The Duchess is North Bay Road Royalty, designed by Martin L. Hampton in 1924 and built in 1938. Martin L. Hampton is a direct disciple of George Merrick (history attached). A revered Master in executing the Mediterranean Revival architectural style of this Estate, tastefully improved throughout the years with many of it’s original details such as the ornate hand forged balustrade and matching light fixtures and more.

Standing proud and true to it’s heritage courtyards abound throughout the property, along with fountains, arches, cabana bath, palm trees, gardenias, open terraces, and covered porches, 100 feet of romantic bay front, an outdoor bar, a two bedroom guest house, and a one bedroom guest room are separate from the main residence.

The main residence is a two story charmer with wood burning fireplace, a formal living room adjacent to the Florida room, a library/media room, and formal dining room all poised over the waterfront. A large eat in kitchen is the sovereign of the first floor, along with the original butler’s pantry. Three upstairs bedrooms include The Imperial Master Bedroom suite true to its tropical heritage, encompassing a private terrace, sitting room, master bath, fans, bamboo, orchids all swaying to the waterfront breezes allowing you to disconnect from your daily royal duties, and fall into your homes regal embrace.

About the Architect:

Martin L. Hampton is remembered as a pioneering architect in early Miami and designed exceptional residential, commercial and institutional buildings. He is credited with many historical landmark buildings such as Miami Beach’s original City Hall Building in Washington Ave., The Colony Hotel in Delray Beach, The Beverly Terrace Apartments in Biscayne Blvd., The Country Club of Coral Gables, The Biltmore Hotel and Country Club, The Congress Building in Downtown Miami.

Martin L. Hampton was one of the 6 original architects (the others being H. George Fink, Walter De Garmo., Richard Kiehnel, Harold Hastings Mundy, and L.D. Brumm) who comprised George Merrick’s original design team in the creation of Coral Gables, Florida. Hampton was a master of design who made a significant impact in the articulation of the Mediterranean Revival style, which proliferated in the Miami area during the Boom.

In 1921 George Merrick sent his design team to Europe to study the prototypical architecture that was chosen as the inspiration for the buildings in coral Gables. Hampton had originally been hired in 1919, by Addison Mizner to design interiors and supervise details for the many projects he was designing in Palm Beach.