Luxury And Travel Hub: Viento y Mar, A Classic Florida Estate

Many of the most beautiful South Florida homes date back to the time of Addison Mizner. Mizner, did more to set the tone of South Florida’s resort style during the first building boom of the 1920s and 1930s than any other architect. His Mediterranean and Spanish Revival estates are known for both classic glamour and for capitalizing on the beauty of the lots they inhabit.

Viento y Mar, a rare oceanfront compound in Gulf Stream, Florida dates from 1926, soon after the opening of the Gulf Stream Golf Club which was designed by Mizner. The home is situated across from Gulf Stream Golf Club and was originally designed by Howard Brougham Major, a prominent New York architect who had joined Mizner’s office, and was built for Howard Whitney.

It was a time of golf, polo, and the annual return of the East Coast elite to escape the snow and party amidst the palm trees. The historic Whitney house underwent a painstaking, over-three-year restoration by Tim Givens Building and Remodeling in 2009 under the direction of Bridges, Marsh & Associates, a noted Palm Beach architectural firm which was also the renovation architect for Palm Beach’s legendary Worth Avenue.

The six-bedroom compound includes select finishes and unique elements, both old and new, which were sourced by the owner from all over the world. Special features include Tischler impact-glass mahogany windows, Columbian-made barrel tile roof, Creston smart-house electronics, and a full-capacity generator.

Antique flooring, high beamed ceilings, and wide windows all add architectural interest.

The cathedral-ceilinged living room opens to the entrance courtyard and is highlighted by rare antique architectural elements including elegant French bookcases, an elaborate colonnade from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and a palatial fireplace from an 18th-century French chateau.

With tongue-and-groove paneled ceiling, custom cabinetry, a Carrara marble counters, and an island/bar, the kitchen maintains a vintage feel. Stainless steel chef’s appliances include the six-burner Wolf gas range, double Miele steam ovens, dual warming drawers, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and dual Miele dishwashers.

Opening to a relaxing oceanside terrace by the pool, the comfortably elegant master suite features a cathedral-ceilinged bedroom, an adjacent nursery/office, two walk-in closets, and a spa-like bath with marble mosaic-tile walls, radiant-heated terra cotta tile floor, glass-enclosed shower, slipper tub, and separate water closet. Another bedroom has an adjoining bath. Upstairs, a private bedroom with en-suite bath opens to an oceanview terrace.

The elegant residence has antique French and Cuban architectural elements in the main rooms radiating off a gallery-framed central courtyard, leading to another stunning courtyard around the oceanside saltwater pool. The pool terrace also has a cabana with a kitchen, bath, and steam room including two pavilions each with a changing room and bath. A rooftop terrace includes a spa and summer kitchen overlooking the ocean.

The property includes a gatehouse, garden house, and attached and detached garages, each with gardener’s bath, have a total of four bays. Next to the main house, the oceanside dance studio has a wet bar and full bath. The gatehouse hosts a living room, dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, and a powder room. Ideal for staff, the garden house encompasses the detached garage plus an upstairs studio apartment. The entire grounds are landscaped with exotic tropical foliage including rare palm trees and mature, sculpted sea grapes that line the circular drive.