· Californian Spanish Colonial Revival housing emerged as a popular style in the early 1900s in California & became popular in Australia in the late 1920s & 30s. In part as a result of the publicity given to the homes of Hollywood stars. Given Australians love of shortening names they became known as Spanish Mission
· They are immediately recognizable by their arched colonnades with twisted columns, painted timber shutters and stucco render applied in rough swirls (on top of brick) to mimic the look of the mud-brick adobe of the original Californian missions. If the roof is original it is ochre-coloured terracotta tiles – often with an ornate, terracotta chimney.
· Buyers like the: terrazzo & timber floors, lead lightening, picture rails, arches – doorways/gates/windows, intricate plastered ceilings, richly detailed timberwork & internal courtyards
· What is not so appealing in unrenovated Spanish Mission properties is the cluster of dark & small rooms
· Subject to my client appreciating their historic charm, I like them based on their capital growth potential. In very limited supply – & subject to their condition – they are keenly sought when they come on the market
