west palm beach mansion tour

• 3718 Eastview Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
• [email protected]

Legends of the Past Historic Home Tour

Step back in time to experience the enchantment of old West Palm Beach. Returning for the first time in fourteen years, Northwood Hills’ Home Tour will have a variety of architecture on display from castle homes to mid-century modern. Tour through ten, one-of-a-kind historic homes while sampling complimentary appetizers from some of the city’s finest local restaurants. Specialty wine and beer will also be served at each home. Finish the evening with a toast, dessert, and live entertainment at our garden soirée.

A rain or shine event.

Additional Details:

At parking/check-in, located at 4111 N. Terrace Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, you’ll receive a booklet that includes a map and information about each house on the tour. The tour is self guided and should take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in each house. You’re welcome to come anytime between 3 – 8, however the tour ends at 8 so we suggest arriving no later than 5 pm.

At each house you’ll tour through the home then head into the backyard for a bite to eat, a drink, and then you’ll head to the next house. The ten homes are spread amongst just six blocks, so the route is very walkable. However, we will have golf carts circulating for those that may need a lift.

Currently, tickets may only be purchased at the check-in tent at 4111 N. Terrace Dr., West Palm Beach, FL 33407, for $60.

Welcome to the Flagler Museum

When it was completed in 1902, the  New York Herald  proclaimed that Whitehall, Henry Flagler's Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, was "more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world." Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the Flagler Museum, offering self-guided tours, changing exhibitions, and special programs.

General Admission tickets are available for purchase in person or online.

Purchase Now   Visitor Information

Shop for Flagler Museum souvenirs, historical books, unique gifts, and more!

Enjoy Tea in the Railcar 91 Tea Room overlooking Lake Worth.

A National Historic Landmark

Click below to read the Flagler Museum's digital publications such as Annual Reports, Inside Whitehall  magazines, and the Season Program Guide.

Digital Publications

Mission The mission of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is to preserve and interpret Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s legacy, and America’s Gilded Age, in ways that inspire every generation to perpetuate and emulate the traditions and values that have made America the most prosperous and generous nation in history.

The Flagler Museum is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1973

Reaccredited for an additional 10 years in October 2020

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Worth Avenue Walking Tours

The Worth Avenue Association has chosen the   Historical Society of Palm Beach County   as “Charity of Choice” for the season. 

Worth Avenue Association Historic Walking Tours

Every Wednesday the Worth Avenue Association conducts a 75 minute historical walking tour led by Mr. Rick Rose, our historical docent.  Through colorful anecdotes and commentary, the exciting and informative tours explores the origins and character of Worth Avenue, its unique architecture, the historical significance of may of its legendary landmarks and some of its famous residents.

The tour begins at 10:30 am in Via Amore at 256 Worth Avenue across from Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.  There is free two hour parking on the street or at the Apollo parking lot for a fee.  The cost of the tour is $25 per person and a portion of which benefits the Historical Society of Palm Beach County as our “charity of choice”.  Registration is required by purchasing a ticket HERE .

Please be prompt for the tour so that we may check you in and issue your participating wrist band for identification.

You can also pick up a copy of Rick Rose’s book, Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town and take a self-guided tour of iconic Worth Avenue and the surrounding Palm Beach area.  This comprehensive illustrated guide to the “American’s First Resort Destination” is a rich and beautifully curated collection of the town, filled with the top must-sees, restaurants, one-of-a-kind shopping and attractions.  Copies of the Second Edition (2022) are available at the Museum Store.

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2 Responses

I would like to know what months the Worth Avenue walking tour takes place? My next visit to Palm Beach will specifically be to join the walk. Thank you.

Hello, this is no longer an event we host. Worth avenue tours are done at the Worth Avenue Association, which you can find on their website 🙂

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Phone: 561.832.4164

Mail: P.O. Box 4364 West Palm Beach, FL 33402

Visit: 300 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401

MUSEUM HOURS

Monday  10 am – 4 pm Tuesday 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm Thursday 10 am – 4 pm Thursday 10 am – 4 pm Friday 10 am – 4 pm Saturday 10 am – 4 pm Sunday Closed

©2021 Historical Society of Palm Beach County, All Rights Reserved. | Site By Immersive Spaces, LLC​

10 ways to enjoy Palm Beach island history, beauty & recreation

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 24, 2024

Palm Beach island is the exclusive winter home of billionaires and their poorer colleagues, the multi-millionaires. It is, of course, home to what former President Trump called the Winter White House, Mar-a-Lago.

A dozen presidents ago, John F. Kennedy also had a Palm Beach island home.

All this history means Palm Beach island is an interesting place to visit; all that money means it is also quite beautiful.

There are plenty of things to do in Palm Beach island: While you gawk at mansions and ficus hedges sculpted into works of art, you can also do a little snorkeling, biking and visiting museums.

The opulence of the island of Palm Beach is easy to spot: The pets are so pampered that there are four dog-watering fountains built around the town including one on Worth Avenue that is a picturesque basin made from Italian ceramic tile.

Of course, you see the flashy new Bentleys and Rolls Royces around town, but year ‘round residents tend to favor a nicely kept older Jaguar as their “beach” car.

You have to look hard for the Publix; in Palm Beach island, the only sign is its name subtly carved into the entrance.

If you book a luxury lodging deal in Palm Beach, you may want to spend much of your time taking advantage of the amenities at your hotel.

But when you’re ready to explore, here are 10 things to see, do and enjoy in Palm Beach:

1. Biking the Lake Trail in Palm Beach island

Palm Beach island has one of the best bike trails in Florida, the Lake Trail, which has views of Lake Worth and mansions. You can rent bikes at Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop, 223 Sunrise Ave.  You might use bikes to visit other spots listed below. Here’s a Florida Rambler guide to biking the Lake Trail.

2. Tour the Flagler Mansion

If you haven’t visited it, the Flagler Museum is the top attraction. Whitehall, as it is called, is a 75-room mansion built by railroad mogul Henry Flagler, who founded Palm Beach island and built The Breakers.

Knowing about Flagler (1830-1913) is essential to understanding not just Palm Beach, but all of Florida. In addition to his importance to history, his personal story is more dramatic than a season of Downton Abbey and his Gilded Age mansion is just as opulent as Downton. Admission is $18 adults; $10 ages 13 to 17; $3 ages 6-12.

When visiting the Flagler Museum, call ahead and find out when docent-led tours are available. We missed the 2 p.m. tour and instead took a very good self-guided audio tour. But on previous visits, the docent tour was memorable. Details .

3. Window shop on Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue, home to luxury stores such as Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Gucci, is a pleasure to stroll, even for those not into shopping. The charm comes from the nine “vias” or pedestrian walkways that lead off the avenue into courtyards filled with fountains, bougainvillea, Old World tile-work and more shops.

