Miami has many more historic homes and districts than many people are aware of. Although first claimed by Spain in 1566, Miami first started to develop into a settled area in the 1800s by Henry Flagler and friends Julia Tuttle and William Brickell. Most historic areas hug the coast for obvious reasons (prior to Flagler's railroad, the only way to reach Miami was by boat).
Miami really saw prosperity and growth in the early 1900s as developers Merrick, Collins and Curtis built such communities as Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Miami Springs. Dual disasters of a bursting real estate bubble followed by the great Hurricane of 1926 all but halted new development for many years until nearly the end of the Second World War. By then, such great architects such as Walter De Garmo had long stopped designing homes, but many designs have stayed with us throughout the years.
Many historic homes in Miami have recognizable features; Mediterranean, Moorish or Adobe designs; use of such unique building materials as coral rock, decorative (whole and broken) tile work and mosaics and Pecky Cypress Dade County Pine; arches, porticoes and arcades and more. Since most of these homes were built before air conditioning, many have been retrofitted to accommodate central AC. One thing you won't find are the hall closets most Northerners are used to (no need!)
The oldest existing house in Miami still situated in it's original position is located in Barnacle State Park, it was built in 1891.
Very few homes built before 1900 still exist, but one is currently for sale at 6801 Maynda St in Coral Gables. Dating back to 1899, it is Coral Gables's oldest private home.
If you love Historic Homes as much as we do, we are sure you will find something to tickle your fancy in Miami!
PS: Our sister company (Papillon ReDevelopment) is a Florida State Licensed and Insured General Contractor which specializes in historic renovations and additions, ask us for details and photos of our work!
Top Miami Neighborhoods where you can find historic homes for sale are:
Coral Gables
Coconut Grove
Miami Beach
Miami Shores
Morningside
Bay Point
Miami Beach
Below is a Map of the Areas where you are most likely to find historic homes in Miami
View Miami's Historic Districts and Communities in a larger map
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I love Miami with all its art deco and that outside dining. And of course, the golf.