Indiano houses and historic casonas for sale

Who the indianos were

From the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth, hundreds of thousands of people left Asturias, Cantabria and Galicia for Cuba, Mexico, Argentina and other countries in Latin America. Those who returned wealthy were known as indianos, and they built houses that announced their success to the village they had left.

Many also funded schools, fountains and churches, so their legacy is visible throughout the region.

How to recognise an indiano house

• A tall, symmetrical façade, often painted in strong colours.
• Glazed galleries, balconies and wrought ironwork.
• Towers, turrets or mansard roofs inspired by European and colonial styles.
• A garden with at least one palm tree, the unofficial signature of the indiano.
• Generous ceiling heights, decorative tiles and carved timber inside.

Styles range from eclectic and colonial to modernist, depending on the date and the owner's taste.

Asturian and Cantabrian casonas

The casona is the older traditional country house of the north: solid stone, a coat of arms above the door, wooden balconies and a courtyard or garden. In Cantabria the casona montañesa is a recognised type, and in Asturias casonas are found both in villages and on the edge of coastal towns.

They share many qualities with the Galician pazos: thick walls, history and a strong sense of place. Find out more about the region on our northern Spain page.

Restoring and living in an indiano house

Indiano houses are often in towns or large villages, which makes them practical as permanent homes. Their condition varies: some have been carefully restored, others have been closed for decades. Typical work includes roofs, galleries, timber floors and services. Where a house is protected, the façade and key interior features must normally be preserved.

Their size and character also make some of them suitable for small boutique hotels or guest houses, subject to planning.

A short guide to indiano architecture

Indiano houses were built over several decades, so their architecture reflects changing fashions. The earliest examples tend to be classical, with symmetrical façades and simple ornament. Later houses adopt an eclectic style, mixing French mansard roofs, colonial verandas and decorative ironwork. By the early twentieth century, modernist and regionalist influences appear, with tiled façades, stained glass and more inventive plans. Interiors often feature imported materials, from Cuban hardwoods to Italian tiles, and gardens with exotic species brought back from the Americas. Knowing these phases helps buyers appreciate what makes a particular house valuable.

How we present them

As with all our properties, indiano houses and casonas are presented privately to registered buyers. Tell us which area interests you, the size you need and whether you are prepared to restore, and we will be in touch when a suitable house becomes available.