Villa Vecchia: The Rich History of this Landmark Estate
August 12th, 2011
From its historic beginnings in 1928 as the winter estate home of Byron D. Miller Esq., president of F.W. Woolworth Co. and his wife, Hortense Strongman Miller, a well known philanthropist, Villa Vecchia has been the perfect location for entertaining and luxurious living. From afternoon teas, philanthropic events and social celebrations, Villa Vecchia has been a witness to South Florida history amidst a backdrop of opulence and tropical beauty.
"Villa Vecchia has hosted more political dignitaries than any home in Miami, including Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu, Dr. Henry Kissinger,President Bill Clinton, Mikael Gorbachev, Oliver North plus a host of luxury designers such as Zuhair Murad, David Yurman, Emilio Pucci, Luca Orlandi of Luca Luca and the list goes on. "
The following articles chart the rich history of Villa Vecchia, with all its grandeur and modern comforts:
Standing Regally: After 82 years Villa Vecchia has withstood the test of time and has been lovingly restored.
By Norma A. Quintero – Social Affairs
It all started back in 1928 when Byron D. Miller Esq., president of F.W. Woolworth Co. in late 1933 became president of Miami Beach First National Bank. He decided to build a winter home for his wife, a well known philanthropist named Hortense Strongman Miller, daughter of John and Charlotte Strongman from Bethany Borough. Known as Bethany Homestead Farm’s Mansion with 55 rooms, sitting on 450 acres farm. Hortense and Byron’s main residence and became the rightful owners 1923. Miller commissioned L.M. Barrett, a Miami Beach Architect, to design the perfect winter home. Back then they hired Frontier Home Builders who were the top notch in the construction world. They spared no costs in assuring that their winter residence would be anything less than majestic with the most up to date plumbing, air conditioning and salt water pool. The estate located on 4821 Pine Tree Drive, often referred to as Millionaire’s Row, faces Indian Creek and sits on a two acre parcel of land is prime real estate. Prior to the building boom you had a clear picture of the Atlantic Ocean. The estate while understated was a perfectly designed paradise for entertaining in the winter season. A terrazzo dance floor was built for guests to enjoy alfresco dining and dancing the night away. Mrs. Strongman Miller was a resident of both Miami and New York City.
When Mrs. Miller opened her home during the season it was the most sought out invitation of the times regardless of whether it was for an afternoon tea or a supper dance. She would fly to Miami Beach to open her home up for the season. She held a Rummage Tea in 1937 in support of the Children’s Service Bureau which would benefit the The Junior League Thrift Shop. A fashion show was presented to show the latest fashions in the covered enclosed terraced courtyard with the beautiful marble fountain.
Mrs. Miller was known for opening up her estate to support her philanthropic endeavours and social celebrations of the season. At one time she opened her beautiful estate for a supperdance which entertained many guest including Miss Rosemary Townley and George Smathers, whose wedding was only a few days away.
All the guest were received in the grand living room with gorgeous flowers throughout in celebration of the joyous occasion. The beautiful Miami Beach moonlight radiated over the stately dinner celebration. The fete was a feast to the eyes with the beautiful silver cloths adorned with pink overflowing flower arrangements which stood out, lit by the candle lit setting. Mrs. Miller received her guests in her estate in an exquisite black lace gown, while dancing to the classical orchestra music ending the engagement party with the ultimate tune. When Mrs. Miller opened her home during the season it was the most sought out invitation of the times regardless of whether it was for an afternoon tea or a supper dance.
The main house consisted, at that time, of five main bedrooms and five staff rooms. In addition, it had a two bedroom house which belonged to the caretaker with a living room, kitchen and bathroom.
The pristine mansion also had a 5 car garage and a pool pavilion that was only found in a five star resort for guests wishing to take in some sun and relax in sunny Miami Beach. This afforded the Millers to entertain guests in an opulent grand style when the snowbirds would fly into Miami Beach for the warmth and sunshine of the winter months.
Byron and Hortense had one son named Byron Miller who married Peggy Hart and from the marriage three children were born, Byron, Linda and Miller. They made their home between New York and Miami.
The estate was bought from the estate of Alice Wolf F. of Shrewsbaury, Mass. in 1993. As they say, “things do come full circle,” and Villa Vecchia (Old Villa in Italian) as its been lovingly named since 1993 is still standing tall and strong after 82 years as the day it was built.
After 18 years since the fourth owners built it the current owners have lovingly restored it to its former state and have added to it’s original grandeur to accommodate today’s discerning owner, who is looking not only for history but today’s modern comfort.
Villa Vecchia has hosted more political dignitaries than any home in Miami, including Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu, Dr. Henry Kissinger,President Bill Clinton, Mikael Gorbachev, Oliver North plus a host of luxury designers such as Zuhair Murad, David Yurman, Emilio Pucci, Luca Orlandi of Luca Luca and the list goes on.
An eternal list of fundraisers have been held at Villa Vecchia including WIZO, Vizcaya, YPO, Big Brother Big Sisters, The Cushman School, The Miami City Ballet.
Today the estate boasts an elegant ballroom reminiscent of Versailles, a gigantic master suite and a gentleman’s library, every man’s dream of a perfect space to relax, read or watch T.V. on a large screen. It’s the ultimate lifestyle of people that still indulge in yesterday’s pleasures while living today’s lifestyle. It’s the simple things in life that will bring us the ultimate joy. It’s the ultimate lifestyle of people that still indulge in yesterday’s pleasures while living today’s lifestyle.
Mrs. H. Strongman Miller to Open Home for Junior League Rummage Tea
Miami Daily News – March, 1937
Mrs. H. Strongman Miller of New York and Miami Beach opens her home on Pinetree Drive for a rummage tea. The admission is a rummage which will be sold at the Junior League Thrift shop, the main source of support of the Children’s Service Bureau
Supper Dance Honors Couple
Miami Daily News – March, 1939
The beautiful estate of Mrs. H. Strongman Miller, 4821 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, formed a perfect setting for the supper-dance at which she entertained last night for Miss Rosemary Townley and George A. Smathers, whose wedding will take place Friday afternoon.
The beautiful entrance to Mrs. Miller’s home presented a picture of tropical beauty. Centered with a fountain and lined on each side with stately palms and other greenery.
Massimo Comoli : The Versace Experience
Villa Vecchia hosted Massimo Comoli : The Versace Experience, the famous architect and interior designer for the Versace Mansion in Miami Beach.
Contact Nancy Batchelor, 305 903.2850
More information on Villa Vecchia: 4821 PINETREE DR, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33140
