Vizcaya was originally an estate of 180 acres, designed to resemble a typical Italian villa, self-sufficient with a dairy, poultry house, mule stable, greenhouse, and staff residences. The house took two years to build. The formal gardens were not completed until 1921 due to the outbreak of World War I.

Of all the mountains that surround Seattle, Mount Rainier stands boldest. On clear days, you can see the mountain from downtown, but to grasp its full beauty, you must see it up close.