Secrets of Xanadú Mansion in Varadero: The Intriguing History of Casa Dupont

The Xanadú Mansion, famously known as Casa Dupont, stands as a sentinel of nearly a century's worth of stories, opulence, and mysteries along the shores of Varadero.

This iconic residence, built during the vibrant era of republican Cuba, not only showcases the wealth and vision of one of the richest men of his time but also tells lesser-known tales that shaped the development of the Hicacos Peninsula in Matanzas.

With its exclusive materials and the notable figures who resided in or visited it, the mansion remains a symbol of a bygone era of splendor, as well as a witness to the transformations that altered Cuba's destiny.

Origins of a Cuban Landmark

The "Historia de Domingo" segment on Canal Caribe recently featured a report on Xanadú Mansion. The story begins in 1927 when French-American millionaire Irénée Dupont de Nemours purchased about 180 hectares on the Hicacos Peninsula for 90,000 pesos, at a price of four cents per square meter.

Dupont commissioned Cuban architects Evelio Govantes Fuentes and Félix Cabarrocas Ayala, who were responsible for other iconic Cuban buildings like the Capitolio, the Hotel Nacional, and the University of Havana, to design the estate.

Construction was undertaken by the Frederick Snare Corporation, concluding on December 30, 1930, with a total investment of 1.3 million dollars, a substantial sum at the time.

The Architectural Marvel of Xanadú

Named "Xanadú" by its owner after the fabled palace of Mongol warrior Kublai Khan, the mansion features four floors, 11 bedrooms, three terraces, seven balconies, and once boasted a private dock.

The materials used were of the highest quality, with doors and decor crafted from precious woods sourced from Santiago de Cuba for ceilings, stairs, and columns. Cuban, Italian, and Spanish marbles adorn the floors and bathrooms.

In 1932, Dupont installed the largest private organ in Latin America at the time, valued at $11,000, featuring both automatic and manual mechanisms.

Beyond a Mansion: Dupont's Broader Influence

Beyond Xanadú, Dupont played a significant role in the peninsula's development. He sold land to wealthy Americans, financed the construction of a church, maintained a parochial school, and in 1931 built Cuba's first 18-hole golf course, now the Varadero Golf Club spanning 61 hectares. In 1933, he donated 40,000 pesos to cyclone victims.

During the 1950s, Xanadú became the social hub for Dupont in Cuba, hosting Hollywood stars such as Cary Grant, Esther Williams, and Ava Gardner.

Xanadú's Transition and Legacy

In 1957, Dupont visited the mansion for the last time after suffering a leg fracture and being relocated to the United States, never to return to the island.

Irénée Dupont de Nemours passed away in 1963, coinciding with the mansion's opening as the Las Américas restaurant. Following Cuba's 1959 Revolution, the property—like many others owned by foreigners and wealthy Cubans—was taken over by the state.

Today, Xanadú Mansion, declared a National Monument, operates as a boutique hotel and clubhouse for the Varadero Golf Club, with the Xanadú Restaurant specializing in French and international cuisine.

In January 2018, restoration efforts led by the non-agricultural cooperative DECORARTE aimed to preserve this architectural gem.

"Xanadú Mansion stands as a testament to Dupont's legacy in Cuba and the island's rich history," summarizes the historical account of this property, which, nearly a century after its construction, remains one of Varadero's most recognizable landmarks.