Villa Zorayda
The renovated and restored Gilded Age, castlelike winter home of architect Franklin Smith, inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace, was built in 1883 and features a big collection of antiques. These include custom-made bone china, Oriental rugs, and exquisite Egyptian artifacts like the Sacred Cat Rug, a 2,400-year-old tapestry made from the hairs of ancient cats that roamed the Nile. Rumor has it there's a curse waiting for anyone who walks on it. Luckily, you won't be at risk, as the rug is hanging safely on a wall. The Villa is still owned by the family. Audio tours of the two-level home run between 45 and 60 minutes and detail the home’s rich—literally—history, including details about its past as a casino, restaurant, and speakeasy. If you’re in town around Christmas, do not miss the candlelight tours here—they’re magical.
The renovated and restored Gilded Age, castlelike winter home of architect Franklin Smith, inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace, was built in 1883 and features a big collection of antiques. These include custom-made bone china, Oriental rugs, and exquisite Egyptian artifacts like the Sacred Cat Rug, a 2,400-year-old tapestry made from the hairs of ancient cats that roamed the Nile. Rumor has it there's a curse waiting for anyone who walks on it. Luckily, you won't be at risk, as the rug is hanging safely on a wall. The Villa is still owned by the family. Audio tours of the two-level home run between 45 and 60 minutes and detail the home’s rich—literally—history, including details about its past as a casino, restaurant, and speakeasy. If you’re in town around Christmas, do not miss the candlelight tours here—they’re magical.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
