The Pink Palace of Coral Gables, Florida

When my husband and I moved from Dallas to Miami seven years ago, it was a difficult transition for me, but then I met Deirdre Critchlow who was an absolute angel. Deirdre and I met through my blog. I had written about her home – a 1920s Colonial located in the historic Florida Pioneer/Colonial Village of Coral Gables (a suburb of Miami) – and she emailed me asking if I would like to come see it.  Deirdre’s two daughters were in town, visiting from New York and Connecticut, and they gave me a full tour of the most beautiful home I have ever seen. All three were passionate interior design enthusiasts, and we became fast friends. Deirdre took me under her wing, adopting me as my “Miami Mom,” and rarely a day went by that we were not in communication.  So much of what I know about interior design, I learned from her. Tragically, Deirdre lost a 10 year battle with breast cancer last year, and she is desperately missed by all who knew her.

Before she passed, Deirdre and I worked together to photograph her home with the hope of having it published. We brought the renowned photographer Carmel Brantley down from Palm Beach, and we sent the images to our favorite design magazine, Southern Home. We were delighted when they agreed to publication! Her home is featured in the current March/April 2019 issue of Southern Home, and while Deirdre is not here to see it, I know she is smiling down from Heaven. Below are a few of my favorite outtakes from the shoot… There are many more beautiful images by Brantley Photography in the current Southern Home.

Rick and Deirdre Critchlow

Deirdre and her husband Rick oversaw an extensive renovation and expansion of their historic home under the guidance of architect Jorge L. Hernandez and interior designer Marisel Diaz. Deirdre then brought in her friend, designer Eileen Plasky of EPDesign Group, to help fulfill her vision for the interiors. There is a fun story about how the Critchlows sold the home once they became empty nesters… but they missed it so much they repurchased it when the new owners moved from Miami. (It was actually the decor of the previous owners I featured on my blog that brought Deirdre into my life.) You can read more in Southern Home!

To learn more about this very special home and to see many more pictures, please pick up a copy of the March/April issue of Southern Home on newsstands now, or you can purchase a digital copy here.  If you do not already have a subscription to this beautiful publication, readers of The Glam Pad will receive a $10 dollar discount by entering promo code “GLAM” upon checkout. Please visit Southern Home to subscribe.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Have just returned from a weekend at The Biltmore in Coral Gables and loved seeing the beautiful properties there. Had a great view from the golf course. Such a lovely neighborhood ripe for renovation of grand older homes with deep lots with mature landscaping.

  2. She looks like such a lovely person. How tragic that she isn’t here to see her home in a magazine. It’s perfect! What great taste. I wouldn’t change a single thing. It must have given her so much pleasure. I guess they were meant to have it, since they owned it twice. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Recently spent a couple of days at the Biltmore. It is a very grand hotel but the plumbing was LOUD. Every time someone showered, you knew about it! The hotel features a grand golf course. My husband was very excited to play. And took a golf lesson from a famous golfer (who’s name I forget). We also made sure to walk around Coral Gables and admire all the pretty houses. The man who designed the Biltmore was also the designer of the Coral Gables subdivision which were mostly constructed during the 1920s. Would love to retire there! Golf for him, pretty houses for me!

  4. What a great story, Andrea! Do you know everyone? ?. Its just so sad to lose such a lovely woman to this darn disease. Love this house too and going to get the magazine! Xo

  5. I have the magazine and just saw your article while on Pinterest ,Beautiful home ,so sorry for your loss,I am a 6 yr. Breast cancer survivor.
    So sad I have lost so many friends and family to cancer.

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