Homes for Sale in the Merrick Historic Villages

When George Merrick founded the City Beautiful, he launched what was known as The Village Project. This was a joint venture between Merrick, The American Building Company and former Ohio Governor Myers Cooper, with more than 1,000 residences planned for a series of “villages” based on architecture from around the world.

Merrick planned seven of them: the Pioneer Village, the French Normandy Village, the Chinese Village, the Italian Village, the French City Village and the French Country Village. Unfortunately, the hurricane of 1926 and the subsequent Great Depression put an end to the endeavor, but 80 homes from the original project remain today. Here are three of these homes for sale.

Dutch African Village

6705 San Vicente St.

Listing Price: $1,525,000

5 bed/5 bath/1 half bath. 3,385 sq. ft.

This 1925 home is one of the half dozen houses in the Dutch South African Village, designed by the well-known Palm Beach architect Marion Sims Wyeth, and built by Merrick’s construction company. The building draws its inspiration from the Dutch farmhouses of the wealthy planters of Cape Town, and features a guest house, a spacious veranda and a swimming pool. Listing Agent: Angel Nicolas (The Nicolas Group) 305.336.0916

French City Village

1030 Hardee Rd.

Listing Price: $3,995,000

4 bed/4 bath/2 half bath. 5,716 sq. ft.

Designed by renowned architect Philip L Goodwin, this 1925 home – aptly named “La Belle Vie” – reflects classical French design. A substantial restoration in 2000 maintained the historic integrity while adding modern amenities. These include an elevator, 50-wine bottle refrigerator and custom closet systems. Also, a butler’s pantry, wood floors, gas fireplaces and swimming pool. Listing Agent: Carole Smith (Compass), 305.710.1010

Italian Village

4102 Monserrate St.

Listing Price: $1,225,000

4 bed/4 bath. 3,331 sq. ft.

Built in 1926, this Mediterranean villa has updated kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a pool and a courtyard with cabana bathroom. Features include wood and tile floors, crown moldings and period plaster, working fireplace and two-car garage. Also, close to the Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian pool. Listing Agent: Scott Sime (Sime Realty Corporation) 786.344.2603