The vias are where you will see how architect Addison Mizner captured a bit of Venice here. Via Mizner, by the way, leads to a lovely courtyard with an excellent and affordable Italian restaurant, Pizza Al Fresco .  Look carefully in the courtyard and you’ll also spot the grave of Mizner’s pet monkey Johnnie Brown .

While on Worth Avenue, be sure to admire the Living Wall at the corner of Worth Avenue and South County Road. The verdant vertical garden, added a few years ago, cost a quarter-million dollars and contains 10,000 plants.

Also nearby: Pan’s Garden. This Palm Beach Island garden is an insider’s secret. It’s the only botanic garden in Florida devoted only to native plants and it is full of delights. It’s free and makes an excellent addition to a day in Palm Beach. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Pan’s Garden .

Historic tours of Worth Avenue

These are only offered in the winter, so if you’re in Palm Beach December to April, you can take a 75-minute walking tour of Worth Avenue with Rick Rose at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Tickets are $25 per person. Details.

4. Find a moment of peace at historic Palm Beach island church

Stop by the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea , 141 S. County Road, and peak inside the Gothic Revival church. The parish hall has a Tiffany window and behind the buildings are beautiful gardens with a koi pond. Bethesda-by-the-Sea, which some call the most beautiful church in America, was the site of the wedding of President Donald Trump and Melania. (Bill and Hillary attended. And boy does everybody look young. )

5. Lunch at Green’s Pharmacy

If you’re interested in the Kennedy clan, which famously had a winter home at the beach here, you’ll want to have breakfast or lunch at Green’s Pharmacy and Luncheonette , 151 N. County Road, Palm Beach.

It’s an old-fashioned drug store with a soda fountain and lunch counter that hasn’t changed much over the decades. As a youth, JFK and his brothers would stop here and there are many stories of him sneaking away when president for a bite at Green’s.

The soda fountain is famous for its chocolate milk shakes, but all the food gets good reviews and it’s probably the most affordable lunch option in the area. (The Kennedy compound, altered in the ensuing years, is at 1095 N. Ocean Blvd ., and sold for $70 million in 2020.)

6. Visit the Kennedy’s church

Across the street from Green’s is Edward Catholic Church , 144 N. County Road. The 1926 Spanish Renaissance church is ornately beautiful with an intricate hand-painted ceiling worth admiring. But a big reason visitors stop is because this is where the Kennedy family worshipped.

When I visited on a Sunday between masses, a gentleman asked if it was my first visit. Hearing it was, he said “Follow me” and directed me to sit in a specific pew. I had not expected this and found it quite moving: In front of me was a small brass plaque that read: “President John F. Kennedy knelt here at Mass.” If you want to sit in that pew, it’s easier to find with a guide, but start looking about three-quarters of the way back on the left side of the right aisle.

7. Boat over to an island with a president’s bomb shelter

If you’re interested in JFK, you’ll want to visit Peanut Island , where a secret Cold War-era bomb shelter was built for President Kennedy to use if the end of world threatened while he was in Palm Beach. While Kennedy would have reached the bunker via boat from his Palm Beach estate, you’ll have to leave the island and get a water taxi either at Riviera Beach or Palm Beach Shores. You can easily spend a day on Peanut Island, which has excellent snorkeling and a picturesque walkway and picnic area, but the bunker is no longer available for tours . Details in this Florida Rambler story.

8. Snorkeling and swimming on Palm Beach island

The beaches of Palm Beach are as pretty and well-kept as the rest of the island. There is metered parking nearby. Bring your snorkeling mask because the small rocky breakwaters behind the Breakers Hotel attract schools of fish. (There are public access points to the beaches on either side of the Breakers.)

Another town park, Phipps Ocean Park , 2201 South Ocean Blvd., is a gem because there are outcroppings of limestone in the beach and near the shore, which attract fish and result in good snorkeling. There are restrooms, picnic tables and grills. Because parking is $5 an hour, it’s easy to get a space.

Nearby is the s norkeling trail along a manmade reef at Phil Foster Park.

9. Golf at an oceanside course

Just south of Phipps Ocean Park is one of the most scenic public golf courses in Florida – the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course at 2345 S. Ocean Blvd. (Golf Digest included it in its top-50 “most fun” courses in America.) The 18-hole course occupies some of the most valuable land in Florida – it extends from a fabulous ocean beach on one side to the Intracoastal. Nearly every hole on the breezy course has a view . Its summer rates are a bargain.  

Even if you don’t golf, the two-story clubhouse at the course is a great destination. Pizza Al Fresco operates an Italian restaurant there with ocean views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  If you want an outdoor table overlooking the ocean — the view and the breeze are divine — be sure to call ahead. (561-273-4130.)

10. Kayaking or sailing on Palm Beach island

One way to stay cool is to get out on the water. West Palm Beach, just across the wide Intracoastal Waterway/Lake Worth, is a good place to book an activity by boat. The Seaside Activity Station is on the waterfront at North Clematis Street and Flagler Drive 561-881-9757. There you can book a catamaran and snorkel trip, rent jet skis or kayaks or book a kayak tour to Peanut Island. Details .

Drive by Mar-A-Lago

Of course, former President Trump’s private club Mar-A-Lago is not open to the public, but you can drive by: 1100 S Ocean Blvd. It’s not in the walkable part of the island near Worth Avenue; it’s located along the oceanfront in what long ago was nicknamed Billionaire’s Row.

Here it is on Google street view:

Where to stay in Palm Beach island

No surprise: There are no budget lodgings on Palm Beach Island. However, every year, Palm Beach luxury hotels traditionally offer deals in the summer . Check the Palm Beach County tourism site .

Some of the posh hotels offering summer deals are the Brazilian Court , 301 Australian Ave. and  the centrally located Chesterfield, 363 Cocoanut Row, a smaller historic boutique hotel. Two hotels south of the town center but on the beach are the the Four Seasons Resort , 2800 South Ocean Blvd. and the  Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, 100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan.

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law.

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a sall commission when a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about Florida at no cost to you.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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Live in West Palm Beach or just visiting? These 17 things should be on your to-do list

Whether you've just moved to West Palm Beach, are considering moving to this beautiful city, just visiting the area or maybe you're a lifetime resident and just need a gentle reminder, there are lots of great things to see and do here.

If you love the arts, animals, science, great music, outdoor events, seasonal events and/or an incredible food scene, West Palm Beach has got you covered.

Whether the great outdoors are your thing or you prefer taking in the best of West Palm Beach with air conditioning, here are 15 amazing things, from north to south, definitely worth checking out:

1. Meet manatees at Manatee Lagoon

Looking for something to do outdoors on a cold day? Go see what the manatees are doing at Manatee Lagoon. Part of the FPL Eco-Discovery Center, this destination is dedicated to educating the public about manatees and the importance of the Lake Worth Lagoon. In the winter, especially after cold fronts, this literal hot-spot (really, warmer spot) can attract dozens of manatees as they congregate around the nearby power plant's warm water discharges.

