People have been building in Mexico for a very long time, as monumental archaeological sites across the country can attest. They have also long reused old sites: Mexicans found people living in the deserted city of Teotihuacán, and the Spanish later used the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlán to build their own cathedral in Mexico City. Staying true to this tradition, in recent years there has been an explosion in the number of architects who are reshaping traditional houses with a contemporary touch, while preserving their historical essence.

Generally speaking, colonial architecture in Mexico developed during Spanish colonization, which began in 1519 and lasted until the first decade of the 19th century. Spanish Colonial homes feature unique building elements such as high ceilings and rooms typically arranged around an interior courtyard surrounded by columns. Gable roofs provide ventilation, while balconies allow residents to enjoy fresh air while maintaining their privacy and serve as an indicator of social status. Baroque and Neoclassicism were the most influential architectural movements of this period.

Mexican architecture in the 19th century was strongly influenced by European trends in both building styles and materials, as national elites sought to establish the image of a modern country. Although there was a mixture of styles studied, neoclassicism remained strong. The Mexican Revolution opened a new page in Mexican architecture, as post-revolutionary modernization changed the face of the country’s cities.

The so-called traditional architecture mostly covers the pre-Revolutionary periods. It is unclear exactly when the new movement towards the restoration of traditional houses began, but it is undeniable that architects are creating breathtaking modern spaces while preserving local and national heritage. Follow some of the most impressive examples of this movement; You can book almost all of them yourself.

Finca El Fortin

This is a magnificent 16th-century building located on Hacienda Santa Cruz in Morelos. Its main building is an adaptation of the old city’s cathedral. The surrounding sugarcane fields and ancient ruins combine with modern elements to create a dreamy composition.

The pool, library and wooden stairs are very beautiful. You can now rent it with the Airbnb experience, allowing you to enjoy this historical setting while relaxing on an unforgettable vacation.

Tixnuc

Literally located in the middle of the forest, Tixnuc is a restored 17th-century farm located in the town of Samahil, 45 minutes outside of Mérida, Yucatán. The site lay in ruins for more than a century until a team of six star architects worked their magic: Jorge Carlos Zoreda, Mario Peniche López, Alejandro Vales García, Augusto Quijano and the firm Muñoz Arquitectos.

It is a very special place because the architects preserved the ruins with minimal interventions such as modern ceilings, doors and floors, and a small swimming pool. Nowadays it can be rented for events or holidays.

Casa Vagantes San Sebastian

This house in Mérida was built in the early 20th century, but you wouldn’t know it from the outside because its designers gave it a nice look. The atmosphere, with a beautiful ceramic floor in shades of yellow and soft brown, will take you back to the classic homes of the Mérida bourgeoisie. The design is both simple and elegant. you can Stay here via AirbnbIt’s a delightful experience for your senses, while the pool in the central courtyard provides a refreshing escape.

Casa Escuela

Old school converted into artists’ residence Located in the heart of Mérida, this building retains many of its original walls that have worn away over time. These interact with modern elements such as the furniture, floors, carpentry, the beautiful pool in the central courtyard and some ceramics incorporated into the structure.

One of the unique features of Casa Escuela is that its facades have been preserved in their original form. You can stay in this house as a guest and use it for events, but its main purpose is to serve as an inspiring place for artists to develop their work through residencies. You’ll also find workshops, wellness activities and culinary experiences.

Casa Serena

In the heart of downtown Oaxaca, you’ll find Casa Serena with a beautiful facade of wooden doors. Inconspicuous from the outside, this home is a stunningly renovated space that combines the layout of colonial homes (for example, a tree-lined central courtyard) with high ceilings and open spaces with elegant details like modern handcrafted furniture and futuristic lamps.

The colors of the walls, the outdoor bathtubs, the private veranda and the wooden paneling of the rooms create a perfect atmosphere of luxury and history. You I can rent it through Airbnband can accommodate up to 12 people.

Casa Mezcla

Mérida’s Casa Mezcla It is a 19th-century house that has become famous among lovers of Mexican architecture as a perfect example of the balance between tradition and modernity. The pool area is inspired by the combination of the old wall and the rustic fountain leading to the modern pool.

The design of the central courtyard features a terrace with the classic arch of colonial homes, resulting in beautiful aesthetics. The furniture is rustic, and the details of the house are quite modern. The roof is decorated with plants and you can enjoy cozy hammocks. You can rent this bed and breakfast through Airbnb or directly through Airbnb. website.

Casa Moro

This 19th-century neoclassical house preserves the essence of colonial homes in Guadalajara’s old town. Original floors, high ceilings, two courtyards, a spacious entrance hall and some old furniture mixed with modern details create an experience that allows you to feel the atmosphere of first-class homes of past centuries in Mexico. The design of the house is a great example of how the central courtyard can bring plenty of light and air into the rooms. Interventions at Casa Moro are minimal, and this is perhaps its main appeal. You can rent via Airbnb.

Casa Sirena

A classic in downtown Mazatlán. With its eccentric pink facade, this house has been renovated with a lovely mix of pinks on the inside, creating a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere. EPArquitectos designed a small swimming pool in the central courtyard, which looks like a beautiful fountain from inside the house. The design of the staircase is also an aesthetic jewel made of cement.

Casa Tepeji

Casa Tepeji, in Mexico City’s Roma Sur neighborhood, is discreet in appearance. Its interior is a work of art thanks to the architectural designer Ombeline de Laage. This house is a few steps away from the house where Alfonso Cuaron shot his movie. The hit of 2018 was “Roma”. The ceramic interventions on the veranda are dazzling with the color contrast they create. Designed by the kitchen, roof terrace, spacious bedrooms and handmade furniture. Javier Reyes And Church Studio truly remarkable. You can rent it from Airbnb Here.

Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and writer for Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.