Located on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the verdant, tropical village of Coconut Grove is a charming, tranquil community. Its highly individual and artsy, Bohemian style has enhanced its reputation as a place where economic, intellectual and ethnic backgrounds are of little importance. Unified in the fight against outsiders and developers who have threatened this little enclave, the residents of Coconut Grove enjoy a strong, independent spirit, indeed they have tried to secede from Miami on several occasions. Bahamian seamen first settled this erstwhile tropical jungle in 1834. They were swiftly followed by several pioneer families who established a community of writers, environmentalists, sea enthusiasts and artists. Some wealthy personalities have owned properties here, notably James Deering of the agricultural machinery company, who built the Renaissance-style villa, Vizcaya, with its four hectares of formal gardens. In 1887, Commodore Ralph Munroe built "The Barnacle" in an area of forest known as hardwood hammock; the house was so named because of the distinctive shape of its roof. It is the oldest home in Miami-Dade County still on its original site. Shopping is a major temptation in the Streets of Mayfair, a pedestrian-friendly shopping mall situated next to Coco Walk, the giant open-air mall made famous in many movies. Cultural festivals abound and a thriving nightlife attracts many visitors to the area.