Information: 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. 561-626-2833; visitmanateelagoon.com

2. Canoe through Grassy Waters Preserve

This 23-square-mile ecosystem, a pristine example of the Everglades, is a mosaic of wetlands, tree islands and forested hammocks. It is home to dozens of species of native wildlife and is an incredible place to explore on foot or by canoe or kayak. Guided tours are available.

Information: 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-804-4985; wpb.org

3. Shop and people watch at the GreenMarket

Taking the title of 'Best Farmers Market in the USA' for three years in a row (and nominated for a fourth), the West Palm Beach GreenMarket runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from October through April. Held along the city's beautiful waterfront, it features more than 110 vendors with fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, smoothies, sandwiches, arts, crafts and much more.

Information: 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. wpb.org

4. At the holiday's visit Sandi Tree

Every December, a 35-foot tall, 800-ton holiday sand sculpture fondly named Sandi, rises along the West Palm Beach waterfront. At night, the tree is the focal point of an amazingly-cool light show set to music. But she's not the only attraction. Families can also explore mini-golf, rides, music and more.

Information: 100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach. instagram.com/sanditreewpb

5. Go to the movies without stepping in a theater at Screen on the Green

Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket from which to watch a movie outdoors on the waterfront during West Palm Beach's Screen on the Green. The family friendly movies play on the second Friday of every month.

6. Check out the bands at Respectable Street

Opened in 1987, this club helped spark the downtown area's resurrection and has been a great place for drinks, dancing and seeing plenty of local and national live music acts. They have hosted over 1,000 bands ranging from locals like Surfer Blood to national acts like The Misfits, Reverend Horton Heat, A Flock of Seagulls and even The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Information: 518 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. sub-culture.org/locations/respectable-street

7. Hang out (and take a swim?) at Roxy's Pub

Stop in at this nearly 100-year-old establishment on Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Established in 1933, the pub features 64 beers on draft, 22 flat-screen televisions for watching sports and an extensive menu. They also have a  rooftop bar  which is currently in the process of adding a  rooftop pool.

Information: 309 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. roxyspub.com

8. Take a 2-hour water tour from a catamaran

Enjoy a sunset cruise aboard the Hakuna Matata Catamaran Cruise that leaves from the West Palm Beach docks. Take in the beautiful architecture on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway during the two-hour trip.

Information: 138 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. 561-881-9757; visitpalmbeach.com/water-tours

9. Admire the (Chihuly) glass ceiling at the Norton Museum of Art

Walk below and snag Insta-worthy pics of the amazing 600-piece Chihuly glass ceiling at the Norton Museum of Art found along the Dixie Corridor in West Palm Beach. The colorful pieces combine to make an artwork that looks like light pouring through a coral reef and is called the "Persian Sea Life" ceiling. The museum is home to several permanent collections and has classes, docent led tours and events like 'Art After Dark' on Friday nights, many times with live music.

Information: 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. norton.org

10. Dine along the so-called Dixie Corridor

The Dixie Corridor dining scene, starting at Okeechobee Boulevard and working south along South Dixie Highway, is a food lovers dream with literally dozens of great restaurants. Some of these include HIVE Bakery & Café , Table 26 Palm Beach , Grato , Joy Noodles & Asian Cuisine, Pig Beach BBQ, kitchen , Celis Juice Bar , Ana's Killer Empanadas , Lynora's Kitchen , City Diner, Cholo Soy Cocina , Belle & Maxwell's, Rhythm Café, Tropical Smokehouse , Howley's Diner , Austin Republic , Palm Beach Meats , Dixie Grill & Brewery, The Blue Door and more. That's all in about a two-mile stretch so come hungry!

Information: South Dixie Highway from Okeechobee Boulevard south to Ellamar Road

11. Grab some air at Phipps Skate Park

Work your wheels — skateboard, in-line or BMX bike — on the specially made courses at West Palm Beach's Phipps Skate Park off Dixie Highway. The park is undergoing major renovations and upgrading its steel and panel ramps with new, much better, concrete ramps. The ramps are being built by Spohn Ranch Skateparks out of California and are expected to be completed in summer 2024.

Information: 4715 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. wpb.org

12. Meet more than 350 wild animals at the Palm Beach Zoo

See over 350 species including cougars, capybaras, jaguars, tigers, tapirs, bears, otters, koalas, kookaburas and more at this West Palm Beach landmark that began over 60 years ago. Bring swimsuits for the zoo's fountain and splash pad and during the holidays don't miss Zoo Lights when over one million eco-friendly lights are used to illuminate the park, trees and pathways.

Information: 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-547-9453; palmbeachzoo.org

13. Time travel to the 1970s via laser light planetarium concert at the science center

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is home to the area's only planetarium, where laser light concerts are on the schedule. The center also offers incredible exhibitions and other planetarium show. The already-awesome facility is slated for a major upgrade and expansion.

Information: 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach. 561-832-1988; coxsciencecenter.org

More: Higher construction costs push Cox Science Center in West Palm Beach to hike fundraising goal

14. Go further back in time at Yesteryear Village

Discover a large collection of early, original and replicated buildings including an old school, a farm, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and several houses. One of those houses, the Riddle House, which was featured on the show "Ghost Adventures."

Information: 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. southfloridafair.com

15. See a real Willy Wonka golden ticket, and lots of candy

The Bulk Candy Store is packed with all the sweet treats you could ever desire. Seriously. From Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, Jelly Belly, Smarties, Lemonheads, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Skittles, Dubble Bubble, Chick-O-Sticks, Bit-O-Honey, Mike and Ike, Now and Later, Pez, Hot Tamales, Jolly Rancher, Pop Rocks, Charleston Chew, Fun Dip, Chuckles, Twizzlers, Nerds and more, if you love it, there's a good chance they have it — along with 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn, chocolate treats, fudge and nuts. As if that wasn't enough, the stores has a shrine to sweetness filled with art and memorabilia. Not just any pieces either, they pretty much have the Holy Grail of candy memorabilia in their collection. Yes, they have a golden ticket and an Everlasting Gobstopper from the all-time classic, 1971 movie "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory." That golden ticket was even signed by all the child actors in the movie. To see these pieces, as well as six rooms of candy memorabilia, sign up from one of their 40-minute tours. Reservations are required.

