Luminous new photography showcases contemporary and historic homes in the beloved Spanish Style in Southern California, while offering, as well, a rare look at the original inspirations to the style, born in Andalusia, Spain. The great appeal of Spanish Style homes lies in their aura of romance and drama, a sense of story, of magic, as well as in their very comfortable and engaging proportions and the great livability of the interior spaces. Deep shadow, arched doorways, trickling courtyard fountains, climbing bougainvillea on wrought-iron window grilles, wood-beamed ceilings, and white plaster walls are all hallmarks of the style. Here, through a celebration of contemporary and historic homes in Southern California, as well as existing historic precedents in Andalusia, Spain--most notably the intricately detailed Casa de Pilatos in Seville and the Alhambra of Granada--The Spanish Style House presents the definitive picture of the style as it exists today. Featured homes include the George Washington Smith-designed Casa Blanca (1928)--a fantasy made real in stone and stucco replete with the romance of old Morocco in its horseshoe arches, domes, and evocative tile murals--and a Marc Appleton-designed beach house (2007) in Del Mar, California, which is a dream on the sea and an eloquent testament to the virtues of the style for today.

A celebration of the uniquely vibrant architecture and interiors of classic and new Spanish-style houses in the southwestern and southern United States, Mexico, and Spain. Casa Bohemia showcases a collection of some of the most beautifully preserved Spanish style houses, from restored haciendas in Mexico to early and recent 20th century California mission styles. Twenty-nine residences built between the late seventeenth century and the present day are featured in new, stunning color photography that captures architectural details inside and out and enchanting Spanish, Moorish, European and Mexican antique furnishings, artifacts, and crafts. Author Linda Leigh Paul traces the history of Spanish style architecture from its Iberian sources to the development of the Mission style in the Americas to the still-flourishing Spanish Revival and Mediterranean styles, and endlessly rich details, including ornate wrought-iron, wood balconies, crafted glass, colorful tiles and textiles, and graceful arches. But what all of the houses featured in Casa Bohemia have in common—though they range across centuries and places as diverse as San Miguel de Allende, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Hollywood, Malibu, Texas, and Wyoming—is a visual richness and vitality that emerges from the distinctive approaches to preservation and decoration found in each.

Vivid colors, rustic simplicity, and the textural contrasts of wood, terra-cotta, and stucco are the hallmarks of the casual elegance of classic Spanish houses. The Spanish approach to residential style is a mixture of luxury and rusticity-wooden beams complement whitewashed ceilings, and worn leather furniture is set off against Moorish arches and wrought ironwork. The vibrant photos and detailed, practical text explore all the elements that become integral parts of a living space, from windows to doors, floors to ceilings, furniture to accessories and even gardens. From romantic homes in Spain's woodsy sierras to grand manors in the southern plains, many of these estates boast unusual features like hidden courtyard gardens or secluded balconies. None are ever open to the public.