 | Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com | Casa del Herrero—House of the Blacksmith—stands today as one of the most fully developed and intact examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It was designed and built between 1922 and 1925 as a second house for George Fox Steedman, a St. Louis industrialist. Thought principally to be the work of George Washington Smith, the architect, Steedman himself generated many ideas during the initial design phase that were both a blessing and curse to Smith. Steedman’s vision prevailed, and throughout the decade following the house’s initial completion, he continued to rework both house and garden, engaging the architects Lutah Maria Riggs, Edwards, Plunkett & Howell, and Floyd Brewster, and garden designers Francis T. Underhill and Lockwood de Forest, Jr. The result today is the most magnificent of the California Spanish Colonial Revival-style houses now standing. |
Average Customer Rating:   A Style Preserved It's always a welcome surprise to discover a book about architecture or interior design that goes beyond just looks to examine roots and history. That's what "Casa Del Herrero: The Romance of Spanish Colonial" does so well, even though beautiful pictures and a handful of drawings can be found throughout the book.
Author Robert Sweeney takes a look at how the Montecito, Calif., home, which translates as House of the Blacksmith, came about, its historical qualities, and the efforts to preserve it for its special style.
The home was built between 1922-25 for George Fox Steedman, a St. Louis businessman, and his wife, Carrie. The design was inspired by Steedman's personal familiarity with Andalusian style and was part of a wave of interest in in Spanish culture and art. Some of that interest was, in part, satisfied by borrowing from Mexico, but because Spain itself was experiencing economic problems, its artwork and artifacts were ripe for the plucking. Smart collectors knew what was worth importing and preserving in a new setting.
But the result of all that interest was the preservation of the distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. Designed by George Washington Smith, but with a lot of help from the Steedmans, the 11-acre estate today is on the National Register of Historic Places and operates as a museum and garden spot. Later architects, such as Lutah Maria Riggs and Floyd Brewster, added their own touches.
Combined with the thoughtful text, the photos show in rich detail the carvings, open spaces, tile, artwork and iron decorations, among many other facets of the home that make it so interesting. Other photos show the careful organization of the grounds while drawings show the floor plans at various stages; one old photo shows the home under construction. |  |
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