Information: 235 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach. 561-540-1600; bulkcandystore.com

16. (Window?) shop your way down Antique Row

Word has it that an Architectural Digest story in the 1990s cemented Antique Row's reputation as a destination for those in pursuit of items from the 1920s Art Deco and mid-century modern eras. The stretch along South Dixie Highway just north of Southern Boulevard has become more polished in the decades since that article and is now "full of moneyed newcomers and trendy restaurants, and an annual street fair," reporter Kimberly Miller wrote in 2023.

17. Check out the garden you wish you had - the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden

The house, studio and gardens in West Palm Beach's El Cid neighborhood were the former residence of Ann Weaver Norton and husband Ralph Hubbard Norton. Built in the 1920s, the place is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is just a cool space (literally — the yard is shaded by all variety of native fauna and gets a breeze from the nearby Intracoastal). There you can also find more than 100 works by Ann Norton, who was a world class artist and sculptor whose work appeared in solo and group exhibits around the world, including in the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Ann Norton died in 1982, but her home, studio and fabulous gardens are open to the public for an admission fee or membership. There you will find hundreds of sculptures, some of them abstract looming monoliths of brick others more recognizable in form. All worth a gander.

Information: 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach; 561- 832-5328. ansg.org

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] . Help support our journalism.  Subscribe today .

Old Northwood Historic Candlelight Home Tour

Location & Hours

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3510 Spruce Ave

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

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Old Northwood is one of Palm Beaches oldest neighborhoods. It consists of over 320 buildings from the 1920's. This event included a food and house tour of the neighborhood. I was so impressed by how well put together the tour was. Unfortunately I found out about the tour after it was sold out. I still followed the Facebook page however and the morning of the event messages started popping up from people who couldn't make it and had to sell their tickets. I was able to secure three VIP tickets that included the tastings at the restaurants and the home tour. the VIP ticket was $75 and the home tour alone was $35. If you can swing the extra money for the VIP ticket that is definitely the way to go. The VIP ticket included food and drink pairings from seven restaurants in the Old Northwood District. The restaurants on the tour included Bistro Bistro Cafe, Malakor Thai Cafe, Cafe Centro, Mestizo Peruvian Restaurant, Grilled Cheese Gallery, Sunset Bar and Grill, and Table 427. The night started with wine and cookies at the Circa Who furniture store. There was free parking in a lot only a few feet from the store. All of the food and drinks I sampled were wonderful. The restaurants were so welcoming and I enjoyed everything. I definitely want to go back to each restaurant and try more of their menu. I was beyond full by the time I finished the tasting tour. The second part of the evening was the house tour. A perk of the VIP ticket was a band that let you cut to the front of the line of the house tours. There were ten historic houses on the tours The ability to cut the line was fantastic because some of the lines were extremely long. Without the VIP ticket I am not sure that I would have made it to all of the houses. The houses were amazing and the owners were welcoming. My favorite houses were the mayor's known as the Mansion, the Mango Tango House which has an Airbnb out back, and #4 and #5 which are two properties that have been combined into one compound with six aviaries, a koi pond, and gardens. All of the houses were tastefully decorated for Christmas and they all served wine and water. In addition to the house tour there was entertainment in the form of Victorian carolers and a marching band. There was also a pop up shop selling merchandise. Snacks including churros, soft pretzels, and popcorn were dispensed on the street. Molly's Trolleys provided transportation up and down the street. I definitely feel that you get a value for your money with the VIP ticket. I wouldn't want to tour without it. We arrived at 2 and didn't get finished until past 8 so it was a very long afternoon/ night. This tour is very popular and the lines to get into houses got quite long so the ability to skip the line is critical to seeing everything. This event also sells out so start looking for tickets to be posted in September. According to my tour guide the houses and restaurants change every year so I will definitely be back. This was one of my favorite events that I attended this holiday season.

See all photos from Ariel W. for Old Northwood Historic Candlelight Home Tour

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Tour a Famous Socialite’s Former Palm Beach Estate That’s Truly Palatial

By Nicole Anderson

Photography by James McDonald

Styled by Carlos Mota and Mieke ten Have

The sun-kissed barrier island of Palm Beach, known for its glitz and glamour, is dotted with some of the East Coast’s most stately homes. Few, however, capture the imagination quite like one grand Mediterranean Revival–style estate, commissioned in the early 1920s by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Rarely do such storied landmarks come to market. For one preservationist-minded client, it was a project that, without a doubt, was worth pursuing. “She couldn’t stop dreaming about it,” says designer Mary McGee , who is based in Boston and Palm Beach. “My client has an incredible eye for historic properties and has a real passion for saving and restoring them.”

The sprawling estate—replete with lush gardens, fountains, and a three-story Spanish bell tower—was designed by famed Palm Beach society architect  Marion Sims Wyeth , whose work includes such opulent manses as Post’s second home, Mar-a-Lago, and utilities magnate Clarence H. Geist’s Spanish villa, Claridad. Post, ever the socialite, conceived the house for entertaining, with floor-to-ceiling French doors in every room and spilling out into the courtyards and gardens. Together with her second husband Edward F. Hutton, Post became famous for hosting lavish parties with Hollywood starlets often in attendance. “The back of the house is shaped like a U, which Marion Sims Wyeth [supposedly] did on purpose because Marjorie Merriweather Post entertained so much that she wanted to be able to open up all her doors on the first floor to this really big, beautiful outdoor terrace so people could flow from the inside out,” McGee explains.

By the time the clients purchased the home, however, it needed an update to better suit their needs. The project called for a two-fold approach that focused on restoring the home’s architectural features while adding modern-day comforts. The challenge, McGee says, was striking the right balance, making sure that the changes were at once “respectful of [the house’s] history” and “kid-friendly.”

The first phase, which is now complete, began with an extensive renovation, returning the home to its former glory through both small and large interventions. ( Architect Jacqueline Albarran and Sloane Construction worked on the residence as well.) The original hardwood floors in the dining room were restored, as was the tiled flooring in the kitchen. The paneling in the Trellis Room, which Post had commissioned, has since been preserved and repainted. The most substantial change was made to the house’s original kitchen. The client wanted an informal place where her four kids could relax and watch TV, and so she decided to transform the kitchen—which was quite large, in part due to Post’s penchant for entertaining—into a bright, citrus-hued family room with a breakfast table at one end. “Normally in homes, there are these big kitchens with sitting rooms, but none of us thought that was important in Palm Beach because you [so often] go out to dinner or [are] always on the go,” McGee says.

Equally important to the renovation were the design flourishes that the designer delicately deployed to complement the estate’s historic grandeur. When the clients, for example, wanted to preserve the original murals in the dining room, McGee created a cream backdrop to make them “the star” features. For the home’s interior, McGee landed on a more neutral color palette that would elevate rather than compete with the property’s verdant grounds. “We used lots of creams and whites, so that the beauty of the nature surrounding the home was not really distracted by, let’s say, too much pattern, too many colors,” McGee says. “But I strewed these kinds of fabrics that might have blooms on them, like a little floral pattern, just to mix in a little bit of classicism with modern touches of art.”

