Architecture Wednesday: Casona 59

Although a home in Merida, Mexico, the renovation reflects the Belle Époque for French art in its balustrades, irregular wall finishes, and arches throughout. The idea of the renovation of Casona59 was to preserve the spirit and memory of the building, restoring the cedar wood doors and windows, removing several layers of paint from the walls revealing old times and colors, and remodeling the bathrooms so that the “new” elements were placed in such a way that they did not touch the original walls of the house to maintain a respect for the old building. While the existing spaces changed their functions, the kitchen was restored in the original space and new areas such as swimming pool, terraces, garage and bathrooms were added.

There are two ensuite bedrooms, the primary with a walk-through closet, as well as a living area, central sitting room, dining room, and kitchen with large pantry. Outside is a covered terrace and a small pool in the central courtyard … a whole design to enjoy the benefits of the sky, the sun, the light, the shadow and the visuals.

And it’s in Merida, one of the most beautiful spots on Earth.

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Amazing Architecture

Architecture Wednesday: Casa Dos Sueños

The House of Two Dreams, in Merida, Mexico, consists of three main blocks. The first block consists of the three original bays; the first being the foyer and the carport. The second bay consists of a TV room, laundry, a full bathroom, an outdoor shower and a small interior patio. In the third bay is another sitting area as well as a bedroom.

Between the first and second blocks is a central courtyard with a glass ceiling and concrete curved stairway with iron railings that lead to the second-floor office and primary suite. In the next block, you’ll find the kitchen, dining room, and guest bathroom. There is also access to the covered patio and outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Between the second and third block is an enclosed garden with pool area and a small garden, before you arrive at the last block featuring  two more en suite bedrooms. Upstairs, over the main house, the primary bedroom has access to a balcony with a small tub, a full bathroom as well as a home office connected to the main room by a bridge through the central courtyard.

I adore Merida, and could easily live there in a house like this, perhaps a bit smaller?

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Amazing Architecture

Architecture Wednesday: John Show Ranch Estate

This is the John Show Ranch Estate, a Spanish Colonial Revival home that is one of the most significant historic structures in the San Fernando Valley. At the time of construction in the 1920s, the Show Ranch encompassed over 350 acres of citrus and walnut trees.

Today, the home is privately situated high above a surrounding development of Charles Du Bois midcentury homes and in pristine condition thanks to a multidecade, multimillion-dollar restoration by the current owners in collaboration with historic architects and contractors.

An ascending driveway leads to the grand arched front exterior and expansive wrap-around porch overlooking beautiful gardens and mature trees. The grand and soaring interior entrance sets a tone of distinction and artisan craftsmanship with its oversized carved Mahogany door, forged iron work, original Gladding McBean floors and original Malibu decorative tiles and fixtures are showcased throughout the home.

A bright and incredibly large step-down living room is the heart of the first floor, boasting hardwood floors, a decorative cast citrus fireplace above a Malibu tile hearth and a custom silk and wool carpet that was specifically designed for this room. The living room flows seamlessly into a large den and bar, perfect for entertaining. The large kitchen was recently completely overhauled to marry the modern with the memorable and features both original and custom cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

Just off of the kitchen, a large dining area is overlooked by ornate original ceiling plaster work. Dedicated to preserving the home, the current owners restored light fixtures  whenever possible, and had new figures duplicated to ensure that the look and historical integrity of the property remained intact.

Upstairs, the property features 4 large bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with original colorful Malibu tile bathroom floors, fixtures and fireplace tiles. Unlike many builds from the 1920's, the home has plenty of closet space and accompanying dressing rooms. Recent systems upgrades include a new roof, exterior sewer line, triple zoned HVAC and ducting and new electrical wiring and panels.

Outside is a resort like heated pool and patio settings were completely rebuilt and fortified to code in 2017 with structural pylons, rebar and retaining walls. The patios were tiled with period correct Arto Brick tiles to ensure that the 1928 experience was felt in every aspect of the property.

The upper exterior patio conveniently comes with a large custom bar and BBQ, while the lower patio offers plenty of space for pool parties and long summer evenings with family and friends.

It’s like living in history … featuring the original details and artisan craftsmanship, while being fully updated to the way we live today.

 Dwell