These Spanish-Style Homes Offer Energy Efficiency: How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in North America, they brought traditional architectural styles with them, using the materials available to build their homes — for example, adobe in the Southwest or coquina rock in Florida. Some common elements include thick, stucco-clad walls, terracotta roofs, courtyards and balconies, and arches under eaves, on doorways and main windows.

Changing architectural tastes gave rise to different Spanish styles, including Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Pueblo Revival, Territorial, and Monterey. Mediterranean styles blend rustic Italian and Spanish Renaissance styles. Each style is unique, both in color and the intricacy of details.

An added bonus: The thick walls of Spanish-style homes make them models for energy efficiency. The thick walls are designed to absorb the day’s heat and radiate it back into the buildings during cool evenings.

Spanish architecture is widely found in areas such as Florida, California and the Southwest that once were under Spanish control. But the style is popular enough, that it’s found throughout the United States.

This week in How Much House, we feature Spanish-style homes in California, Florida and Michigan.

California | $3,795,000

4807 Bonvue Ave., Los Angeles
Listed by: Dougal Murray | Keller Williams Realty, Studio City
Square feet: 4,267
Acreage: 0.14 acre
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6 (all full)
Year built: 1926

This stunning, authentic 1920s Spanish family home is set on a quiet street and offers imposing views of the city through large, arched windows that bathe the hand-crafted interior details in warm, natural light.

Original hardwood floors lead to a fun sage green kitchen. Bi-fold doors open to a secluded garden and newly remodeled pool. Upstairs, the primary suite also boasts city views and has an impressive ensuite bathroom with a freestanding tub, a large shower stall with a rain-forest shower head and a huge closet. The second floor has three additional ensuite bedrooms, each with its own charm and quirky character.

The 600-square-foot basement has an ensuite bedroom and laundry room. It can be used for a games room, home cinema room or guest bedroom. Peek inside for more photos.

Florida | $5,200,000

770 Alamanda St., Boca Raton
Listed by: Megann Lucaj Pam | Compass Florida, LLC
Square feet: 5,511
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6 (5 full)
Year built: 2017

Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Old Floresta, this 2017 constructed Spanish-Colonial inspired estate boasts stunning architectural design surrounded by beautiful pink silk floss trees, mature areca palms and well-kept gardens.

Inside, find Italian porcelain flooring, chic chandeliers, crown molding and soaring ceilings. High-impact windows allow natural light to flood the home. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel Wolf appliances, an 11-foot island and an airy breakfast room overlooking the lanai.

The luxurious, first-floor primary suite has a freestanding tub, dual water closets and a large, walk-in shower.

In the large back yard, find a pool and outdoor entertainment area. Game, exerciser and theater rooms make this an entertainer’s dream home. Peek inside for more photos.

Michigan | $2,199,000

17409 Lake Beach Drive, Spring Lake
Listed by: Jess Garrison | Coldwell Banker, Schmidt Family of Companies
Square feet: 4,178
Acreage: 0.23 acre
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6 (5 full)
Year built: 2016

This three-level Spanish contemporary on the main body of Spring Lake has 170 feet of private, west-facing frontage. The home was built in 2016 and completely upgraded in 2021. Attachments showing the upgrades are found among photos on the listing page.

On the main level, find a custom-built wet bar, full bath, workout room and living space with French sliding doors that open to a patio overlooking the lake.

The open-concept kitchen, dining room and living room occupy the second floor, offering 180-degree views of the lake. The design includes a second-floor patio.

The property includes a brand-new concrete and steel dock. Peek inside for more photos.

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