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It turned 100 years old and is still valid: Where is the English refuge that keeps intact the interest for the purchase and sale of houses - Infobae
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Cumplió 100 años y sigue vigente: dónde queda el refugio inglés que mantiene intacto el interés para la compra venta de casas
cado en una zona central de Buenos Aires, se distingue por su estilo anglosajón, reflejado en sus construcciones a simple vista. Las viviendas, con un rango de precios entre USD 500.000 y USD 700.000, destacan por su lujo y materiales europeos de alta calidad
www.infobae.com
April 14, 2024
Located in a central area of Buenos Aires, it is distinguished by its Anglo-Saxon style, reflected in the style of construction. In a price range of $500,000 to $700,000, the homes stand out for their luxury and high-quality European materials.
By José Luis Cieri
Antonio Ferrari and Emilio Miter Passage, a key corner of the English Quarter in Caballito (Photo: Google Maps)
The English neighborhood of Caballito, in the center of the city of Buenos Aires, turned 100 years old. The area is distinguished by its unique architecture, reminiscent of London. Located between Valle, Del Barco Centenera, Avenida Pedro Goyena and Emilio Miter streets, it houses large and opulent homes that stand out for their structural uniformity.
The peculiarity of its facades and the absence of garages (although several homes, renovated over time, have them), replaced by front patios often used as parking lots, give the area a distinctive character. Currently, in addition, it is not only a tourist attraction but also an important gastronomic center and in its surroundings there are about 20 housing developments underway.
Tribute to Antonio Ferrari who was president of Banco el Hogar Argentino between 1856 and 1914 and who made the first lottery
The history of the English Quarter dates back to 1920 when Banco El Hogar Argentino, an entity with a strong focus on facilitating access to housing through mortgage loans, carried out the development project for this urbanization. The initiative promoted the construction of several chalets. Among the buildings, several single-family houses stood out on the Antonino Ferrari Passage (he was president of the bank between 1856 and 1914 and did the first subdivision). The properties are set to open in late 2023.
Historical photo of the first days of the urban shelter that is part of Caballito (Photo Courtesy: Board of Historical Studies of Caballito)
The architectural styles present vary between Tudor, Italianate and eclectic, which adds visual richness to the area. Additionally, the Buenos Aires Government established a protection scheme to preserve the original facades and prohibited modifications that alter the historical aesthetics of the neighborhood.
“In the past, cows were raised on the land where this London refuge in Caballito was built, this sector was transformed into a residential district, whose name endured although with some controversies. Originally known as Barrio del Banco Hogar Argentino, this layout maintained its charm over the decades, attracting not only the residents of yesteryear, but also a new generation that values its history and architecture,” said Marina Bussio , vice president of the Board of Historical Studies of Caballito, to Infobae.
Real estate poster from yesteryear
Contrary to popular belief, the name “English Quarter” was not because there were British residents there, but rather as a marketing strategy imposed by real estate companies in the 1970s. In fact, the neighborhood's Historical Studies Board supports this statement, denying the notion that the neighborhood was inhabited mainly by English people during the construction of the West Railway.
“A notable peculiarity is Cachimayo Street, which is distinguished by presenting an almost unique characteristic in Buenos Aires: the mirror-shaped construction along two blocks, from Valle to Pedro Goyena. This architectural singularity is rare in the city ( only similar with the Rivarola Passage also made with mirror architecture ) and adds additional appeal to the area. In addition, the neighborhood has been the scene of several film and commercial productions, standing out for its picturesque atmosphere and rich visual aesthetics,” said Bussio.
Cachimayo between Valle and Antonio Ferrari (Photo Courtesy: San Román Propiedades)
The identity and sense of belonging of the residents of the English Quarter are palpable during the guided tours and talks about the history of the place.
Bussio added: “Residents proudly defend the uniqueness of their neighborhood, highlighting its peaceful surroundings and distinctive low-rise atmosphere. However, the recent development of a gastronomic center generated some discomfort among some neighbors, who regret the increase in nightlife and the loss of serenity that used to characterize the neighborhood.”
Del Barco Centenera and Valle with a strong presence of gastronomic businesses (Photo: Google Maps)
Listed area
This Buenos Aires area occupies a privileged location in CABA, characterized by its quiet cobblestone streets, little traffic and little noise.Román Andrés Paikin , from San Román Properties, said that the homes in the neighborhood “are a sample of 20th century architecture, with styles ranging from Anglo-Saxon to eclectic. Being a historic preservation area, the facades cannot be modified and high-rise construction is restricted. The value of these properties is determined not only by their location, but also by the general condition and preservation of original elements, such as Slavonian oak floors, stained glass, marble and woodwork.”
Centennial homes very well preserved (Photo Courtesy: D'Odorico Propiedades)
Although the land is usually small, some homes have parks and swimming pools. “It is important to keep in mind that many of these houses do not have a garage, since they were built at a time when horse carts were used,” Paikin highlighted.
The homes located on Valle, Pedro Goyena and Centenera streets stand out for having a garage, thanks to the fact that the lots are longer, which allows the built surface to develop towards the interior of the land.
Cachimayo is built in a mirror, although the houses were renovated, they maintain similarity between both facing blocks (Google Maps)
“All of these residences are two-story and usually consist of at least three bedrooms and additional outbuildings. They preserve the quality of the materials used in their construction, most of them imported from the time, such as their bars, porches, windows, floors and main stairs, which are usually made of wood. The surfaces of these properties are around 200 square meters covered, reaching up to 300 m2,” detailed Luis D'Odorico , of D'Odorico Propiedades.
The English Quarter is crossed by two passages that are especially valued by residents: Nicolás Videla and Antonino Ferrari.
Most of the houses are on two floors and have between 3 and 6 rooms.
“Emilio Miter, where the tram tracks are still located and on weekends the tram rides take place, Del Barco Centenera and Valle are the arteries with the highest traffic, as is Pedro Goyena Avenue,” commented Paikin.
The houses are all appreciated, but those located within the passages have a special charm.
The houses were built with European materials and mostly have Slavonian oak floors, stained glass and marble.
D'Odorico said: “Pasaje Videla, located between Antonino Ferrari and Valle, presents a notable peculiarity: the buildings are capicúas from the corners to the center of the block, on the path that faces west. This distinctive and exclusive feature adds a differential mark, further enhancing the attractiveness.”
Values and demand
The houses offer a variety of between 3 and 6 rooms with several bedrooms, along with outbuildings and offices, thus satisfying the needs of different types of families. However, the sales offer is limited because the neighborhood covers only six blocks. The prices of these properties range between USD 500,000 and USD 700,000, depending on their state of conservation and the improvements made over time.
With good height from floor to ceiling and large balconies
Paikin added: “There is growing interest in the English Quarter from a premium segment of the market. Large families are the main interested parties, seeking to take advantage of the privileged location in the city center, as well as appreciating the architectural style of the period. The tranquility and security that this environment offers are additional factors.”
There are eclectic style homes on its facades
Although outside the English Quarter, Caballito has several equally coveted passages when buying a house, among them Pasaje Terry, Pasaje La Nave and Pasaje Bertres, located a few blocks away.
D'Odorico concluded: "This area is highly sought after due to its attractiveness and has permanent police surveillance, with sentry boxes installed in several corners of the neighborhood, which guarantees the safety and tranquility of the neighbors."
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