T
he Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, was once a symbol of old-money charm and luxury, built by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post as her own sanctuary. In 1914, Post inherited $20 million (equivalent to $615 million today) from the iconic Post cereal empire and set out to find the perfect location for her dream home. She eventually settled on a prime spot between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth.
Post's Mediterranean-style estate, designed by architect Marion Sims Wyeth, took shape in the early 1920s with the help of her husband, financier E.F. Hutton. The sprawling 20-acre property featured architectural marvels and exquisite details sourced from Italy, Spain, France, and Cuba. With its 114 rooms, Mar-a-Lago was an oasis of art and design, showcasing a 36,000-tile display of Spanish artistry, including tiles dating back to the 15th century.
The estate's grand living spaces were adorned with luxurious pieces, including chandeliers and intricate furniture. Post decorated each room with rare and valuable items, making Mar-a-Lago an unparalleled example of opulence. The home was built to be hurricane-resistant, anchored into a coral reef for protection.
After Post's death in 1973, the estate briefly became government property, intended as a presidential retreat, but high maintenance costs led it back to the Post Foundation. In 1985, Donald Trump acquired Mar-a-Lago and transformed it into a private club while preserving much of Post's vision. Today, the estate stands as a storied Palm Beach landmark, despite controversy surrounding its ownership and security concerns.
The property still boasts many of its original features, including arches crafted from Dorian stone and a hurricane-resistant design. The exterior also showcases a dance floor added in 1961, indulging Post's love for square dancing. Inside, the dining room dazzles with black-and-white tiles sourced from a Cuban castle, while one room houses her collection of Venetian glass and mirrors.
Trump modernized parts of the estate, restoring it to reflect Post's original vision while adding his own touches. The property remains a testament to its rich history and architectural splendor, despite recent controversies surrounding its ownership and security concerns.
