![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl-hnrAF1zwNa806aeR6VVEpJdowl38tQIIAd3lRHK5FnDiFVgSXwkk2aCmm-cwAXkbTVozegKkSXG5Ibz5JeO2PrFPBCEe1Gp0aR-LiILMqVxeo7lMtLcymMPZGirVFsEfK3c0mVag/s400/the+casino.jpg)
Located on top of the 'Mound', the Casino provides a focal point to the view from the house as well as provide the typical garden folly; a place to enjoy the view of the gardens and the house.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc8FHkGklmh99yV81iWdQKBTqatLgIOwXMJ3loL37dSvtikahFhML0JjUMdh0bY3AUj4Mmn_FAqtl1mo3FxhD1GGsCqrHdw3dOs_2ThiemNOPsJpUQCOJ_88-ybJhHMfHn3dFk1kgbA/s400/Vizcaya+map.jpg)
Located in a heavily wooded garden on the map(#12), the Casino (#13) overlooks what would have been the original water park behind the estate, which was sold in the 1940s to the Catholic Diocese who developed the site.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvP3L1yg8D8GtpyBTOA8s_R9pqdcKUoLJamIk2ZnreminQfiXxqVote5SmeXrMehMbDgkwtW7ZP_sI_Sy6gDUsNlGZq1OTMD_SK4J3Q4Ajcs2BjVO7HDew-bymSQcsvILfnbgSp1yOpw/s400/folly.jpg)
The structure is part of the retaining wall system of the mound and is 1 story facing the garden and main house and 2 stories on the rear. It should be noted that the trees were planted full growth so as to provide instant shade!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63rqD_QqLimZ6OoDazcctsUeFReSOBkf4P-F4qBtV8Re-65GC4qwf32PSuwZ2YB-bcrwxsTCDP5LmtJlNctNOQi9aSNjDxThTs-RYypAeJq9EbrrNeKVvTLO4y2qYx4dhx66z0EVUXw/s400/bust.jpg)
I loved these garden benches in front of the 2 rooms of the Casino.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVHBRKqrsKZy6d9BzOxcHa8_UAcyuuD2H9jBg4gl93puYaegfhg2lgNgGuiUgNd3V2Ok-b3OUOudJ8yl69AFYHIGlew5z2ejd0-Nxjf6BqypSe9JnTxs3pdB7Vn0PQA1WF3eh2KMfFg/s400/bench.jpg)
Salvaged marble composite capitals decorate the steps up to the loggia of the Casino.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieov6Hy54L9WUHNJC3qRV-ioL5lPLAZIQNeaiKJ8rdep_6CNIJ8Oiq07ob_IjVzNralF-xOOlNoTLWbZBA8KXdpVyeDVsH_bfYUyyLQVDbIAW9-GEEUlYpoRnLbIzjIB7nX4t4uUOfuw/s400/marble+capital.jpg)
The ceiling of the loggia is painted in the Italian Renaissance style.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1OT546bRpZROOYCg_Mjw63yWRfVmPackMZhzq_2KySR0PCFaPpU-akCr0tgtehyphenhyphenCnINDqBjOP2TMUjcHKd30WxE6twMI9aZBWXsbgXWb1wItVxLSgAk2MCcCP_sCaI6RtvojHigq-A/s400/covered+porch.jpg)
The center panel (painted by Paul Thevanez) was infilled into an older found painting from the studio of none other than Gianbattista Tiepolo.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFqXV_szr9fA7bZWLFwPv3ZnJdzWiFFND2LWAvDK4epiN3Ur4eliEOkznD4MUkwdAVKDUNWSA2GLbfshYJj-Ag_SQMj0Jz9sPVD3lr8k5AocmrmjxSTrr3Xx_tTzZbdQptHFP0Ny7wg/s400/casino+ceiling.jpg)
You can see where it has been pieced together and also (I believe) a recent and ongoing restoration.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ltnSPcO3S-uYfp01vQnORWY2t3zc6VWAkSeKe9iu4D-dcwh97_TRsVU1Zq80H93rvgjyJmnCaxTMMrPeS1qrhw6A3M6Q_p6TNTdfvfFcs6DoqyJZFE1zEFPe4KIrz8Qrso2BbhUCDQ/s400/painted+ceiling.jpg)
