Do you love Mexico’s colonial style? If you do, you’re certainly not alone. Many of us have fallen in love with the bright colors, the archways, tall ceilings, wooden beams and – if you’ve actually been inside one of these buildings – the surprising freshness they offer even in the hot Mexican sun.
But what about owning a colonial home in Mexico? Is the structure still good? Can it be modernized? How much work would it be to put in new wiring? Or modern a water system? While finding a restored colonial home fully fitted with modern utilities, or even renovating one yourself to include all of this is entirely possible. Yet, not all of us are ready to take on that kind of project.
Some of us would simply like to buy and move in, and some of us simply like the idea of a modern designed home with open-space concepts, etc. – even if we prefer some of the colonial elements.
The good news is that a perfect solution to this kind of preference is currently beginning to appear on the real estate market in Mexico.
Many new gated communities are taking elements from Mexico’s colonial buildings and young architects are using them to bring a colonial revival that will make every home look grand and stately while staying intimate and functional.
It’s the best from two worlds!
The Colonial Elements
Neo-colonial buildings have incorporated some colonial elements. Some of these include:
Arches: Archways provide entrance into the development, as well as into the patios and spaces of the individual homes.
Stonework: Some of the arches are made of exposed stone, elegantly crafted to create visual appeal, as well as separating walls. Within the home, there is exposed stonework, side-by-side with painted stucco.
High ceilings: One of the key elements in creating a spacious atmosphere and keeping air fresh and cool is high ceilings, which Hacienda del Rio has incorporated.
Rugged wooden beams: The wooden beams of the high ceilings are a key visual element.
Bright colors: Mexico is a colorful country, and the bright colors add to a relaxing and pleasant lifestyle. Large windows – Natural sunlight and beautiful views are a key part of enjoying life in Mexico, especially a beautiful, natural place.
The Modern Design
While incorporating these colonial elements for both visual and practical purposes, young Mexican architects strive to design modern complex of houses and condos. All wiring and utilities are fully up to date and underground.
Many gated communities now include large green areas and a river-style pools, along with benches and even restaurants, convenience stores and club-houses.
These properties are truly an ideal combination of colonial and modern!
Article written by:
Iñaki Minondo Amezcua
Architect at 101 Grados