The project’s initial construction took place during the pandemic, which presented some challenges but also some unexpected opportunities. Regardless of supply chain issues, a renovation of this scale, explains McGee, takes time and special attention. For the designer, the process is meant to be more organic, more layered, in which you “find things that you really love and then bring them into the mix.” And the clients, who have now happily settled into their winter vacation home, couldn’t agree more. “We have a great time working together,” McGee says.

Heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband Edward F. Hutton commissioned popular Palm Beach architect Marion Sims Wyeth in 1921 to design their palatial abode. The newly restored three-story bell tower welcomes visitors to the property.

“I love the formality of the paneling and that old fireplace, which is original,” says McGee, who also recognized the need for a healthy mix of styles. “Every room has something that’s kind of pretty, so it’s not a 100% classic.” She struck this balance by adding whimsical touches, such as “a peacock for playfulness” and a pair of ottomans in  Clarence House silk leopard velvet.

The client was keen on preserving the dining room’s original murals commissioned by Merriweather Post. To “counterbalance” the mural’s dark tones, McGee says she kept the room “light and airy” with a  Patterson Flynn rug and a custom dining table and chairs all in a white color palette.  Vladimir Kanevsky’s porcelain bouquets are a nod to Post’s own “true love of flowers,” McGee says.

The kitchen—formerly the breakfast room—has the original tiles from the Merriweather Post estate. McGee updated the space with new marble counters, an Italian Statuario Backsplash, and custom hardware by  P.E. Guerin .

By Katherine McLaughlin

The home’s original kitchen was turned into a family room with a light-filled breakfast nook. The  Quadrille Fabrics curtains play off the leafy flora peeking through the windows.

“Sunshine is sprinkled throughout in shades of citron and chartreuse in the family room,” says McGee, who furnished the space with a custom  Manuel Canovas green velvet sofa and drapes in  Quadrille Fabrics .

The trellis room—featuring 10 or so floor-to-ceiling doors that open to the outside— is the perfect example of “living inside out,” says McGee, who notes its prime views of the gardens. Anchoring the room is a round table with a tangerine-hued, skirted  Fortuny fabric. An antique chandelier accentuates the room’s architectural grandeur.

“Throughout the home, beautiful blooms are scattered subtly, from floral appliqués on pillows to porcelain flowers by Vladimir Kanevsky, contrasted by touches of modern art,” says McGee, who even extended that approach to the home’s dramatic stairwell.

The tropical Floridian landscape feels ever present in the guest room, which features a shell mirror above the fireplace mantel, hand-painted  Gracie panels, and an antique rattan fan chair. The tufted sofa in a light pink fabric from  Rogers & Goffigon along with  Fortuny bed pillows provide bright pops of color.

In this guest room, rattan takes center stage with a wicker bed from  FS Henemader Antiques , two vintage chairs from  Andre Hayat , and a fanciful side table in the shape of a creature.

“My client wanted [the house] to be pretty…but she also wanted it to be a happy project for her kids,” McGee says. The airy, cheerful bathroom, painted in  Benjamin Moore’s Peach ​​Nectar , accomplishes just that with its large soaking tub and  D. Porthault towels.

Tucked away in the garden is a table flanked by two chairs from  Creel and Gow where family members can sit and enjoy the verdant landscape.

McGee maximized the outdoors by creating a number of comfortable, shaded areas on the estate’s grounds. On the patio, a  Mario Lopez Torres chandelier hangs above a few pieces of outdoor furniture upholstered in  Perennials Fabric , which call to mind the native plants and greenery.

A new pool by landscape architects Keith Williams and Nievera Williams abuts a courtyard where Merriweather Post hosted her many parties. Wyeth supposedly designed the back of the house to be U-shaped so that every single room on the first floor, from the kitchen to the trellis room, had floor-to-ceiling French doors that allowed for seamless movement from the inside to the grounds.

The pool cabana—the only new structure built on the property—offers a shaded reprieve where the clients and their children can relax day or night, lounging on one of the Italian wicker chairs or taking in the poolside view from the vintage sofa.

By Zoë Sessums

By Morgan Goldberg

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Take an Exclusive Tour of the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach

Transportive interiors and jaw-dropping outdoor rooms will leave you inspired to instill a deeper sense of personality and vibrancy into your own home.

This year's Show House chairs include Joy Moyler , Ellie Cullman , and VERANDA's own Steele Thomas Marcoux, with Bunny Williams serving as honorary chair. The event's co-chairs are Jonathan Savage and Billy Ceglia .

The Show House was sponsored by Bank of America , Benjamin Moore , Casa Branca, Currey & Company, Brown Jordan , Christopher William Lifestyle Technology, Cosentino, Cowtan & Tout , Dea Luxury Linens , Fabricut , Hive Collective , JennAir/ Ferguson, Kohler , Kravet Inc, Leisure Piece, Little Greene , Land Rover Palm Beach, New York Design Center , Perennials and Sutherland , Pioneer Linens , Primestones, Related Southeast, Rug & Kilim , Samuel & Sons , Sanderson , Sciame , Sherrill Furniture , Singulart, Storia Flooring, Susan’s Jewelry , The Colony Hotel , The Shade Store, Thibaut, and VERANDA.

Opening day for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is Thursday, February 22, with four, two-hour sessions lasting from noon until 8 p.m. General admission begins on February 23 and lasts until March 17, with tickets starting at $50. As always, all proceeds from this event will benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County .

While the house offers a masterful blend of timeless elements, it also highlights exciting design trends. A few of our favorites include art-grade lighting, multi-sensory experiences, dazzling ceiling treatments, welcome pops of sunny yellow, and more creative references to the coastal charm of this resort town. Read on for an exclusive peek inside the dazzling rooms of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach—Florida's wit and whimsy will meet you at the front door.

Environment Design Group's Front Garden

Local landscape architecture firm Environment Design Group transformed the home's exterior with lush native planting materials from Coastal Gardens . The team sourced planters and pots from Jay Scotts Collection .

Nadia Watts Interior Design’s “Lively Loggia”

Given the task of reimagining two spaces (the home’s front loggia and foyer-gallery on the following slide), Nadia Watts set out to create distinct areas that reveal an aesthetic rich in color, pattern, texture, and scale. The loggia is pared back, intended to be a breezy and refreshing welcome with a few lively surprises, such as the yellow-painted Brown Jordan furniture, textural Rug & Kilim floor coverings, and the cheeky woven chandelier from vintage Circa Who . Hand-scraped terracotta planters from Sutherland bursting with citrus trees; vibrant pillow fabrics from Harlequin , Sanderson , and her own collection with Kravet ; and tabletop accessories from Casa Branca round out the inviting outdoor space while also creating a visual thread with the bold gallery inside.

