Cuadra San Cristobal

If you have been following this blog closely, you may have noticed that I can appreciate classical, beautiful, timeless architecture. I can appreciate the symmetry and form of modern architecture but usually it does not speak to me. Unless it is pink!

I was thumbing through an old Architectural Digest magazine when I came across the real estate listing pages. I still need a few years in a very successful career before I think about purchasing something from these pages but hey, a girl can dream! One listing that caught my eye is called the Cuadra San Cristobal. This gorgeous house was built as an equestrian estate in 1968 by Mexican architect Luis Barragan. This house is a bargain at $12.4 million! Who wants to split the mortgage?

Luis Barragan was born in 1902 and studied to be an engineer. He secretly attended classes to fulfill his dream job- becoming an architect. Barragan was taught and heavily influenced by Le Corbusier. They both are classified under modern architects for their straight lines, symmetry, and bold new ways. Barragan strived for serenity in his designs. He did not want to build homes, he wanted to build sanctuaries. Barragan has been honored by the Museum of Modern Art in New York and received the second Pritzker prize. According to their website, Pritzker prizes are awarded "honoring living architects whose built work demonstrates a combination of those qualities of talent, vision, and commitment, which has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity and the built environment through the art of architecture." (http://www.pritzkerprize.com/) Barragan passed away in 1988 but continues to inspire other architects to this day.

Let's dig into the architectural feel of this property. I believe that Barragan built this property as a summer ranch/weekend getaway for a chic and trendy family. The straight planes and bright colors make me think of trendy neighborhoods such as LA. In fact, one can view houses in LA that are very similar to Cuadra San Cristobal. Perhaps this family was native to LA or frequently traveled there.

This house has four bedrooms, five and one half bedrooms, 2,800 square feet and sits on seven acres. It even includes stables and a track for caring for equestrian friends. 

Let's look at balance within this estate. Cuadra San Cristobal's colors distinguish it from nature greatly while at the same instance existing harmoniously. The clean cut walls are very natural and completely fit the surrounding landscape. This is a place where nature and civilization coexist. One symbol of this is the existence of two swimming pools- one for the humans and one for the horses.

Make special note of the fountain used at this residence. This fountain is a Barragan trademark according to Architectural Digest.