December 17, 2012
Luxury real estate prices are going up across South Florida but there are a few deals left among some of the most prestigious properties. In the height of the real estate boom in 2007 the historic Casa Alva estate, originally owned by the Vanderbilt family was put on the market for twenty three million. It didn’t sell.
The owner of the luxury estate, Mayor William “Bill” E. Benjamin II and his wife, Maura decided to try again this year and put the estate on the luxury real estate market for nine point eight million. It recently sold for six point eight million.
Casa Alva was designed by society architect Maurice Fatio in 1935 for Consueulo Vanderbilt Balsan, the former Duchess of Marlboro. The magnificent Mediterranean style 26,177 square feet, seven bedroom residence was named after Consuelo Balsan’s mother, and is located on 5 acres of land with about 500 feet of direct lake frontage.
In a 2010 article in the Daily News, Maura Benjamin described the antique boiserie in the master suite’s sitting room, for instance, as a fine example of French Millwork. “It’s Regency from Paris, and because of the depth of the carving, it’s extraordinary.”
She also noted: “Though I’ve lived here for many years, I’ll be on the phone and I’ll notice architectural features – something as simple as a door handle – and think how beautiful it is. Something as plebian as the Cuban-tile-floors-they are beautifully preserved.”
The new owner of this magnificent home located in Manalapan is Gary W. Parr, vice chairman of the Lazard Ltd. financial advisory and asset-management firm.
Parr is chairman of Venetian Heritage and has supported a variety of restoration and preservation projects, according to Internet sources. It is believed that he will restore the Casa Alva back to its original beauty and glamour.
Source: Palm Beach Daily News
