Trump's new Mar-a-Lago furniture collection brings ornate into play

South Florida Sun-Sentinel (MCT) - Mar-a-Lago, built in the 1920s as the opulent Palm Beach, Fla., estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, became known as a social Mecca for her costume balls, teas, recitals and infamous square dances.

Most of us know it today as real estate mogul Donald Trump's private club, where celebrities hobnob with folks wealthy enough to pay the $150,000 entrance fee and $9,000 in annual dues.

Now it's also a furniture collection.

Lexington Home Brands, which launched Trump Home in 2007, has introduced Mar-a-Lago as the third collection inspired by one of The Donald's homes. The others are West Chester and Hancock Park.

But don't expect this 75-piece collection to duplicate the furnishings or use the spectacular tile accents of the famous home.

"We did not reproduce the furniture," Phil Haney, president and CEO of Lexington Home Brands, said in a telephone interview. "We used the property for inspiration."

The Lexington design team took three trips to Mar-a-Lago to study the architecture and ambience. They also went to model homes and open houses in South Florida, Scottsdale and Los Angeles to understand the scale of new homes, which featured soaring ceilings and plenty of glass.

Haney said their goal was to combine Old World elegance with a larger scale that would fit in these new homes. For example, chests are designed 44 to 48 inches high but are narrower so they can fit in a space between two closets. A home entertainment wall is 104 inches tall. The designs were created in rich leather, velvets, embellished silk and dramatic finishes with gold tipping.

The metal scrollwork on several pieces, including the Allegra dining table and the Aristo console, is similar to a beautiful antique bed at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said in an e-mail interview.

When asked about his favorite pieces, Trump replied in his typical over-the-top style.

"There are many phenomenal pieces in the collection. I like the Sonata poster bed, which has carved finials and burl borders," he said. "It will be one of the top-selling products. I also like the Castello buffet with the marble top and Viola lamp table, which create a great presence in any room. Also, the Haydon sofa has a beautiful look."

Some collections that are licensed with a celebrity name are just rubber-stamped. Not this time.

"I was involved in the design process and approved the line," Trump said. "I helped select everything from the hardware to the woods and fabrics, and guided the overall design direction of the collection. The Mar-a-Lago collection is a beautiful look at a terrific value. It's going to be a big success."

Suggested retail prices range from $1,039 for the Concerto mirror to $5,239 for the 92-inch-high Piazza china cabinet. The collection should be available at Baer's in November.

"Mar-a-Lago creates an image in people's minds, especially in South Florida," said Jerry Baer, senior vice president of sales for Baer's. "This grouping did a wonderful job of bringing that essence out. Lexington didn't overscale it. It doesn't take a home the size of Mar-a-Lago to enjoy the richness of the look."

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MAR-A-LAGO FACTS

What does Mar-a-Lago mean?

It's Latin for "sea to lake."

How long did it take to build?

It took four years to build and opened in 1927.

How was it built?

The hurricane-resistant structure is anchored by concrete and steel to a coral reef.

How big is the property?

20 acres.

How many rooms are there?

More than a hundred. Estimates differ by the source. The Mar-a-Lago Club Web site says it has 126 rooms. Trump's history says it has 114 rooms. And Palm Beach Houses says it has 115 rooms.

Where is that unique stone from?

Three boatloads of Dorian stone were shipped from Genoa, Italy.

What's the story behind those old Spanish tiles on the roof?

About 36,000 tiles that were collected by the late Mrs. Horace Havermeyer in the 1800s were used. Some date back to the 15th century.

Which architectural styles were used?

It's a combination of Spanish, Venetian and Portuguese styles.

Who designed the home?

Marion Wyeth, a well-known architect, created the size, placement and design of the floor plan. Joseph Urban, a theater production designer who was the architect for Emperor Franz Joseph and the Khedive of Egypt, was brought in from Vienna for the more elaborate details.

What happened after Marjorie Merriweather Post's death?

The estate was transferred to the federal government for use as a diplomatic/presidential retreat. Ten years later, the government gave it back to the Post Foundation.

When did Donald Trump buy it?

He purchased the estate in 1985 for an estimated $10 million to $15 million and kept it as a private residence for 10 years, He turned it into the Mar-a-Lago Club in April 1995.

SOURCE: Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach Houses, SunSentinel archives

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© 2008, Sun Sentinel.