The luxury Villa Xanadu, which used to belong to an American multimillionaire, is always of genuine interest to tourists. It is better known as Villa Dupont, as it was named in honour of the entrepreneur Irene Dupont de Nemours. The wealthy mansion sits on the very edge of the Icacos Peninsula just above the cliffs. In 1926, the American, who became rich during the First World War, moved to Cuba and bought almost all the land on the peninsula for next to nothing. Then he sold plots in the paradise place to rich compatriots much more expensive. Thus appeared a beautiful village with rich villas and lush gardens.
Dupont did not forget about himself, his mansion became the crown of local architecture, which was built and equipped with the latest technology of the time. It cost then 1.3 million dollars. Together with the billionaire's family lived 70 workers, servants and guards. The villa was characterised by convenience and unprecedented comfort for the beginning of the 20th century. The house had a telephone, a lift, a huge wine cellar, a library, a special tea room, a bar occupying the whole third floor. Dupont adored his daughters, so the bathrooms are incredibly huge and have all sorts of fixtures and amenities. One of his girls was given an organ by the caring dad. But in 1957, the Dupont family had to leave the fertile land, as he began to have health problems.
Already in 59 the mansion was nationalised. And 5 years later, the people's restaurant "Las Americas" opened its doors hospitably, which welcomes visitors even now. And in the house of Dupont after his death began to lead excursions worth 3 dollars. As the former owner was a keen golfer, the new owners improved the course and organised a golf club, which is officially included in the annual schedule of professional European golfers. It is said that Che Guevara himself played golf on these courses, which is confirmed by a photograph of the famous revolutionary with a club, which is displayed in the hall of the golf club.
