A Spanish Colonial House

Greetings All,

A while back we made a trip to Mexico and of course fell in love with the architecture. We were there for a couple of weeks and in between the relaxing and walking around we saw a great many houses with 'se vende' signs on them. Now, they don't look like much from the outside, in fact, they look like a wall with door and maybe a window or two, but don't let that fool you, once you're in the world opens up and you're in paradise.

Now, to get to Paradise you sometimes have to walk thru Purgatory.

We're always up to a challenge, we've redone 6 or 7 houses now, so the idea of doing up an 8th is a fun prospect....but some of these look daunting.

We called the number and asked to see a few things and our guides ended up being wonderful, charming, well versed in what there was to offer and made the entire trip a pleasure. 

If you call the number be sure to ask for George and Koki.

We're currently enamored with the idea of a corner house. I like that this one is classical without being too girly and I even like the pink.

Some of the ruined rooms are so poetic it seems almost a shame to change them...but there is a rainy season and you need somewhere to sleep!

Can't you just see a pool or fountain? After you put in a loggia....

Some rooms and for scale 6'4 Ric.

The Feel

Elegant planter's chairs are comfortable and very stylish

Low Dutch style benches can be used as sofas or as additional seating

Let's add a nice sculpture somewhere in the loggia

The Feel

Oscar de la Renta. If we're gonna do it, we may as well really do it.

There won't be a need for a rug as the floors are usually old Pasta Tiles.

The floors vary from subdued to the most vibrant hues.

You could decide to use these stylish and sculptural teak reclining chairs rather than rattan.

Chinese garden stools as small drink's tables

Since this is a colonial house I'd say let's use a 16thc tapestry  in the room.

Tall bookcases could anchor the sofa wall, we can always have these made without the pediments, or we could leave them and add some large blue and white jars behind them [ a little box stand will make them stand out even more].

A large center table is always a good idea, the bigger the better, if you have the space it anchors the room and can be used for drinks or working or even informal meals.

Easy slipcovered sofas with soft cushions in plain colors will keep the look clean and modern

A low stool, add a loose cusion and you have extra seat, or add a few trays use it as a coffee table.

Narwal tusks. These are reproductions and are made up to 9' tall. Actual tusks can be harvested only by Inuits and are extremely hard to export.

There's always room for a few more chairs. Why not these.

Some modern art by Ric to add to the mix 

The Feel

Dining al fresco is a must. The lifestyle is very relaxed, the indoors are out, the outdoors are in. 

Wooden chairs or maybe wicker or maybe like in the picture above, just plain director's chairs. Nothing too formal.

I don't think I'd match the table and the chairs, I do love the lines of the table and the chairs...maybe a mix of both types of chairs would break it up enough.

A pretty sideboard to hold essentials

A few big pieces by Ric Best Art

In the halls or loggia

For the Bed Rooms 

Tall four roster beds are traditional, sculptural and quite lovely. All you need are simple side tables and lamps and maybe a seating area off to the side.

Also handsome is the Portuguese Style bed.

The Guest Room

The Feel

Classic comfort. A pair of twins 3/4 would be better,  but more than likely there's room for two full or queen sized beds.

As with most colonial houses there are no built in closets. A teak armoire will hold whatever your guests bring.

Beds in bone with brass rings make a grand and unexpected statement. Elegant but relaxed they'll suit every kind of guest.

Never a bad idea to have a wide table between two beds. add a nice stool and it doubles as a writing table.

and still, I'm sure there are more rooms to think about.....but for now that's a daydream and a fun exercise on putting together a colonial home. We'll wait and see what the future holds.

And that's all I have for now.

Except for this, a new book on the Yucatan and it's great homes.

http://www.1stdibs.com/introspective-magazine/casa-mexico/