The interiors of the 2 rooms flanking the loggia are decorated in 18th century italian style.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ekF5VA-GezSYSJTQGROTPryasAFLCM2GuQBC52vKa6ckvX4pKsd65xubl6YwaJZVapVcn5-ghWVMdl9kq_SqSd0oblCMNSp8w_mk52d7n2ZUehxEhaK2meCl72J40Xi8wKKc7hLbYw/s400/seating+group.jpg)
Grand chandeliers for the smallest of rooms and don't forget the fireplaces!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrqNTYY2CEvMcBDJ4x_1FDXEmk3nN6PeCFsn65Bn2egE_1-g_cCvLgz4xDM25XRIyPxz5VUdKE3e8Kf5VKM9gg74rVqt_4ptrAz1DBANLPX8ZYUpl3sEGcBLPaXBRzP0s5d6t-vfMlw/s400/chandelier.jpg)
Imagine taking tea here in the gardens; I would never leave!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC2PBLVi1btU_24ZrsnBrGMLW2ZOoeAc5lHkJnX6CvgErL3yBOY2TJbS9T8y4QjOgIVY9Ypq7U-UPbgW8GgsJFCor_dnfK75C9oVCVpSuiV8i2SBDhjPn7AV1W7xRWc4hattIrfaLvQ/s400/img693.jpg)
Notice the patterned marble floors.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW8KnJEmIDvVSjgaVeRecNOGKCcealjs35ym4pXM7GRJOr4OQ0OlFp4AblA7QdrtkgaZXpCQPBgsgvt_yRVLZYPjzDuCvD40P6tFonZdWItx_82HSFWjAFcOC0mnzTBVPBDWjB-eskg/s400/armchair.jpg)
Each room is slightly different, but each is furnished with a seating area in front of a fireplace.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG05NKL1GKyEYSxtms3uJapV2Fmz2ErQzudS6YqJw52FF9EE-rM0OD-e59_r1hw23LL0rqod46vMgsIbYKXnUzCLqWlYOwnKPMXT67H3HvK3SmSNriaGf_QpBn0YTOzb5RLhS_ogvMBQ/s400/over+mantel.jpg)
The painted finish on the interior is really gorgeous.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFJnb08uqJ9wI5b_0jKW1sAt4WTBawiQ0KTplb-Ci2cWVzHHIPWXhSqClysYXkc7n4s3iVpxUEgqNtxvUgC_P43-F4HxbwajhbvSdrSsVFhQojxul1ZOnRSiP-hed-RLlDqm6TrUGMg/s400/painted+door.jpg)
On the sides of the Casino are these statues decorating the front of where the chimneys are hidden.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhPikeEmD-UWrCDU3288hlEHDyoXJK3x5-XjaCi8bj0xUoRh3pZVBar8ii7G8rX2I1cYc1nvXqGktAAdlFFcaBUN7UWyZHVfiYZPiKjH7rH3aMx8fm3-iSGUC0Ge4Yq8zMdAk5wfBzA/s400/statue.jpg)
The views down to the rear garden lawn are now lush and green, although back in Deering's time they faced acres of canals where guests could ride gondolas; sort of a private amusement park or ultra-chic lazy river!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2RHUStg7A2FB8cwAUuCSht8kPhkqC8zV4dQN6eZa_gg9NEj25Ua8Z_o120sal9xDB58bZdulhT5T_Dm1gM31SBQlECO75zkznPslTXqnzkxIRVvn-Tfv5iA9XW7m20Z1SUFMHPTeJQ/s400/lawn.jpg)
The canals were infilled for development and a screen of trees was planted, changing the view forever.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGeU7GAfu3Essp8g5kjBvrCkFehCv-SiAOXhD06c1iSYC7EqXAEt-EhPk0DzSjrafEmh0Roo8mUIBthD92rm18Ib4B_VaqccqyagOQE0bdcGSZpKiL44LGMgpT76dGc_ftiQYV3eHIA/s400/retaining+wall.jpg)
