12/19/2008

LANDMARKED VILLA LEONCINI SEEKS NEW OWNERS













“You Have Arrived!” will surely fit the forthcoming new owners of the historic landmarked Tuscan-inspired Palm Beach VIlla Leoncini estate and it’s 3-story entrance tower. Designed by Palm Beach Architect Howard Major in 1926, the style is Tuscan Italian Renaissance, borrowed from a Lake Como villa. It was first named La Torre Bianca (“The White Tower”)and has a U-shaped floor plan with rooms wrapping around a patio, providing an easy flow from room to room and outdoors. The now deceased owner was a founding member of the Horticulture Society of South Florida, and transformed the grounds into a lush paradise. There are 300 varieties of orchids. Drive down to the motor court and front door, set with cast-stone quoins arched around the door and flanked by two griffin statues, sitting as sentries. Inside the entry are twin doorways with linen-fold caring and the original black-and-white marble tile floor set on the diagonal. There are French doors crowned by fan windows with beautiful views of the courtyard, patios and pool. The formal living room features floor to ceiling pecky cypress paneling and picture molding, built-in bookcases, a wood burning fireplace and a delicate antique marble mantel. The floor is Cuban tile. The dining room with emaed ceiling, features antique Portuguese blue and while tile pictures on the walls, copies of a room in the Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. The separate guesthouse has two bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen and laundry facilities. Come see… and buy! Live with history.

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