“For the front loggia area, I wanted there to be enough visual interest to loosen you up before you go inside and welcome visitors with the playfulness of the chandelier and all the colors in the furniture and pillows,” says Watts. “I wanted it to feel more like a sitting area to lounge in instead of breezing right through to go into the house. This way, visitors are prepared to walk inside, pause in the entry, and look at all the colors and textures paired together.”

Nadia Watts Interior Design’s “Jeweled Gallery”

Inside, the design gets personal as Watts found inspiration from the celestial and jewel-toned colors loved by her legendary great-great-grandfather, Louis Comfort Tiffany, of Tiffany Studios. Every selection infuses a bit of the romantic essence of his iconic stained glass to create a punchy space full of wonder.

Works sourced from Singulart adorn the turquoise Porter Teleo -clad walls, while a series of green glass Currey & Company chandeliers draws the eye up. The curvy rug from Retorra and pleated embroidered draperies fabricated by The Shade Store lend an opulent sense of coziness, while vibrant velvet pillow fabrics by Harlequin and Sanderson , trimmed in playful fringe and beaded borders by Samuel & Sons , echo the artworks' riotous palette. Watts ensures there’s never a dull moment in this room from the moment you enter.

Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.’s “Salon D’Allure”

The team behind Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. took the opportunity to conjure something fresh and bold in the home's grand living room. The space is a play on the age-old design debate of minimalism versus maximalism, employing the former for furniture plan and flow while leaning on the latter for the actual decoration (does the ceiling's custom center light fixture from Better Designed Lighting give it away?).

“The room is very large and open—daunting, quite frankly—but it allowed us to dive in and create something completely unique,” says Mark Thee, principal and co-founder of the firm. “We didn't want the space to give itself away right when you walked in, so we created a veiled feeling that lets eyes stop on certain areas throughout the room.”

Named "Salon D'allure," the space was intended to be an entertainer’s paradise, and its flow was a major driver of the design, beginning with the grounding (and gracious) oval rug. However, the whole room is a show piece, from the fantastical Arte wallcovering (a springboard for the design) fashioned into a screen to the wealth of curious and one-of-a-kind collected items, such as a chair from Rose Tarlow 's private collection and Ron Dier Design sculptures from Jerry Pair .

Tristan Harstan & Company’s “La Mer Pacifique"

Tristan Harstan is a firm believer that a dining room needs to feel intimate, and his first challenge was counterbalancing this space's scale to feel comfortable and inviting. He imagined the area as a breath of fresh air from the home's commotion and a destination for candlelit dinner parties.

Rooted in Harstan’s love of classicism and history, the space reflects its coastal context through the scenic de Gournay wallcovering and palm leaf Paul Ferrante chandelier. The palette of refreshing blues—like the dining chairs’ splashy Scalamandré fabric paired with lustrous Samuel & Sons cording—enhances the oasis. An ivory Colefax and Fowler silk fashioned into draperies by The Shade Store adds an extra dose of warmth and serenity while a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings from Ainsworth-Noah bring depth and texture.

From the metallic Thibaut wallcovering on the ceiling to the crystals in the chandelier to the gilded lamp bases from Christopher Spitzmiller , there's also healthy dose of glitz.

“I prefer a jewel-like sparkle when you’re having dinner with candles at the table,” says Harstan. “It’s easy for things to get gimmicky and overdone in a show house setting, but I think this space is what interior design should be all about: tastefulness and classicism that never goes out of style.”

SAVAGE Interior Design’s “Savage Study”

Tasked with reimagining the generous library, Jonathan Savage edited things down a bit to create a lighter, brighter, and more refreshing retreat. He covered three of the five existing built-in bookcases to make the space less overpowering, added fluted architectural moldings from Casa Metier over the remaining shelves, and swathed the walls in Benjamin Moore ’s San Andres Blue. A Phillip Jeffries lacquered wallcovering on the ceiling adds a touch of reflective glamour.

“The design started with Zimmer + Rohde ’s newest textile collection and this amazing wicker woven sphere from Currey & Company ,” Savage says. “The 15-foot ceiling was a challenge, but the fixture is the icing on top. It’s a space that can handle a piece like that. There’s a modern edginess happening here that’s still very comfortable and inviting with the softer color palette.”

A curation of elegant vignettes, the room features a show-stopping center seating area along with shelves filled with a host of unique collectibles and the color-blocked artworks from William Finlayson . Draperies fabricated by The Shade Store incorporate another layer of geometric pattern while adding an element of warmth.

An elegant bar, covered in architectural moldings from Casa Metier and topped with Cosentino 's Silestone Le Chic stone, welcomes all to this contemporary-meets-classic lounge. The space is accessorized with a sleek Kohler bar sink and faucetry and earthy-colored artwork by Tim Woolcock .

Helen Bergin Interiors’ “An Oceanic Dreamland”

Local designer Helen Bergin sourced inspiration from her favorite way to spend a Saturday in this beautiful resort town: floating in the sea. This indoor-outdoor cabana bathroom space has been designed to transport owners and guests alike to the Atlantic, as it's enveloped with an oceanic Aqualille wallcovering.

The rest of the room honors Bergin's love of mixing in artisanal pieces, vintage finds, and textural elements (think: coral appliqués and a creamy Thibaut bouclé-covered settee) to add dimension and personality.

Cosentino ’s Dekton stone in ivory and umber shades, arranged across the floor in a funky geometric pattern, pairs swimmingly with the sculptural custom sink created with Atta (featuring Dekton stone), Artistic Tile hexagonal tiles on the shower, minimalist silver Kohler fixtures, and ceramic chandelier by Olivia Cognet . Visitors will surely find an excuse to linger in this decadent jewel box bath between cocktails or rounds of mahjong.

McCann Design Group and Hive Design’s “Le Tropical”

Sara McCann and the McCann Design Group / Hive team have created a full sensory experience in the house’s former family room. Dubbed “Le Tropical,” this lounge oozes opulence and contemporary Parisian maximalism with a dose of seaside flair. In addition to captivating details at every turn, visitors will also experience a curated playlist empowered by Christopher William audio-visual services and a custom-fragranced Diptyque candle.

“The biggest change that we made to the space was bringing in so many soft, rounded lines that add a feminine touch in this more modern home,” says McCann. “It was all about creating focal points to form a sense of direction so your eye can calmly rest on each of the walls.”

The team stepped a bit out of their aesthetic comfort zone to create a more contemporary space that felt appropriate for the neighborhood. McCann says they leaned into moody colors and brought in plenty of texture to enhance this lounge-worthy space.

