By Linda Tancs
Once the winter residence of Franklin W. Smith, a Boston millionaire who modeled his home after the Alhambra Palace in Spain, Villa Zorayda in St. Augustine, Florida, is a historic Gilded Age house museum. It features the priceless antique collections of both Franklin Smith and the home’s subsequeant owner, A.S. Mussallem. One of the most popular pieces on display is the “Sacred Cat Rug,” which is over 2400 years old and made from the hairs of ancient cats that roamed the Nile River. You’ll find some of the oldest furnishings in the “Prayer Room,” which was historically used as a library or office. Franklin Smith’s original office furniture dating to the 17th century (desk, curio cabinet and three-drawer chest) remain there. Audio-guided tours are offered daily in English, French and Spanish.
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