sfl-getaway-deeringestate
(
Bonnie Gross
/
April 10, 2007
)
The sweeping view of Biscayne Bay at Deering Estate is like a soothing balm on jangled urban nerves. It alone is worth the visit, but this Miami-Dade County park offers much more.
Visitors can tour two historic buildings that were the home to Charles Deering, the wealthy industrialist who was chairman of International Harvester. One, the Richmond Cottage, was originally a hotel in the historic town of Cutler, which disappeared when the railroad passed it by. The other, the 1922 Stone House, is a grand castle-like place. Both buildings lack the furniture and decor of their day, but the spaces and views they offer are stunning.
Don't miss the wine cellar in the Stone House! Hidden behind a false-wall and two bank-safe-like doors is a room that housed 5,000 bottles of champagne, wine and spirits, hidden during the Prohibition. Flooded by a 1945 hurricane, the space has been restored to include hundreds of vintage bottles.
Deering also offers natural wonders, including frequent visits by manatees to its boat basin, and a hardwood hammock, where naturalists lead walks to a Tequesta Indian burial mound.
Hurricane Andrew came ashore near Deering Estate in 1992 and the 16-foot storm surge did millions of dollars of damages to the property. It has all been lovingly restored now.
Learn more here, including about guided canoe trips..
-- Bonnie Gross
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