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The entrance to Mario Connio's sprawling Andalusian farmhouse immediately captivated our eyes. Yes, there is wisteria, honeysuckle, bignonia and jasmine but what really took our breath away is was the azure blue loggia, flanked by tall palm trees. What a welcome sight to see upon coming home!
Despite the imposing grounds where walnut, pecan, olive and almond trees thrive, the inside of the home feels relaxed.
Connio has been renovating this country home over the last 40 years. And it shows. Instead of a stodgy design plan come to life, the home has the feel of a place that has walked through time. Sumptuous yet unfussy, this house retains that rustic Andalusian charm.
The eclectic sitting room chronicles the owner's many travels. We see Eastern influences in the suzani hung on the wall mixing with traditional sillas de enea, bulrush chairs commonly found in Andalusian households. Underfoot, a needle grass rug, a typical Iberian rug used in warmer climates, covers the floor.
A large window brings natural light into the kitchen, a feature that is especially important to Mediterranean homes, especially in the south where summer days are hot and long. The exposed beams of the ceiling have been painted in a soft green.
True to its farmhouse aesthetic, this Andalusian kitchen features Moorish lamp overhead, the use of ceramic bowls throughout, woven baskets and a terracotta floor. We especially love the versatility of the ceramic pieces here: some are used as decorative accents on the wall while others maintain their utilitarian function on the table.
A large round serving bowl similar in shape to our Faísan design takes centerstage. A rustic burnt-terracotta lebrillo coated in dark olive green sits on the table.
There are several guest bedrooms in this home-turned-rental. This guest bedroom is all about the details. A washed-out burgundy bedspread contrasts with the splashes of yellow around the room: the artwork on the wall, the cream-colored lampshade, the radiator that has been painted yellow, and the rattan panelling that covers the lower half of the wall. It's like a muted bouquet of yellow goldenrods and purple asters.
While much of the interior design inspiration is Spanish, Connio, an Argentinian architect and globetrotter, has infused the property with a worldly sensibility. Here in this breakfast corner, we see a 1945 poster for an art exhibit from Montevideo.
The French doors bring in natural light, brighting this colorful space.
