The Scarface House: Fact vs. Fiction About Its Miami Location
The iconic mansion featured in the 1983 film “Scarface,” often referred to as the “Scarface house,” is not actually located in Miami, Florida. Despite the film’s setting, the exterior shots of Tony Montana’s opulent estate were filmed at a real-life mansion located in Santa Barbara, California.
The Real Location: El Fureidis, Santa Barbara
The opulent estate used for exterior shots in “Scarface” is called El Fureidis, a 10-acre property in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, California. This historic mansion, designed by Bertram Goodhue, showcases a blend of Mediterranean Revival and Middle Eastern architectural styles, making it the perfect backdrop for depicting Tony Montana’s rise to power and lavish lifestyle. Its distinctive features like the Roman pool and Persian-inspired gardens are instantly recognizable from the film.
Why Not Miami?
Although “Scarface” is set in Miami, logistical and aesthetic considerations led filmmakers to choose El Fureidis. Finding a suitable property in Miami at the time that captured the desired level of grandeur and architectural style proved challenging. El Fureidis offered the perfect visual representation of Tony Montana’s extravagant wealth and status.
Inside Shots
The interiors of Tony Montana’s mansion, including the infamous dining room and bedroom, were largely filmed on sound stages in Los Angeles. This allowed the production team greater control over lighting, set design, and overall filming conditions. While the exterior establishes the grandeur, the interior scenes are crafted to depict the character’s evolving mindset and inner turmoil.
Can You Visit the “Scarface House”?
El Fureidis has been a private residence throughout its history and has been sold several times. Though it has been available for rentals and private events, general public access is not permitted. Information about the property, its history, and architectural details can be found on reputable sources, such as Wikipedia’s entry on El Fureidis.
FAQs about the Scarface House
Is the Scarface mansion still standing?
Yes, El Fureidis in Montecito, California, is still standing. It has been maintained and renovated over the years, preserving its architectural integrity.
How much did the Scarface house sell for?
The selling price of El Fureidis has varied over the years. Most recently, in 2023, it sold for $37 million.
Were any parts of Scarface filmed in Miami?
Yes, many scenes in “Scarface,” particularly those depicting the streets of Miami and Little Havana, were filmed on location in Miami, Florida. However, the exterior shots of the main mansion were not.
Who owned the Scarface house?
El Fureidis has had several owners since its construction in the early 20th century. As of now, it is owned privately.
Can I rent the Scarface house?
El Fureidis has occasionally been available for rent for private events, but general public access is not permitted.
Summary
While often associated with Miami, the iconic “Scarface house” is actually El Fureidis, a historic mansion in Montecito, California. This architectural masterpiece was chosen for its grandeur and aesthetic qualities to represent Tony Montana’s lavish estate. Although the film is set in Miami, the mansion itself is a piece of California’s architectural heritage.
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