The history of the Deering Estates in Miami Florida

Published by Miamigo.tv and partners.
In 1985, the Nature Conservancy brokered the deal that allowed the State of Florida and Miami-Dade County to purchase the property. The Charles Deering Library at Northwestern Library (named after Charles Deering) was built in 1931 and took two years to complete.
The property consists of a three story wooden house built in 1900, known as the Richmond Cottage, and a three story stone mansion. Other buildings were also built on the property to serve as auxiliary buildings to the estate. Charles Deering Estate is located in the Cutler neighborhood of Palmetto Bay, Florida.

[@yesthatsagrubworm.7732]

Oh a Matheson! Mr. Matheson and family....THANK U sooooooo very much for what your family developed a mere bike ride away from mi casa de childhood! The mangrove bike path was epic! Sunday after church, we'd launch our boat from Matheson and ski, fish and sightsee the bay, downtown Miami River area. And the 'pool' which was a large saltwater body of water but barricaded off at waters entry so we didnt worry bout sharks! And the coral rock restaurant and concession area 💜💜 I hv pictures of me as a baby there sitting in the sand below woodend lifeguard stand 😁. Snorkeling galore there too. The boat was given to my dad for free lol from Mr. Rubino! Mercy so much nostalgia every minute of this documentary!

[@MrButch-ls8vl]

Charles Deering and his younger brother James were close and shared many similar interests; both loved collecting art. Their lives took different paths, though, with Charles marrying and having children and James a life long bachelor. The Charles Deering house was very restrained and rather simple although it once housed great works of art. James built Vizcaya the incredibly opulent and majestic palazzo that millions have flocked to over the years and were astonished by it's gardens and exquisitely decorated rooms. Charles seemed to be focused on late Medieval Spain (he lived in Sitges for a time) but James more so on Baroque Italy. I am glad both estates are open to the public. Nearly a century after their deaths, history has favored brother James because of his bold vision in creating the magnificence of Vizcaya, but Charles' contributions to nature and preservation have not been forgotten.

[@germanirish2]

South Florida resident here from 1947..I thank you for this presentation..very informative..

[@yesthatsagrubworm.7732]

I went to school 1st - 8th grade across the street from there from 1979 - 86. Went to public schools, Ponce and Gables High after and either 90 or 91, we went to an epic Halloween party at the Deering estate. What great times back then! I ♥️ watching these history docs of Miami and ♥️ the history of my Gables (which is north ish east from this area) and the George Merrick house, which one of my bffs house was behind his, and diagonal to, off Granada and was the 16th house built in Gables in 1926 I think...? And the little 'park' and huge banyon tree and Royal Poinsettia that I think they tore down bout 10 yrs ago idk why tho 😐. We had 24 7 365 access to the grounds and parking lot where we'd hang out when we wanted to lay low. Amazing history there too with the coral rock quarry that would end up a gorgeous pool to this day and all Mediterranean style and spectacular! My parents would grow up swimming there, as did all us rugrats! Got certified for cpr there, and we'd have to pass the swimming test and swim all the way across to be allowed to swim in big pool vs the...pee pool as everyone called it! Lol...the only 'warm' water! 😁 Ok Im going back to watch bout the Deerings! Can't help but write books on here lol cuz the name Deering, or Deering estate is simply a huge part of my earliest childhood memories! Thank u!

[@yesthatsagrubworm.7732]

Arva! She was a friend of my parents, and one of her sons...was groomsman for my brother. I have a few of her books she signed and gave to my moma in the 90s and beyond!

[@geemae4148]

I met the great granddaughter we had small talk, my question was. What's for lunch? 😂and she told me. 😊❤

[@stlarkins]

Beautiful history🤙🏻

[@triode1]

Charles and James Deering were half-brothers.