a CABAÑA—MEXICAN TYPE
The inspiration for this charming little house has come down through the years from designs used so well by the early Californians, many of whom brought with them the traditions of their Mexican and Spanish ancestry. While the architect, Arthur L. Herberger, of Los Angeles, specified this as a stucco dwelling, a favorite medium for this type of house, it would be an ideal design to work out in adobe, such as the builders of other days would have used. As in so many of these old houses, the front entrance has an air of welcome, but the patio for private gatherings is placed at the rear, away from general view.
Adobe clay can be found in many parts of the West, and if your property happens to have a bed of this earth, the house can be built for very little if you do all the work. When all labor is hired, however, adobe is frequently more expensive than some other types of construction. Properly cured adobe blocks last for centuries.
Two treatments can be suggested for the front entry. It might be framed with brightly colored Mexican tiles set into the stucco or adobe, or the lintel and sides might be made of heavy hewn timbers.
Whether adobe or stucco is used, the roof should be of shakes or sun-baked tiles.
Inside, the early day spirit can be carried out by the use of rather rough plank walls, whitewashed, or oiled cedar panels. The living room should extend to the roof, with the rafters stained brown or painted with a gay Mexican design. Attention to details, such as the fireplace, which may be of adobe or other handmade bricks, and the choice of hardware, will add much to the charm of such a house.