Traditional Mexican homes styles range from colonial homes and old country haciendas to tiny casitas rustic and adobe ranches. The architecture of houses Mexico was profoundly influenced by Moorish and Mediterranean styles that were brought here by the Spanish colonists. Mexico was the richest region of the Spanish colonial empire and for this reason numerous houses in Mexico are built in colonial style.
Mission Style Houses
Mission-style homes are present in almost all regions of Mexico and they are inspired by the 18th century Spanish ecclesiastical architecture. These types of homes are also spread throughout Florida, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. These houses typically have stucco or stone walls, arched ceilings, red tile roofs and walkways. The interior designs are often elaborate, with vibrant colour palettes that include bright shades such as yellows, blues and reds. Other architectural features of mission-style homes include square bell towers, a mission-shaped portico, parapet or dormer, quatrefoil windows and carvings and asymmetrical facades with irregularly placed windows.
Spanish Villas
A great number of houses in Mexico are dramatically influenced by the long interaction of the country with Spain. Spanish villas are the most popular type of Mexican homes that can be found in the southern regions of the U.S. as well. The Spanish villa style is often characterized by red tile roofs and white stucco walls. The doors are usually wooden and these homes typically feature several rounded or arched windows. Interior tile floors are another characteristic of these houses and in many cases dark blue tile is used in the kitchens and bathrooms. Some of the Spanish Villas have tiled interior courtyards with fountains and elaborate gardens.
Modern Houses
The downtown urban areas of Mexico’s largest cities such as Guadalajara or Mexico City are characterized by modern houses. The style of these houses is a familiar one in regions such as Taos and Santa Fe as well. The architecture of these modern houses is inspired by Mexican Native American cultures and some of the distinctive features include several levels of patios and flat roofs. Many of these houses are built from stucco or adobe and they feature wooden ceilings and tile floors. Because of their small windows that allow the interiors to remain cool, these houses are very popular in the hot regions of Mexico.
Haciendas
The term “hacienda” refers to ranch-style homes that can be found throughout Mexico as well in some of the southern regions of the U.S. Typically, these houses only have one story and they are spread out over a large property. The rooms are often separated from the others and the kitchen and dining areas are separated. Some of the typical features of the hacienda ranches include brick fireplaces, tile floors and courtyards or outdoor patios.
Condos
Nowadays, condos are one of the most popular types of houses for those who are considering Mexico as a vacation destination or a place of retirement. The condo market in Mexico is actually offering a wide variety of options and the first thing you should have in mind when opting for a condo is comfort. Many of the condo communities in Mexico are especially built as vacation houses and this is the reason many of them have beachfront views. The good thing about condos is that you can find one suitable for any budget, as prices vary from $75,000 to over $1 million.
Regardless of the type of house you choose to buy in Mexico, there are several things you need to take into account before making an investment. It goes without saying that research is your best friend when purchasing a property and Mexico is no exception to that rule. The best thing to start doing your research is the internet, where you can find information about specific areas and neighbourhoods. Next, visit the area of your choice in order to see for yourself if that would be a good match for you.
Another thing that you need to consider is the prices. Not only do you need to worry about the purchase price of a property, but you should also budget for the fees to the notary public and the cost of the bank trust. The annual taxes that you will need to pay for your property should be taken into account as well, but they are extremely low when compared to the U.S. or Canada. As you may know, the cost of living in Mexico is lower than in other countries and property taxes are no exception to the rule, as you may end up paying just a few hundred dollars a year.
http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1394-mexican-design-style-overview
In examining traditional Mexican home styles and architectural influences, let's delve into each concept:
Colonial Homes and Old Country Haciendas:
The colonial homes and haciendas in Mexico reflect a rich history influenced by Moorish and Mediterranean styles brought by Spanish colonists. These structures often encompass grandeur and spaciousness, characterized by courtyards, thick walls made of stone or adobe, and ornate architectural details. They typically feature separate living spaces, with rooms arranged around central patios, and may include features like tile roofs, wooden-beamed ceilings, and colorful, vibrant interiors.
Mission Style Houses:
Inspired by 18th-century Spanish ecclesiastical architecture, Mission-style homes are widespread in various regions of Mexico and the southern U.S. Their design includes stucco or stone walls, arched ceilings, red tile roofs, and decorative elements like quatrefoil windows and carvings. The interiors boast vivid color palettes, encompassing shades of yellows, blues, and reds, often reflecting a distinctive charm and warmth.
Spanish Villas:
Spanish villa-style homes are prevalent in Mexico's southern regions and exhibit a distinct charm characterized by white stucco walls, red tile roofs, wooden doors, and rounded or arched windows. These villas may feature interior tile floors, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, along with tiled courtyards adorned with fountains and intricate gardens, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Modern Houses:
In urban areas like Mexico City and Guadalajara, modern houses take inspiration from Mexican Native American cultures. These residences often feature multiple patio levels and flat roofs, constructed primarily from materials like stucco or adobe. Their design emphasizes wooden ceilings, tile floors, and small windows that aid in maintaining cooler interiors, particularly suited for hot climates.
Haciendas:
Haciendas, ranch-style homes prevalent in Mexico and certain southern U.S. regions, typically sprawl across vast properties with single-story layouts. They often boast separate rooms, including distinct kitchen and dining areas. Elements such as brick fireplaces, tile floors, and outdoor courtyards or patios contribute to their rustic charm and spacious design.
Condos:
Condos have emerged as a popular housing option in Mexico, especially among vacationers or retirees. They offer a diverse range of choices, from budget-friendly options to luxurious beachfront properties. Condo communities are designed for comfort and often feature amenities like beach views, catering to various budgets starting from $75,000 to over $1 million.
Understanding the nuances of Mexican real estate is crucial before making any investment. Researching specific areas and neighborhoods online, followed by physical visits to potential locations, helps in gauging compatibility. Considerations include property purchase prices, notary public fees, bank trust costs, and annual property taxes, which are notably lower in Mexico compared to countries like the U.S. or Canada, often amounting to just a few hundred dollars annually.
If you'd like more detailed information on any specific aspect or have further questions, feel free to ask!