The furniture’s feminine curvature (like the olive lounge chairs and an antiqued brass drinks table by Currey & Company ) add just the right amount of seductive flair. The sectional, covered in a Larsen fabric reminiscent of nearby sandy beaches and trimmed in Samuel & Sons bullion fringe, and the sheer draperies (fabricated by The Shade Store ) bring a sense of coastal breeziness. Plus, there are plenty of fun finds (florals included) from Hive's own collection of boutiques, including their latest outpost just down the street from the show house.

Jim Dove Design’s “Kitchen”

The kitchen has been completely reconfigured and reimagined by Jim Dove Design to become a celebration of Palm Beach living: an appreciation for food, drink, comfort, and the pursuit of “the good life.” The visual elements also reflect the sunny destination, from the Tortuga Azul scenic wallpaper by Gracie Studio to the artwork from County Gallery and tabletop finds from beloved local design destinations: Casa Branca , Casa Gusto , and Hive .

Jim Dove also found inspiration from one of America’s most iconic design doyennes, Dorothy Draper, and channeled her fearless embrace of color. The space also emphasizes functionality at every turn to ensure it’s a true host’s paradise, from the custom cabinetry crafted by Dove’s team and Jenn-Air appliances to hardworking Kohler fixtures and a covetable L-shaped island topped with Cosentino ’s gold-veined Silestone.

He also employed a mix of motorized Roman shades and pleat drapery (both fabricated by The Shade Store ) to shield from the sun and create a sense of intimacy when needed. Plush Thibaut counter stools, covered in a blush woven performance fabric, ensure comfortable spots to gather during and between mealtimes. Now, the cook space stands as a testament to the art of hospitality.

Redmond Aldrich Design’s “Peony Pavillion”

Redmond Aldrich ’s Chloe Warner channeled her grandmother’s love of Palm Beach, chintz, and card games to create a sweeping redesign of the home’s pool loggia. The team began by transforming the otherwise giant white box from the ceiling down with a bit of tenting, wrapping the walls with their Peony Chintz fabric and color-matching the trim with Benjamin Moore ’s Weeping Willow.

For a breezy juxtaposition to the traditional pattern and color story, the team layered a blend of textural elements. An RW Guild sofa is covered in a terracotta Perennials fabric that can stand up to wet swimsuits and wine spills, while Brown Jordan outdoor umbrellas, chaises, and lounge chairs punctuate the Palm Beach oasis.

Senior designer Anel Clay says that a major priority was creating a functional and inviting layout that would draw all ages outside for games of gin rummy. The largest lounge area centers on a fireplace, while the opposite wall features an inviting bar. An elegant games table and plenty of extra seating draws the party poolside.

Currey & Company lighting—like brass flower bud-shaped pendants and opaque globe-dotted chandeliers—illuminates the space long after the sun sets, while a collection of Sutherland drinks tables and seating options from Casa Gusto and CW Stockwell (from sofa fabric to beanbags) will keep guests comfortable at all hours.

Phoebe Howard’s “Bedroom”

This romantic suite is all about scale, considering the room is 24 feet by 19 feet with 15-foot ceilings. Thankfully, the space was in good hands with Phoebe Howard , who transformed the giant blank canvas into a dreamy midnight garden. The designer had a Gracie Studio wallpaper enlarged to appropriately climb the tall walls and pieced together four Rush House floor coverings to create a large rug for the space, adding a custom cotton dhurrie from Japiur With Love on top.

The wrought-iron four-poster bed, bedecked with Pioneer Linens bedding, is the true focal point of the space. “I knew early on that I needed to have a lot of discipline in terms of color, only letting in three: blue, white, and a teeny bit of gray,” says Howard. “We brought in a very large bed with elements that echo this garden theme. The sheer bed hangings (made from a Cowtan & Tout fabric) feature a fretwork pattern that also feels garden-like. It was all about keeping things pretty with a monochromatic, traditional feel that’s also updated.”

The space is filled with one-of-a-kind antiques from all over Europe—a hallmark of Howard’s design—and the gracious seating area, complete with a set of slipper chairs dressed in a woven Jane Churchill ikat pattern. The windows are dressed to perfection with tailored cornices and pleated draperies (fabrics by Colefax and Fowler , fabricated by The Shade Store ) with complementary blue trim by Samuel and Sons . Latticework traversing the ceiling rounds out the design, creating a calm destination that reflects the exuberant natural beauty right outside.

Donna Mondi Interior Design’s “Bond’s Boudoir”

Because of the show house's quick deadlines, Donna Mondi knew she would have to work with this bathroom's existing plumbing, which featured a central shower, and create a more intimate feel despite the tall ceilings. With James Bond as her conceptual client, Mondi leaned into strong pattern and bold contrasts with the tile work from Material Bespoke Stone + Tile to create a chic yet masculine space infused with global influences.

“I always say we design interiors with soul, and I do think about the whole experience when you come into a space,” says Mondi. “Though it's a man’s room, I think everyone will feel as if they’ve entered somewhere unique with this urban-global vibe but in a sophisticated way that can appeal to all.”

The designer equipped the space with fixtures from Kohler ’s new collection with Studio McGee.

In the dressing space, Mondi created a suspended art installation with pieces from Singulart and STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN (using a whopping 22 works!). She elevated the dressing room further with draperies made with an ebony Harlequin fabric (fabricated by The Shade Store ) and creating a leather wall panel system for stylish storage with Keleen Leathers .

This room offers a full-on sensory experience, complete with a playlist appropriate for Sean Connery’s 007, a transportive scent, and plenty of texture.

Jessica Jubelirer Design’s “Her Bathroom & Her Dressing Room”

Given the task of redesigning the home’s “her” bathroom and dressing room spaces, Jessica Jubelirer infused her firm’s love for decorative arts, quality, and beauty at every turn. However, to ensure the rooms reflect modern living, she infused the space with warmth, elegance, and a hefty dose of functionality to make it a desirable destination for the owner of the house.

The design began with a hand-embroidered wallcovering from Jubelirer’s upcoming collaboration with Fromental that establishes a common color palette between the two spaces and sets an understated tone that echoes a breezy midcentury Amalfi Coast hotel.

The bathroom is punctuated with the striking tub, a nod to the brilliant reintroduction of Kohler ’s Heritage Green colorway. Jubelirer says that the wallcovering and tub color, coupled with the joy she takes in creating artistic, handmade, and one-of-a-kind spaces meant for modern living, led the way for the entire design.

The bathroom also features Mediterranean-inspired tiles from Ann Sacks on the shower and the walls, and a mix of vintage pieces and contemporary artworks to round out the collected feel. Roman shades fabricated by The Shade Store lend privacy to bathers while allowing sunlight to illuminate the room.

