A stunning Venetian-inspired palazzo in Miami's prestigious Coconut Grove neighborhood has hit the market for $24 million, featuring an extraordinary rooftop chess board among its luxurious amenities. Villa Rosa, a pale pink Gothic residence spanning nearly 12,000 square feet, stands as a bold architectural statement on its corner lot, refusing to hide behind walls or blend into the landscape like many luxury homes.
The property's fascinating ownership history reflects Miami's luxury real estate evolution. Tax records reveal that a local attorney and his wife purchased the land in late 2000 for $750,000, then constructed Villa Rosa to their elaborate specifications as admirers of renowned Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner. The couple later sold their Venetian-inspired creation in 2016 for just under $6 million to a company connected to Texas businessman William "Bill" Hutchinson, who recently passed away.
Hutchinson maintained ownership until 2021, when the property changed hands again for $10 million. Since then, the current owners have invested substantially in updates, including extensive landscaping improvements and a completely renovated kitchen. Lourdes Alatriste of Douglas Elliman now holds the listing for the dramatically upgraded estate.
Villa Rosa's approximately 11,800 square feet of interior space showcases grandly proportioned areas perfect for large-scale entertaining, complemented by more intimate spaces designed for comfortable family living. The central great room features soaring 30-foot groin-vaulted ceilings, massive spiral pilasters, and a distinctive bow-fronted fireplace. Throughout the residence, visitors will discover antique stained glass windows and intricate carved stone details that enhance the palazzo's authentic Venetian character.
The home's entertaining spaces flow seamlessly from formal to casual areas. Black chandeliers create dramatic lighting in the water-facing living room, while the dining room showcases additional stunning stained glass installations. The updated chef's kitchen maintains the home's Gothic theme with elaborate stone carvings fitted into arched windows, and a nearby den provides an intimate setting perfect for reading or television viewing.
Accommodations include six bedrooms and five bathrooms within the main residence, plus two additional powder rooms for guests. A self-contained guest apartment sits atop the garage, connected to the main house by an elegant arched bridge that spans the brick-paved driveway leading to a rear motor court and garage. The top-floor primary suite offers water views, a cozy fireplace, a sitting area opening onto a narrow balcony, and a spectacular bathroom designed to transform daily routines into ceremonial experiences.
The outdoor spaces rival the interior in their grandeur and functionality. A courtyard driveway and multiple patios surrounded by tropical foliage and carefully manicured hedges extend the living areas outdoors. The property includes a swimming pool and, accessible via a stone staircase, a permanent pier for water activities on Biscayne Bay. Shaded patios provide respite from Miami's intense sun while maintaining the estate's sophisticated atmosphere.
Perhaps most notably, the expansive roof terraces offer unique amenities rarely found in luxury homes. An eight-sided enclosed cupola serves as an ideal home office or meditation retreat, while a four-sided open-air pavilion provides space for outdoor dining and lounging. Between these structures lies the property's most conversation-worthy feature: a massive chessboard where residents and guests can practice strategic thinking while enjoying Florida's year-round sunshine.
Coconut Grove, Miami's oldest neighborhood, provides an ideal setting for this architectural masterpiece. This tranquil enclave hugs the shores of Biscayne Bay approximately twelve miles from South Beach, though travel time can extend to an hour during peak traffic periods. The neighborhood centers around the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which serves as both a cultural and architectural focal point for the area. The compact downtown district features tree-lined sidewalks connecting sophisticated restaurants and upscale boutiques, creating an atmosphere of refined urban living.
Villa Rosa represents more than just luxury real estate; it embodies a commitment to architectural drama and Old World craftsmanship rarely seen in contemporary construction. With its substantial recent improvements and unique amenities like the rooftop chess board, the property offers a singular opportunity to own a piece of Miami's most distinctive residential architecture in one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods.
