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Real Estate Colonial
 Real Estate
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Map of Yucatan Peninsula
The real estate market in Merida and the Emerald Coast of Yucatan is booming as more and more expatriates arrive from around the world to settle here. Prices compare favorably to the Mayan Riviera and San Miguel de Allende, other popular expat settlements, but it’s the unique charm of Yucatan that truly sets us apart! The colonial homes in the historic center of Merida combine European elements - the carved doors and high ceilings of Spain, for example - with the fine craftsmanship of Mexican artisans in tile, wood, and wrought-iron work.
The Moorish influence in Spain crossed the ocean with the original Spanish settlers. Enclosed gardens and indoor courtyards not only give privacy and muffle street noise, they bring the outdoors inside, creating a sense of lushness and tranquillity. Fountains, fish ponds, and swimming pools add a water element, creating a cool and peaceful environment. Collecting water was important to the Mayan people as well as the Moors, as Yucatan has little surface water. The two cultures are infused beautifully in the gardens of Merida – where you might find an antique stone water trough used as a water garden, or a European mythological fountain head with a backdrop of Talavera tile. Plants we in North America and Europe usually think of as only growing indoors or in nurseries thrive in Merida’s warm, semi-tropical climate. Bougainvillea, gardenia, azaleas, and tea roses compete with banana trees and coconut palms in a riot of color and scent. It’s practically guaranteed you will overplant, as everything grows so well here!
Providing a transition between the outdoors and indoors, portales, the traditional covered porches, provide shady, restful spots, helping to shade the interior of the home. With a rustic wooden table and chairs for meals, and hammocks for siestas – these are often the most used living space in Meridano homes.
Another architectural element which crossed the sea in the 1800’s are antique French clay tiles, often used on terrace roofs. The traditional pasta floor tiles of Yucatan are also a major feature in colonial homes.
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Above: The sala in a renovated colonial home in the Historic Centro
The multi-colored, repeating patterns are reminiscent of Moorish carpets. If you are lucky enough to find original pasta tile floors, you’ll find them easy to renovate and maintain. New pasta tile floors can be purchased locally, as the craft is maintained by skilled artisans in the region.
Almost every room in the house will have hamequeros, the wall fittings used to hang hammocks – and hammocks provide wonderful, cool rest – but Merida provides a wealth of options for furnishing your home. Whether rustic furniture - hand-crafted from indigineous tropical woods, wicker, leather, or rattan – or contemporary Euro-style furniture is your choice, you will have no trouble finding the perfect pieces.
Kitchens, always the heart of the Mexican home, are a wonderful mix of tradional style and contemporary amenities. Counters are often made of finely polished cement, with bright Talavera tile backdrops. Kitchen shelving is often open, providing air circulation, though cabinetry can be custom-designed if preferred. Again, the most modern appliances are readily available in Merida.
The Merida English library offers weekly tours of beautiful colonial homes in Merida, giving you the chance to view some of the treasures of the city. It’s a great way to envision your future in Merida!
Merida English Library Tours
www.meridaenglishlibrary.com
Visit our map:
Map of Merida Historical Downtown
Map of Merida Downtown
Map of Merida City
Map of Yucatan Peninsula |