MELROSE's “Climbing Staghorn Ferns & Palms Passage”

Tasked with transforming the home’s light-drenched staircase (featuring 32 steps!), MELROSE's Charlie Collins found inspiration from her lifetime of travels, particularly an indoor-outdoor living space at Antigua’s iconic Mill Reef Club. The focal point of the space is latticework running up the main wall and a striking collection of live Staghorn ferns. Along the stairs, a hand-painted mural by local artist Devin Noel evokes the natural beauty found just beyond the windows. Doors dressed in an emerald Sanderson ikat pattern echo the verdure.

“The hope is that somebody would stop at the top of the stairs and take in the entire mural,” Collins says. "My approach was to align myself with other artisans...to spread the word about their talent."

With a comfy settee wrapped in a sky blue Perennials fabric, Collins created a spot to kick back and soak up the sun—and all the beautiful artisanal work, including Blackwell Botanicals’ vibrant framed artworks and planters and handmade vases by Kass O’Brien Ceramics . Custom Venetian plaster walls, Emily Pope Harris .

Lichten Architects and Nicole Mizrahi Interiors’ “Kermit’s Retreat”

Kevin Lichten of Lichten Architects and Nicole Mizrahi of Nicole Mizrahi Interiors are no strangers to collaboration and were thrilled to be tasked with transforming the home’s media room together. The final product reflects their bold choice to clad the room in a serene green, swathing the walls in Benjamin Moore ’s Norway Spruce over a rice paper appliqué for added texture.

“This room is above the garage with low ceilings. Architecturally, it felt like a room with sharp edges that needed to be more welcoming and relaxing,” says Lichten. “One of our first decisions was introducing these curvilinear walls to soften the room, then we really went for it by choosing to paint the floor and the ceiling all green.”

This green was selected to pay homage to Florida’s lush and intense environment in a way that could offer respite and retreat. In terms of interior design, Mizrahi led the way, creating a space that's less about visual stimulation and more about evoking emotion

“We’ve been experimenting with monochromatic spaces together over the last few years and love the idea of focusing on just one color and its energy, how it makes you feel,” Mizrahi says.

The designers made statements in texture and shape, such as the Wendell Castle chair, custom wall-mounted consoles from Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild , and and a Marco Zanuso chair covered in a green Clarence House fabric. Plus, there’s an array of art from around the world sourced from Studio27 . Collected furnishings from Valerie Goodman Gallery and Espasso to round out the scene.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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Award-winning Palm Beach mansion lists at $78.5M after undergoing extensive renovation

Beachfront estate at 2315 s. ocean blvd. sold for about $45 million in 2022. the house's architecture was recognized in 2011 with a schuler award from the preservation foundation of palm beach..

An award-winning beachfront mansion on the South End of Palm Beach that sold for $44.88 million in 2022 is back on the market with a price tag of $78.5 million after a major renovation.

The estate is the only direct-oceanfront home listed in the Palm Beach Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.

With British Colonial-style architecture, the three-level mansion was completed in 2010 with seven bedrooms and 20,673 square feet of living space, inside and out. The house has 10,623 square feet of air-conditioned space, property records show.

At the intersection of Old South Ocean Boulevard, the estate comprises a lot measuring 1.8 acres near the Par 3 Golf Course. The lot is about 100 feet wide, but its direct-beach parcel is wider, at 168 feet, according to property records. The mansion is immediately south of the Harbour House cooperative building.

Broker Lawrence Moens of Lawrence A. Moens Associates holds the listing, which says he has an “investment interest” in the property. Moens couldn’t be reached for comment.

In 2011, the house won the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach’s 2011 Elizabeth L. and John H. Schuler Award , which recognizes excellence in new architecture in Palm Beach.

The façade features classical columns, detailed cornices, broad verandas and a triangular pediment at the front roofline.

The house occupies the central portion of the lot, which slopes upward from South Ocean Boulevard. Among the notable features on the west side are an allée of palms bordering a series of terraced steps that lead up to the house.

On the east side of the estate, a loggia with a broad veranda above it faces a new swimming pool set directly into the beachfront lawn. There’s also a second, wind-protected pool and patio area accessed from a guest suite on the south side of the house.

The house is built around a two-story, open-to-the-sky dining atrium accessed on four sides by French doors. On the upper floor, interior windows and a railed balcony off the primary bedroom look down into the atrium.

The interior renovation was extensive and included high-end finishes and materials, which brightened up the interiors by removing architectural accents and replacing the original dark-wood floors with lighter versions, according to someone who has toured the house.

Crews reworked parts of the floor plan. Among the changes, a ground-level bedroom was converted into a family room open to the new kitchen. The living room’s fireplace and the staircase were redesigned, and bathrooms throughout the house were upgraded, the source said.

The lowest level includes a media room, a wine-tasting room and a paneled “club room” with a pool table. Nearby are a gym and a spa-like area that includes a massage room.

Batten Construction was the contractor in charge of the renovation, according to public records.

Palm Beach house nods at buildings of the British Empire

West Palm beach architect Daniel Kahan, a principal with Smith & Moore Architects in West Palm Beach, originally designed the house for interior designer Donna Ward and her investment banker husband, Rodney. Donna Ward, who named the house Seascape, sold it for a recorded $16.25 million in 2014 to private-equity specialist Bryan C. Cressey of Chicago. Cressey, in turn, was the seller in the off-market 2022 transaction .

When the house won the Schuler Award, Kahan said the design recalls the look of 18th- and 19th-century plantation homes built by the British throughout the world — particularly those found in Asia, he said, but also in Africa and the Caribbean. 

“The idea was to try to re-create the sort of home that you might have found in the far reaches of the British Empire,” Kahan said.

The house was designed so that one can stand in the foyer and look directly through the atrium and living room to the ocean.

In 2014, Cressey used the word “enchanting” to describe the estate. “The setting takes you somewhere into the tropics,” added Cressey, a partner at Cressey & Co., a private-equity firm with offices in Chicago and Nashville, Tennessee.

Property records show the house is owned by a Florida limited liability company named 2315 S Ocean LLC with a mailing address in care of the Kochman and Ziska law firm in West Palm Beach, according to property records. Real estate attorney Maura Ziska, who manages the ownership company, declined to comment about it or anyone who might be associated with it.

The latest listing entered the multiple listing service March 20.

Moens handled both sides of the 2022 sale, his office previously confirmed. He also represented Ward in her 2014 sale. Agent Rosalind Clarke — then of the Corcoran Group but later joining Premier Estate Properties — said she took part in the sale 2014 but declined to comment on specifics of the transaction. 

FROM THE 2011 ARCHIVES: Schuler Award-winning house at 2315 S. Ocean Blvd. recalls British Empire’s architectural treasures

Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly “Beyond the Hedges” column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email [email protected], call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz.  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .