gates and grand…
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The Breakers- Palm Beach, FL
After exploring Henry Flagler’s magnificent estate, Whitehall, head over to his equally impressive hotel, The Breakers. Gloriously gilded, it is without a doubt one of the most elegant hotels in the United States. Unfortunately, it is not the same one Flagler commissioned, that burned; and so did it’s replacement. However, persistence paid off, and the third iteration has survived almost a century, still owned by the Flagler family. After establishing several society hotels in St. Augustine, Flager moved further south down the Florida Coast, extending his railroad to the then small town of Lake Worth, now known as Palm Beach. There, he purchased land for both his personal winter retreat,…
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Whitehall (Flagler Museum)- Palm Beach, FL
In regards to Gilded Age architecture, Carrère and Hastings could do no wrong. While they would go on to build many impressive Beaux Arts mansions throughout the country, some of their earliest work was for Henry Flager in Florida. After impressing the tycoon with several St. Augustine projects, including his exclusive Ponce de Leon Hotel, they were retained to construct his magnificent 75 room mansion, Whitehall. As a partner in Standard Oil, early Florida developer, and founder of the Florida East Coast Railway, Henry Flagler had an unlimited budget when constructing a winter retreat and wedding present for his much younger third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. It was fortunate…
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PGA National Resort & Spa- West Palm Beach, FL
I must admit, PGA National Resort & Spa wasn’t a good fit for me. Demographically, it was mostly parents with small children, the pool was really crowded, and it was oddly expensive for a somewhat generic property. By way of example, two absolutely mix based Pina Coladas cost almost $50, which would be obscene even if they were made with fresh fruit. Which they definitely were not. That said, the golf courses were immaculate, wildlife was abundant, and it was warm in the winter, which really goes a long way- any port in a storm. Given the other options in the area, I doubt I would return, but the courses…
