The Iconic Manalapan Estate of Gloria Guinness, One of Truman Capote's 'Swans', Lists for Almost $200 Million

A massive estate in Manalapan known as Gemini is being put on the market for "almost $200 million" by the Ziff publishing family, reports the Wall Street Journal. It is now the most expensive residential listing in Florida, and one of the top in the country. Gemini is not just any old marginally historic house with a blockbuster price tag meant to catch headlines, however. It was the home, well... of a 'Swan.'

Built in the 1940s, Gemini was the Palm Beach home of Gloria Guinness, a twentieth century style icon and one of Truman Capote's famous 'Swans.' It played host to the most glamorous people of its day, including Capote of course. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor were also houseguests. The Windsors' pug, Minoru, died during a visit here, with all of Palm Beach "plunging into mourning."

Today, Gemini is a 16-acre compound spanning the barrier island from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Worth, with its own 1,200 foot long beach, two practice golfing greens, a miniature golf course with a model train set running through it, a sports complex, an elaborate treehouse, and a 62,200 square foot main house. Various outbuildings and guest cottages, along with space for staff quarters including a manager, together create a compound designed "to host a lot of friends and family there at the same time." says a representative of the listing brokerage. Listing photos haven't been released yet, although the Journal was able to find some current-looking interior views, while we dug up some historical glimpses of the house, below.

· Ziff Family Florida Compound is Seeking Almost $200 Million [WSJ]
· Gloria Guinness [Facebook]
· Bye Society [Vanity Fair]
· Resort Life [New York Social Diary]