Storied Mansion Built by Famed Miami Architect Richard Kiehnel Is Listed for $12.5 Million in Exclusive Enclave of Coconut Grove

A revered residence that "embodies" Miami's architectural evolution from Gilded Age opulence to the refined Mediterranean-style elegance that the city is now so well known for has hit the market in the exclusive enclave of Coconut Grove.

The property was designed by Richard Kiehnel, the legendary architect responsible for the iconic Coconut Grove Playhouse and the landmarked El Jardin, for prominent Chicago businessman Maurice Mead in 1921.

At the time, the home—which is on the market for $12.5 million—earned widespread news coverage for its enviable architecture, which was viewed as a blueprint of what homes could and should look like in Miami's modern era.

Today, the six-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom spread retains many hallmarks of that time period, including bright white walls and a Spanish barrel-tile roof.

However, beneath that timeless façade is a whole new world of luxury, achieved during a painstaking two-year restoration of the dwelling, which saw many of its original elements preserved, while other areas were upgraded to meet more modern expectations.

Among the most significant updates is one that many might not notice at first glance. The red-tile roof is completely new and "engineered with hurricane-ready tension strapping," and impact windows, according to Jessica Adams of Douglas Elliman, who renovated the home and is now co-listing it with her husband, Jason Adams.

All of the work was carried out with a view to maintaining the iconic architecture that turned the home into something of a local landmark when it was built for Mead as his "winter home."

"We love the balance of blending old-world craftsmanship with modern comfort," Jessica explains. "It is rare to find a 104-year-old home in Coconut Grove, and we see ourselves as stewards, honoring what was built a century ago while thoughtfully bringing it into the present and restoring it to absolute perfection."

During the restoration of the property, which is now known as Casa Mamey, the Adamses worked tirelessly to preserve the most impressive original features, including the Miami-Dade County pine floors, the "extensive South Carolina pine" that was custom-fitted to the dwelling when it was first designed.

The property's fireplaces were also overhauled without sacrificing their original aesthetic.

"We preserved the original kitchen fireplace, once used for cooking in the 1920s and now reimagined as the perfect spot for the Miele espresso machine," Jessica reveals.

In the primary bathroom, prospective buyers will find the home's original claw-foot tub, which provides the perfect place for soaking after a long day in the sun.

While the dwelling epitomizes the new wave of design trends in Miami, Jessica notes that it has several unique elements that help it to stand out from the crowd, including the extraordinary triple lot that it occupies, which affords the dwelling incomparable privacy.

"Its location is equally exceptional, positioned within walking distance of six private schools," she adds.

The property also features "a true lower-level recreation room," which Jessica notes is a "rarity in Miami" and one that was only made possible by the home's unique position 20 feet above sea level, placing it on the highest point in the city.

On the upper levels, residents will have the run of multiple bright and airy living spaces, including a beautiful living room that boasts an original fireplace, but has been outfitted with a sliding wall of windows that not only provide natural light, but also offer instant access to the beautiful gardens and pool area.

Should you want something a bit cozier, the separate TV room is the ideal location for cuddling up with a movie—or kicking back with friends.

In addition to the fireplace coffee machine, the kitchen features top-of-the-line materials, including Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, quartzite countertops, and wooden finishes.

A wine room and laundry room round out the communal spaces in the primary residence—which is home to five of the property's six bedrooms. The final room is found in the guesthouse, which also has a kitchen and a living room.

The primary suite, however, is far from just a simple bedroom: It includes an enormous walk-in closet and stunning spa bathroom with the claw-foot tub, as well as a two-person shower.

Outside of the dwelling are ample areas for entertaining guests, including the newly installed pool (complete with an automatic cover), a summer kitchen, a covered patio, and sprawling lawns, all of which have been meticulously landscaped.

This emphasis on the home's surroundings was at the heart of Kiehnel's design philosophy, with a historic overview of the property provided to Realtor.com: "Kiehnel’s philosophy emphasized sensitivity to place—he sought to create structures that both complemented and enhanced their surroundings.

"As he explained [to Miami Metropolis in 1928], his goal was to 'design a home that will harmonize with the tropical foliage and the changing hues of sea and landscape.

"This guiding principle is clearly realized in [the property with its] once coral-hued stucco exterior(now white), arched windows, and ornamented balconies [that] blend gracefully into the lush Coconut Grove environment.

"With dual gated entrances and walking distance to top schools, this estate is a rare Grove sanctuary for elegant living and entertaining," the listing notes.

The property also represents an opportunity to join an impressive architectural legacy, one that began when Meade and his wife, Pauline Mead, first fell in love with the Coconut Grove lifestyle during a visit to Miami in 1915.

Having fallen head over heels for the local area, the couple decided to build their own winter getaway in the Grove, paying just $5,000 to purchase three lots on Hibiscus Street in 1921, the same year that they broke ground on their dwelling, which was then known as Ben Venuto, which is Italian for "welcome."

Ultimately, the couple spent $50,000 on the construction of their home—which was considered "a substantial investment" at the time. Today, that would be the equivalent of spending $905,000, a paltry amount when compared to the asking price of the property.