Florida's First Moorish Revival Marvel (Villa Zorayda)

Join Ken in this episode of Minute Mansion as we explore the fascinating Villa Zorayda. Discover how Franklin W. Smith's pioneering use of poured concrete and crushed coquina shells not only set a new construction standard but also inspired Florida's fantasy architecture wave. Dive into the villa’s past transformations-from a grand private residence to a nightclub and casino.
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Location: St. Augustine, FL
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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
CC BY-SA 3.0Photos from: Wikipedia User: Ebyabe
CC BY-SA 4.0 Photos from: Wikipedia User: OliviaBM123
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

Пікірлер: 22

  • @g.v.hedgpeth2602
    @g.v.hedgpeth26023 ай бұрын

    This one needs a longer video! 😁

  • @Jeff_Reed

    @Jeff_Reed

    3 ай бұрын

    It does!

  • @brta1747

    @brta1747

    3 ай бұрын

    Yeah

  • @joantrainor6584
    @joantrainor65843 ай бұрын

    Glad to see Moorish revival. Reminds me of my stay in Spain in the 80s.

  • @lisadolan689
    @lisadolan6893 ай бұрын

    Thank you again Ken 🙏☺️

  • @TheDarkDresser
    @TheDarkDresser3 ай бұрын

    I'm not familiar with the architectural style, but am getting Middle Eastern vibe. It's good to hear that it's still standing and is now a museum. Thanks Ken

  • @Jessie-le5mv
    @Jessie-le5mv3 ай бұрын

    Love both this house and this interesting history, nice video

  • @danacarter4793
    @danacarter47932 ай бұрын

    Reminds me of a Marco Style, Thanks Ken ,love your channel

  • @jefflawrentz1624
    @jefflawrentz16243 ай бұрын

    How cool! I’d love to see you do a vlog on some of Addison Mizner’s homes.

  • @chateaugrief
    @chateaugrief3 ай бұрын

    I need to see more of this house! I'm building a moorish revival house right now. That courtyard is gorgeous.

  • @cindee1794
    @cindee17943 ай бұрын

    When I went to St. Augustine in the 90s, it was billed as a building that could be toured. But we could not find any hours posted or anyway to enter. When I went back a few years ago, it was not on my agenda. Maybe I'll make it back up there again and finally get to see the inside.

  • @David-tm8sl
    @David-tm8sl3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the great videos.❤😊 St. Augustine is a very interesting place.

  • @ceilconstante640
    @ceilconstante6403 ай бұрын

    1001 Nights is my all time favorite story. I love fantasy architecture and Moorish decor.

  • @StamperWendy
    @StamperWendy3 ай бұрын

    My grandpa was Franklin H. Smith

  • @williamtyre523
    @williamtyre5233 ай бұрын

    A really unusual and interesting house. I remember visiting here in 2011, it is well worth the visit if you are in St. Augustine, FL!

  • @jimwiskus8862
    @jimwiskus88623 ай бұрын

    Amazing architecture Ken!

  • @GlennMandeville154
    @GlennMandeville1543 ай бұрын

    Ken, Thank you for a wonderful tour. I was not familiar with Moorish architecture and I found it very interesting.

  • @asylumlover
    @asylumlover3 ай бұрын

    KEN, I SPENT WEEKS IN ST. AUGUSTINE BACK IN THE WINTER/SPRING OF 1981, THIS HOUSE I REMEMBER HEARING ABOUT BUT I NEVER DID GO THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALTHOUGH I HATE FLORIDA, I HAVE AN EXTREMELY SOFT SPOT FOR ST. AUGUSTINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! " THE OLDEST EUROPEAN SETTLED CITY IN THE UNITED STATES" DEFINITELY ANOTHER DEMOLITION FREE ZONE, AND, AS ALWAYS, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE, LONG LIVE THIS HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @monkeygraborange
    @monkeygraborange3 ай бұрын

    Completely fun as a restaurant but kinda unlivable as a residence.

  • @oltedders
    @oltedders3 ай бұрын

    The courtyard looks like it's straight out of a Moroccan palace.

  • @melissajenniferjones9959
    @melissajenniferjones99593 ай бұрын

    Ken, could you please do Sea View Terrace (Collinwood)? Thank you 😊

  • @georgiasmalley8984
    @georgiasmalley89843 ай бұрын

    Goddy