With so many cool spaces in Florida, how does one find just the right place to impress corporate clients and guests? When it really counts, and you need more than a hotel, restaurant or even a yacht, try the current hot spot: a private mansion.
Many event professionals find these spaces to be unique, stylish and clandestine. Often, these mansions are located on private islands such as La Gorce, Star, Hibiscus and Fisher Islands, or in upscale neighborhoods, adding to the grandeur of the overall event. More than ample space helps to encourage multiple themes, moveable feasts or a different décor or color scheme per room. And since most offer lavish pools, balconies and terraces, the party can spill over to the outdoors.
The Winter Party, one of South Florida's most visible events for the gay community, holds a private cocktail party each year as part of the weeklong festivities. This year, a committee co-chair knew the owner of a luxurious home on Pine Tree Drive, a ritzy street in Miami Beach. The owner agreed to donate the home to serve as the private venue. Bill Huggins, one of the event planners for Winter Party, has been producing large-scale events in private homes for several years in California, relying on friends and word of mouth to secure the exclusive locations. "Often, the owners will want to show off their homes or art collections, and they feel a sense of pride in knowing that they're contributing to a cause," he said. The Winter Party private cocktail party featured a pool boy, male models in bikinis, a jazz band and art, which was for sale. "Using the private home created a very intimate feel," said Lisa Palley of Palley Promotes. She worked closely with the Winter Party committee to find just the right venue.
On the same street, Villa Vecchia has been home to fashion shows for many designers including Jean Paul Gaultier and Luca Luca. Marysol Patton of the Patton Group plans all of the fashion industry events that take place at Villa Vecchia, which a close friend—who happens to own the home—graciously lends to her for the high-end brand-name parties. Having planned similar events in other homes—such as a Roberto Cavalli fashion show in a French-inspired Indian Creek mansion—Patton says she always uses private residences because of their snob appeal. "The homes I've used are spectacular, waterfront mansions," she explained. "You get noticed, and it's a great way to align a client with a high-end, elite name." Escaping the bustle of clubs, the heat of outdoor runways and the confines of in-store shows also affords high-profile guests comfort, anonymity and exudes a sense of style.
Vanessa Lopez of the Agency says using exclusive Villa Ferrari on Palm Island for an International Yachtsman magazine party allowed her to create three different areas. "One area provided an amazing nighttime view, an indoor area and one that showcased various boats," she said. "There was a Latin jazz band and violinists set up throughout." She adds that it was a great way for advertisers to participate; for example, a cigar company who advertises in the magazine set up a cigar-rolling station in one of the empty rooms. The International Yachtsman party, which took place during the Miami International Boat Show, had a dock in the back where two mega-yachts were docked and open for patrons to peruse and potentially buy. By utilizing mansions, which are also often up for sale, events can do double duty as real estate open houses. But obtaining a mansion isn't as simple as it sounds. "We do need to be somewhat discerning," said Ian McMinn, realtor and partner of Majestic Properties, which lists Villa Ferrari. "Each week we get offers for film and music video shoots, or to rent the space for charities and special events. We have to make sure the event matches the image of Villa Ferrari."
Naturally, the owner must trust the agent to rent to the right people for the right reasons. There is always risk of damage. But once scored, it is a planner's paradise. Usually unfurnished, planners and designers have carte blanche to build from the ground up—from furniture and décor to sound systems and lighting. "Usually there are high-end vendors involved," McMinn adds. "It really behooves the sellers of the house as well as the planners to be associated with high-end names and places."
—Charlie Ortiz
Many event professionals find these spaces to be unique, stylish and clandestine. Often, these mansions are located on private islands such as La Gorce, Star, Hibiscus and Fisher Islands, or in upscale neighborhoods, adding to the grandeur of the overall event. More than ample space helps to encourage multiple themes, moveable feasts or a different décor or color scheme per room. And since most offer lavish pools, balconies and terraces, the party can spill over to the outdoors.
The Winter Party, one of South Florida's most visible events for the gay community, holds a private cocktail party each year as part of the weeklong festivities. This year, a committee co-chair knew the owner of a luxurious home on Pine Tree Drive, a ritzy street in Miami Beach. The owner agreed to donate the home to serve as the private venue. Bill Huggins, one of the event planners for Winter Party, has been producing large-scale events in private homes for several years in California, relying on friends and word of mouth to secure the exclusive locations. "Often, the owners will want to show off their homes or art collections, and they feel a sense of pride in knowing that they're contributing to a cause," he said. The Winter Party private cocktail party featured a pool boy, male models in bikinis, a jazz band and art, which was for sale. "Using the private home created a very intimate feel," said Lisa Palley of Palley Promotes. She worked closely with the Winter Party committee to find just the right venue.
On the same street, Villa Vecchia has been home to fashion shows for many designers including Jean Paul Gaultier and Luca Luca. Marysol Patton of the Patton Group plans all of the fashion industry events that take place at Villa Vecchia, which a close friend—who happens to own the home—graciously lends to her for the high-end brand-name parties. Having planned similar events in other homes—such as a Roberto Cavalli fashion show in a French-inspired Indian Creek mansion—Patton says she always uses private residences because of their snob appeal. "The homes I've used are spectacular, waterfront mansions," she explained. "You get noticed, and it's a great way to align a client with a high-end, elite name." Escaping the bustle of clubs, the heat of outdoor runways and the confines of in-store shows also affords high-profile guests comfort, anonymity and exudes a sense of style.
Vanessa Lopez of the Agency says using exclusive Villa Ferrari on Palm Island for an International Yachtsman magazine party allowed her to create three different areas. "One area provided an amazing nighttime view, an indoor area and one that showcased various boats," she said. "There was a Latin jazz band and violinists set up throughout." She adds that it was a great way for advertisers to participate; for example, a cigar company who advertises in the magazine set up a cigar-rolling station in one of the empty rooms. The International Yachtsman party, which took place during the Miami International Boat Show, had a dock in the back where two mega-yachts were docked and open for patrons to peruse and potentially buy. By utilizing mansions, which are also often up for sale, events can do double duty as real estate open houses. But obtaining a mansion isn't as simple as it sounds. "We do need to be somewhat discerning," said Ian McMinn, realtor and partner of Majestic Properties, which lists Villa Ferrari. "Each week we get offers for film and music video shoots, or to rent the space for charities and special events. We have to make sure the event matches the image of Villa Ferrari."
Naturally, the owner must trust the agent to rent to the right people for the right reasons. There is always risk of damage. But once scored, it is a planner's paradise. Usually unfurnished, planners and designers have carte blanche to build from the ground up—from furniture and décor to sound systems and lighting. "Usually there are high-end vendors involved," McMinn adds. "It really behooves the sellers of the house as well as the planners to be associated with high-end names and places."
—Charlie Ortiz
A fund-raiser for the Bosom Buddies charity took place at a mansion on Star Island.
Villa Ferrari, a private mansion on Palm Island, was used for the International Yachtman magazine bash.
Gobos and additional lighting enhanced Villa Ferrari's architectural beauty.
The outdoor area in the back of Villa Ferrari was used to keep guests moving throughout the property.
