G. Curtiss-Aug 1909

Site # 6 - GLENN HAMMOND CURTISS MANSION
500 DEER RUN

Photo: Jerry Jelincic

In 1925 Glenn Curtiss designed this lovely 2-story Pueblo-Mission style mansion Dar-err-aha (house of happiness), for his own home. Facing the eastern perimeter of the golf course, it features a central patio and was the largest of Pueblo theme houses built by CURTISS-BRIGHT COMPANY in their development of Country Club Estates. Home of Mr. Curtiss until his death in July of 1930, the beautifully landscaped estate covered 91/3 acres with a small lake on the east side of the property. Mr. Curtiss stocked the lake with many species of water birds including flamingos and swans. At the south end of the lake is an arbor and barbecue grill. The grill was constructed of oolitic limestone (coral rock), which was a by-product of digging the lake. The estate was sold in the mid-50's and became the world renowned MIAMI SPRINGS VILLAS. Including the adjacent property, it formed a 21-acre complex. It was sold to FORTE HOTELS, INT., INC. in the late 1970's and is currently owned by MANOR CARE, INC. DESIGNATED as a MIAMI SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE in 1987. The mansion is DETERMINED ELIGIBLE to be placed on the NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.