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While Daniel built an industrial empire, he also designed and commissioned some truly magnificent homes. Among these, the Florence estate on New Jersey’s coast stands out as a symbol of his taste and visions of grandeur. Completed around 1903, the mansion was located in Elberon, a seaside retreat known as the "Playground of Millionaires," rich with luxury hotels and private “cottages” that attracted U.S. presidents and financiers alike.
Daniel sought to create a residence that embodied the splendor of ancient Italy. Inspired by the Renaissance palaces and Roman villas, he envisioned a structure that would reflect classical antiquity's romance, using Italy’s architectural language to craft a modern-day monument to timeless elegance.