The steps snake down the sides of the casino and down to what would have been a gondola launch.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlClHUi0-PvUVP_Z11PZxTlgC0SybpjqYz1xQuIggZW7gWKwAy0jLUR_3mx2qlKsFGo2TFspCdB2mpU2hedcFPGmhY8bBwvJjiupOyf_bs_TO_BEmXrg_wOmuB0eQK0gVRNJiuN9w2A/s400/staircase.jpg)
The underside of the casino had restrooms flanking a loggia, similar to upstairs, which are now mechanical rooms. I loved these little round windows looking into these rooms below.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqaYo8kiOrwfcsH7E4wRmB1ghg7a78HoxAnAkyFn-ffZJOL0Kd_Sb6j7urDDw5ijUUPUWWTQ6UDfilET8TxjrxS4ybXm5pivWx4k2B8rzve28pfwOJUbxpmwlFyzQ0fpHwJd2kQWNfw/s400/round+window.jpg)
The little Casino doesn't look so small from behind!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY3ff3o09C29Kylre6gxUg7oUvq8P2G4_lksrPeG3JcNX5I_Vfd8k0nMHtsaCAgdY2ybQ4brJuS4nZY3-StEKtxx2NuJ6A7Uj2l556ZxuMXFi18LzYx8CUz5TtkMjbvTcsM0IppgaIg/s400/rear+facade.jpg)
The photoshoot seemed to be following me around the gardens.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMvvN27EHGA54WUAtUMssEjQDIbsHatwBVOg7dK2dCWsgHeK4pB9FLa-RRbHr0jmw-bBNELCjy37XxcKaYuXIdsBxNJdEw8eJfBdsFGvQtLLZGcIWTQo_VD0nzdZIka9eZJ2TY75JLg/s400/model.jpg)
Notice the delicate ironwork.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5uzCNGSCyvpvSo-YP023j3Qfb7NPeiGvnmpMCKRLgFfthwZTdC6espdMMJ5AsVir4d_Q69aG8acZWcuIYCuSAn6kXWeN-kXX2bn4r7lWvSv5ZIVbo9w7c5Cw04ZqE7NUbbfXfHMfiA/s400/balcony.jpg)
The rusticated coral limestone is really spectacular at this lower level.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisr7vclTgyQFnuoHCisZWaOfdmrc9gX1sulg1Ue2mOdenm3yHOVQ1hHMPIkZ7iAII5XYywtPHYsBmcowuaycEiEMMUePsBV_UytH_zCtYW3I6fv8qsQNH-M7rryGETMZaVIoq0iMSlPA/s400/symmetry.jpg)
The lower loggia has fountains in line with the openings and a barrel vaulted ceiling.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoeMpq2iMhschOWla98znYI5t8lUg7aLlkStsZlGYTWgdzvUj7OLTLV5EfNHBaZM9aHowO503F7i4zFVCQpd8sSk9yMF7J9eWyVWG-x0VK7c9fyHGy1XTEP5CSiBcOwvEG02P8SA-ag/s400/grotto.jpg)
The overdoors to the entry to the bathrooms have these great faces!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPmCDPgz4cbScQrWm-xI-WiD_yXJWy9IQfr2e7wTVrV7asKzJXccOS3Q23otH8orX3g0sYwDmVs_Xz0_1nkkh5LDQGsayYoVlXIdtM4yqIvPV3zS5QoWAFNYtf_vm8uKvnYXczFaRBg/s400/overdoor.jpg)
It's not Italianaite without some statuary!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN7CKwPr_eXhCFbvzrIW3KWmHOU361cxCSC7kIp6XFKQ6f65dww6luLDdCr3-M0e0BvR4dTarMEznhXjwn08i5DCmDAMQ5fnbCN_DmpmOggm5fj-HkzRCcMCn8fi1TrmxljrV5Kf57A/s400/roofline.jpg)
The launch for the long-gone gondolas still exists, albeit it a little overgrown.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmIL80eNRonsWcqBBnMqiJq_hVNvvU4PHpp-2Cp3A5tjA_4EZ1ih0EsReC7U4nhf5PG_4UDAryUifqhz9XHqLbKpi3jBFtb9fH3FUp0inMkifDE6He31beyRoqQSAtWcBa0H5O1Lefw/s400/terrace.jpg)
A charming reminder of what once was.