Spanish-style homes are a popular choice for many homeowners who want to live in spaces of luxury and culture. These homes have a long and rich history, dating back to the days of Spanish colonialism. Spain significantly influenced design and culture in many parts of the world for almost 400 years.
Spanish-style houses, also referred to as Mediterranean-style or Hispanic homes, are built with a stucco exterior. They also feature red tile roofs, arched windows and doors, and wrought-iron balconies. These homes often have a courtyard in the center – a common feature in Spanish architecture.
If you’re thinking of building your own Spanish-style home or renovating your space, here’s what you need to know.
History of Spanish- Style Houses
The United States has many colonial-era churches and buildings. However, many of the existing homes are part of the Spanish revival movement. Significant historical events inspired architects in the 19th century. They started building houses that resembled those from Spanish rule.
Many cities also decided to design public buildings and spaces using a unified, Spanish-inspired style. This is especially prevalent in the Southwest, where there’s a strong Spanish influence on the culture.
The most popular Spanish-style homes are from the Mission Revival and Colonial Revival periods. These styles became popular in the early 20th century and still inspire many of today’s homeowners.
These homes were not exact replicas. They featured modern elements, like glass windows and second floors. However, they also combined design elements from different areas and eras, like the Moorish Revival and Spanish Baroque. Mexican architecture movements also influenced Spanish-style houses in the U.S.
What are Spanish-Style Homes Made Of?
A Spanish-style home uses indigenous materials. Homes in the Southwest are typically made of adobe, while a Spanish-style house in Florida uses coquina rock. These materials are used to build homes that withstand hot weather conditions.
Builders also use wrought iron accents since the metal can withstand dry climates. It does not require as much maintenance as other types of metal.
Most Spanish revival homes are built with stucco walls. Stucco is a plaster-like material made from lime, sand, and water. Homeowners love it since it can be molded into different shapes and is easy to maintain.
A Spanish-style house often has terracotta tiles on the roof and floor. Terracotta is made of natural clay that’s fired in a kiln. The high temperatures make it more durable than other types of clay. Adobe bricks are also a popular choice for a Spanish home in the Southwest. These bricks are made of natural materials such as mud and straw.
The roof of a Spanish home is heavy and requires durable wooden beams for support. The beams often protrude from the outer edge of the house. This functional element doesn’t just support the weight of the roof; it also adds to the home’s aesthetic.
Modern Spanish-style homes combine wrought iron and steel to create an eclectic look. Stone is also used to add ornate details reminiscent of old Spanish churches.
Types of Spanish-Style Homes
Most Spanish-style houses can last for over a century. They are built with high-quality materials and construction methods. As a result, they often have unique features you won’t find in other types of homes.
However, there are different types of Spanish-style homes. Here are some of the most popular:
Mission Revival Style Homes
The Mission Revival style rose in popularity in the late 19th century. These homes were inspired by the Spanish missions built in the Southwest. These houses have simple structures with facades that resemble old Spanish missions. They are often built with arched entrances, low roofs, and even bell towers.
Monterey Homes
The Monterey home is one of the oldest types of Spanish-style homes. These houses were built in the early 19th century by Thomas Larkin. Even though they predated the Spanish Revival, they still have many features that are associated with that design. These homes also have adobe walls, flat roofs, and upper and lower balconies.
Pueblo Revival Homes
Pueblo Revival homes became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. These homes combined indigenous designs and Spanish-style architecture. They featured flat roofs, stucco walls, and rounded wood beams. These homes also often have walled courtyards or patios. Traditional versions of these houses have red earthen walls, but they can also be painted white or other colors.
Spanish-Style Homes in Florida
Spanish colonial buildings in Florida have a different look and feel from similar structures in California. This is because Floridian Spanish-style homes use coquina rock instead of adobe. Coquina rock is a sedimentary rock made up of shells and coral. It is found in abundance on the coast of Florida.
Spanish-style homes in Florida also borrowed heavily from Baroque and Moorish influences. This can be seen in ornate facades, geometric window shapes, and decorative columns.
Spanish Eclectic Homes
Spanish Eclectic homes are a mix of different Spanish styles. They can have a similar shape to a ranch house but with terracotta tiles. Spanish Eclectic homes feature elements that are rare in Spanish-style architecture like bay windows can be found. Baroque, Pueblo, Renaissance, Moorish, and other Spanish Revival styles inspired these Spanish-style homes.
What are the Key Features of Spanish Homes?
Many vital features define Spanish Colonial architecture, including stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and wrought iron details. These structures often have a strong sense of symmetry and order, with a central courtyard or patio serving as the focal point.
The other features include:
Thick Walls
Thick walls are another characteristic of many Spanish architecture-inspired homes. They help keep the house cool during warmer seasons by absorbing the heat during the day and releasing it at night. This feature is especially beneficial in locations that experience high temperatures.
Small Windows
These homes often have small windows. Before, builders used wrought iron grates to seal the homes from outside elements. Now, glass panes are used instead. Wooden shutters are sometimes present and are usually mounted inside the window.
Decorative Elements
A Spanish-style home typically features ornate details. These include anything from wrought iron gates and balconies to intricately carved wood beams. These features add to the overall Old World charm of Spanish homes.
Inner Courtyard for Cooking
A Spanish-style home has an inner courtyard where families would do their cooking. This area is often built with an exhaust to help keep the rest of the house cooler. These interior courtyards are perfect for homeowners who enjoy hosting gatherings with friends and family.
How Expensive are Spanish-Style Homes?
Spanish-style homes are beautiful, but they can be pricey to build. They often cost more than other types of homes because of the materials used and the construction methods employed.
However, these homes are built to last. They are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques. As a result, they often have unique features you won’t find in residential properties.
If you’re looking for a Spanish-style home, you can expect to pay anywhere from $125,500 to $345,000. Many homeowners spend approximately $187,500 on a 1,500 sq. ft. home.
However, the price of a Spanish-style house can vary depending on its location and features. Its square footage also affects the price. For example, a small house in a rural area is likely to cost less than a sizeable Spanish estate in the city. Similarly, a house with basic features will be less expensive than one with luxury amenities like a swimming pool or guest house.
When it comes to square footage, a smaller home will cost less than a larger one. But, it’s important to remember that the cost per square foot will be higher for a smaller home. This is because the materials and labor required to build a smaller home are the same as those needed for a larger home.
When it comes to Spanish-style homes, you’ll get what you pay for. These homes are unique and stylish, and they’re long-lasting. If you’re looking for a home that will make a statement, take a leaf out of Spain’s architecture book.
What Makes Spanish-Style Homes Unique?
Homes inspired by Spanish architecture have features that make them stand out from other types of homes. The exterior typically has terracotta roofs, stucco walls, small windows, and ornate details. The house also uses local materials, which helps it blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Spanish-style homes have visible wooden beams, domed ceilings, and decorative tiles on the inside. Wrought iron is also used extensively throughout these homes. The combination of these features gives homeowners a warm and cozy sanctuary that is perfect for alone time or entertaining loved ones.
A Spanish-style home is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a unique and stylish house. These homes are built to last and have features you won’t find in other types of homes. If you’re interested in building a home that balances aesthetic with form and function, consider the Spanish-style design today.
