Miami’s architectural landscape is a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with glass-fronted towers standing in contrast to historic hacienda-style homes. One such rare gem is a 1940s residence in Miami Beach’s Bayshore neighborhood, where a couple working in hospitality have created a luxurious yet lived-in space with the help of Italian-born architect Fabrizio Casiraghi.
The house, with its thick walls and terra-cotta tile roof, exudes a sense of solidity and purpose-built design, a stark contrast to the sleek modern buildings that dot the Miami skyline. Casiraghi’s redesign of the interior pays homage to the home’s history while infusing it with a European flair, drawing inspiration from Italian vacation homes and the Villa Santo Sospir in the South of France.
The result is a space that feels both aristocratic and bohemian, with vintage furniture and eclectic decor creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the simple and spare guest rooms reminiscent of a traditional Provençal manor to the dark and cocoon-like entertaining spaces at the back of the house, every corner tells a story of a life well-lived.
Despite its European influences, the house remains undeniably Miamian, with nods to its past as the former residence of Elliott Roosevelt, the former mayor of Miami Beach and son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The upstairs rooms pay tribute to the lagoon outside, with hand-painted silk walls and a ship-like passageway leading to the primary suite.
As the sun rises over the property’s pool and dock, the owners can often spot iguanas basking in the morning light, a reminder of Miami’s unique blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels. In a city where the line between natural and artificial is often blurred, this historic home stands as a testament to the enduring charm of traditional architecture in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
