Mediterranean style homes reached the peak of popularity between the 1920s and 1930s and continue to be a popular style today. The symmetrical facades, stuccoed walls, and tiled roofs are just some of the attractive characteristics this style of architecture presents. Although thousands of Mediterranean style homes exist throughout the country, there are ten buildings that continually inspire home designs today.
1. Villa Vizcaya in Miami, Florida
Located in the heart of Miami, the Villa Vizcaya stands as a landmark representing the blend of French and Italian influenced Mediterranean architecture. This historic building inspires Mediterranean Revival architecture through its limestone stonework, coral trim, and sub-tropic plants.
2. Adamson House in Malibu, California
The Adamson House was constructed in 1928 and contains numerous Mediterranean elements that are visible from most areas along the state beach. Most Mediterranean style homes have tile work inspired by the beautiful display found throughout this 10-room mansion.
The ceramic tiles used throughout earn this home the name “Taj Mahal of Tile.” Also, this estate inspires an entire generation of architectural design along the West coast and throughout the United States. Moreover, the sand set swimming pool and Neptune Fountain are often portrayed throughout various landscape projects, as well as the inspirational tile showcased throughout the entire property.
3. Atalaya Castle in Georgetown, South Carolina
Atalaya Castle stands as one of the most popular landmarks in all of South Carolina. Military soldiers used this home during the WWII. Nowadays it serves as a popular banquet and wedding hall. Moreover, the property’s garden is one that truly inspires and captivates visitors.
The designer of this property focused on presenting a Mediterranean coastline Moorish architecture. It is a popular home style in coastal Spain. Also, all these details are noticeable in the properties long hallways, numerous domes, and arches throughout. This property now houses the area’s annual arts and crafts festivals. During this occasion, over 100 artisans go to show off their work.
4. Green Acres in Benedict Canyon, in Beverly Hills, California
This A.E. Hanson designed property was built in 1928. The property continues to inspire Mediterranean style homes today through its numerous gardens, stables, and open-air theater. Green Acres property is often described as a “gorgeous fairyland playground” due to its numerous gardens and landscape features throughout. The numerous motifs throughout the property are truly inspirational elements incorporated into Mediterranean properties across the country.
5. El Centro Español de Tampa in Tampa, Florida
This property served historically as an entry spot for immigrants entering the United States. Since then, many architects have tried to re-create parts of it in their works or projects. Furthermore, they are considering techniques for blending various design styles together in a natural and attractive manner. Unlike traditional Mediterranean style homes, this property features red brick masonry and white stone accents.
The arched entryway is depictive of the Moorish Revival and Spanish Mediterranean Revival architectural styles. The numerous cast-iron balconies and trim help inspire the modern day blend of the French Renaissance Revival and Mediterranean architecture seen in properties.
6. El Mirasol in Palm Beach, Florida
El Mirasol was a grand estate that people could find in Palm Beach County. Addison Mizner was the designer of this 1919 mansion. He specialized in Spanish colonial architecture. Hence, this mansion has beautiful and elaborate ceilings that were full of details and cast in golden gleam. Moreover, all these things provided a luxurious look for this property.
The exterior features are that of traditional Mediterranean style homes. Much of the area’s homes and buildings are modeled after the El Mirasol. In other words, they incorporate paneled rooms, tiled roof towers, numerous tiled turrets, and sheltered cloisters.
7. Casa Caprona in Fort Pierce, Florida
Another truly inspirational property is the Casa Caprona. Those interested can find this historic building in Fort Pierce Florida. Also, its creators wanted this to be the centerpiece of the prestige winter community in San Lucie Plaza before the project’s collapse.
Since its creation, this landmark property has continued to inspire Mediterranean style homes throughout Florida. It has high ceilings and large stone wood burning fireplaces. Also, it displays added rear balconies which are common characteristics mimicked on properties.
8. Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California
Hearst Castle received the name of Enchanted Hill, a hilltop estate overlooking the village of San Simeon. The property was originally planned to follow Japanese and Korean themes. However, it later followed suit on the growing Spanish Revival trend, switching out modern masonry for a more suitable stucco exterior.
Hearst traveled throughout Europe, collecting Mediterranean statues and art that is displayed throughout the property. Not only does this estate continue to inspire Mediterranean style homes visually, but it is also one of the first estates that use and inspire modern engineering techniques.
9. E. W. Marland Mansion in Ponca City, Oklahoma
The original design was that of a showplace for fine art. However, people admire the estate itself for being a masterpiece of its own. This Mediterranean Revival-style mansion has a stone exterior and traditional Mediterranean red tile roofs. Also, the building’s 55 rooms sprawl across three floors, containing large stone arches, short stairs, and balustrades throughout.
This Mediterranean style home displays decorative walls and ceilings and wrought iron balconies. Moreover, it has arched entryways and even rectangular windows throughout the entire mansion.
10. Hayes Mansion in San Jose, California
The Hayes Mansion stands out as a truly inspirational property. This is partly due to its unfamiliar incorporation of the exterior space throughout the interior of the property. Unlike traditional Mediterranean style homes, this building has large windows and openings overlooking the sprawling property grounds.
This relaxing and open atmosphere draws the outdoors in, while housing a large ballroom area and meeting room. Today, this estate is used as a hotel in San Jose, California. Furthermore, it inspires guests to use the 20-acre property during their visit.
Summing It Up
Whether you are looking for Mediterranean style homes to inspire architectural designs, landscaping, or modern building techniques, each of these ten buildings are true works of art that have continued to inspire the building community for nearly 100-years. It’s true that making a carbon copy of any of these properties will cost millions. However, incorporating elements from each into your own space is something anyone can do.
