Agriculture Equipment Made This Dream Come True - The Deering Estate

Charles Deering was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the son of William Deering, founder of Deering Harvester McCormick-International Harvester Company, and brother of millionaire industrialist James Deering who built Vizcaya nearby. When Deering purchased the 444-acre property in 1916, it contained the Richmond Cottage, a three-story wooden house built by S. Howard Richmond, agent for the Perrine Land Grant Company, as his family home. In 1900, Richmond completed renovations which converted the home into a 22-room hotel. Over the next several years Deering added a carriage house, pump house and power house to the estate. He also enclosed his estate with a limestone and concrete wall and built the boat turning basin in Biscayne Bay. In 1922 he completed his three-story Mediterranean Stone House, which was inspired by two castles in Sitges, Spain and moved in. Deering was nervous about fire and the Stone House was completed without a stove. There was a kitchen in the Richmond Cottage, and that was good enough for him. Deering only lived here from 1922 until his death in 1927. After Charles’ death the property remained in the family until 1982, but when his daughter died the property was put up for sale. In 1984, the estate was purchased by Finley Matheson who fought to get it turned into a state park and in 1986 was purchased by the Sate of Florida and added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The Richmond Cottage

Looking out to the boat turnaround

The powerhouse

Derring Family Tree

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A view of both the Richmond Cottage and the Stone house from the water.

The boat turnaround basin

Stone House exterior

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Inside the Great Hall

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The study

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He intended the house to be used as a showcase for his art collection and books.

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Some of the second floor rooms displaying antiques and art

Mr Deering's bedroom

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Another bedroom

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The Deering Estate logo on the linens.

Bathroom

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This large wine cellar that is located on the first floor was not discovered until after Hurricane Andrew. It was very well hidden behind built-in cabinetry. Hurricane Andrew flooded the first floor and damaged much of it. It was during the clean up process that it was discovered.

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Richmond Cottage is considered the most haunted place in southern Florida. Several ghosts are said to be actively haunting the estate including Mr & Mrs Deering.

Rockers and a quite sitting area on the Richmond Cottage porch

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The main hall

The dining room

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The kitchen and meal preparation area

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In the Victorian Garden Room

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Some of the second floor bedrooms and bath which are considered haunted.

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Back on the porch

In 1985 the State of Florida purchased the estate for $22.5 million, and is managed by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails.

• Restrooms are available.

• There is ample free parking outside the estate entrance.

• One price admission includes self-guided tours of the two houses and the grounds.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here exploring.

• Picnicking is allowed in certain areas.

• The Deering Estate is considered the most haunted place in South Florida and conduct Ghost Tours too.

• Check website for days and hours of operation, and any special events.

Location: 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33157

For more information: The Deering Estate