A national landmark, the Deering Estate was the Florida home of Charles Deering between 1922 and 1927. Located just south of Miami in Palmetto Bay off Old Cutler Road, the sprawling 444-acre estate is now owned by the State of Florida and open to the public so everyone can enjoy the beautiful waterfront grounds.
Charles W. Deering was born in Maine in 1852. He was a naval officer, and his duties took him to Europe and Asia. It is there that he met his wife Ana Case, who he married in 1875. After giving birth to a son a year later, she tragically died. Deering left the navy shortly after and entered his father’s business, the Deering Harvester Company. He later remarried and retired in 1910 at which time he purchased 212 acres in Buena Vista, north of Miami.
Becoming close friends with the famed botanist David Fairchild, Deering loved nature and was concerned about all the real estate development around Buena Vista. From 1913 to 1926 he started buying land south of Miami, piece by piece, until he owned just about all the town of Cutler. He tore down all the buildings except for Richmond Cottage setting the stage for the Deering Estate.
There are two main properties on the grounds of the estate. The Richmond Cottage built in 1896 is one of the oldest wooden structured in Miami Dade. In 1899 it was enlarged with a three-story addition when the property was converted to an Inn and used by those working on Henry Flagler’s Railroad. Charles Deering renovated the property for his own use after it closed in 1915. Over the years, a carriage house, pump house and powerhouse were added.
In 1992, Category 5 Hurricane Andrew caused significant damage with more than 15 feet of storm surge. The whole cottage was taken off its foundation and destroyed. It was later rebuilt and restored and reopened to the public in 2000.
The three-story stone dwelling was added in 1922. This wonderful Mediterranean style mansion was designed by Phineas Paist, a local Coral Gables architect. This is where Charles Deering resided until his death in 1927.
While exploring the stone mansion make sure to note the original Otis elevator, and many original furnishings and decorations, including two centuries old stained-glass panels.
The third floor contains the offices of the Deering Estate Foundation and are closed to the public.
Be sure to visit the basement. It used to house a huge vault containing many of the prohibition time liquor and wine collection held under lock and key and hidden behind a false bookcase. Quite impressive!
Much of the beauty is on the grounds of the property. Most impressive is the boat turning basin which extends far into the bay, making a safe haven for the two boat docks. There is also a Chinese style bridge and a huge surrounding stone wall around the whole property.
Deering Estate visiting hours:
- Daily: 10 am to 5 pm (gates close at 4 pm)
- Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Deering Estate entry fees:
- Adults (15+): $15.00
- Seniors (62+): $13.00
- Kids (4 to 14): $7.00
- Toddlers (3 and under): FREE
- Foundation members: FREE
- Parking: FREE
Conclusion
It takes about an hour to explore the buildings and grounds of the historical Deering Estate. It’s a great place to pack a picnic (permitted outside on the grounds with benches and tables available on a first come first serve basis). Or just sit and relax for a while admiring the beautiful scenery.
At the time of our visit there weren’t any guided tours, canoeing and other activities going on. We were able to visit the main stone building as a self-guided tour and found a guide inside that could answer questions and give some additional information. The mangrove walk was closed off when we visited. The venue is also available for parties and weddings on demand.
Definitely a worthwhile visit! We would recommend sunscreen, a hat, and some bug repellant. Pack a lunch or a snack and enjoy the views for a while. And keep an eye out for rare birds, you might be lucky enough to see a White-crowned Pigeon.
While in the area you might want to check out the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove.