Classical French Architecture in Buenos Aires
From 1880, admirers of France as a model republic for cultural and aesthetic tastes, known as the ‘Generation of ‘80’, began to expand globally. The classical French style began to heavily influence even Non-French European Architects. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the wars of independence, European tendencies and influences penetrated into Argentina. As the new republic set about constructing a nation, the Argentine government aimed to move away from its colonial roots. At the time Argentina…
The Basilica in the Retiro of Buenos Aires and the myths that surrounded it
It was eight years of specialised construction, taking care of every detail to the extreme. Travelling to France to buy the best materials and even purchasing the largest organ in Argentina. Luxury, good taste and its Gothic-Romanesque construction with its exterior had a status of “forbidden love” amongst the Buenos Aires aristocracy. This was the birthplace of the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament in the Retiro neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. “If I live in a palace, then my God also deserves…
What You Need to Know before Buying Agricultural Land in Argentina
Argentina is one of the world’s breadbasket. Blessed with a mild climate, fertile soil and abundant water, it has become an increasingly attractive opportunity for investors. Before you buy your crop farm or cattle ranch in the Pampas, the sheep ranch in Patagonia, the resort in Bariloche or the winery in Mendoza, you need to understand a few specific things about Argentine law and practice. We offer answers to eight questions as a starting point. As with anywhere else in the world, before you buy, seek the…
The facade of the De Ridder mansion on Alvear Avenue in Buenos Aires during its expansion, around 1927
In Buenos Aires’ golden age, Alvear Avenue was Frenchified, an idea based on the aesthetics of large residences preserved along with its short six blocks that, with few exceptions, recreated in the Beaux-Arts style of the Ancien Régime. The culmination of its axis is the great dome of the old residence Ortiz Basualdo, the current French Embassy, to which the Plaza Carlos Pellegrini with its monument by Jules-Félix Coutan serves as a setting, that can be considered as the apotheosis of a paradigm that…
Why is Argentina considered the Polo Capital of the world?
There are over 3,000 registered polo players in Argentina, more than ten times more than US and UK for a start. There are many thousands of grooms who specifically care for horses. Polo, or “The Sport of Kings,” as it is often referred to, is frequently thought of as something that extremely wealthy people do for fun. And it is. However, Argentina is more affordable than most countries, and it is played at a higher standard than anywhere else. Argentina has the world’s best polo team and has not…
La Candelaria Castle in Lobos, Buenos Aires
In 1840 Don Orestes Piñeiro (pharmacist) bought his first farms in Lobos, around 100km from Buenos Aires city. The castle itself was designed by the French architect Alberto Favre hired by Manuel Fraga, who was impressed by a similar one he saw in France on the banks of the Loire river. He hired the best workman, bringing all the necessary materials from Europe. Construction started in 1894 (it took approximately 5 years) and has a size of 1200 m2. The family then had it landscaped by Charles Thays, a French…
El Tigre of Argentina – A fisherman’s paradise
By Larry Larson – Professional Fishing Guide“Don’t cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I never left you,” that’s how the song goes, and I felt like I’d never left after looking through my passport, which contained 25 border crossing stamps for Argentina in the last eight years. It was early December, and I had time to reminisce as I waited for dinner aboard my flight from Washington-Dulles airport to Buenos Aires. My thoughts of the hunting expeditions, good friends and the fantastic food I’d…
Argentine Wines – Key Growing Regions Updated
Argentine Wines – Key Growing Regions Updated Argentina’s grape growing areas are divided into three main regions that mostly follow the country’s long western border along the Andes Mountains. Northwest/Norte — High altitude Salta Meaning “very beautiful”, Salta’s vineyards are located in the desert-like Calchaquí Valley and have the Andes’ highest peaks in the background. Vineyard altitude is 4,200 – 9,842’ Highest vineyard in the world at 9,842’ in Colomé Average annual temperature…
The most beautiful and exclusive street in Buenos Aires is called Arroyo but is also affected by the current downturn: how much is the value per square meter now?
It is one of the most emblematic and coveted arteries of the Federal Capital, with historical values among the most expensive in the market, but opportunities do appear The physiognomy of the City of Buenos Aires has neighbourhoods with completely different characteristics from each other. Whether due to urban and architectural issues, the presence of premises with brands valued in the market, or the lower price per square meter. Each neighbourhood has its most coveted corners, where property values change…
Lincoln: international schooling in Argentina
Asociación Escuelas Lincoln – an English-language school in BA province – is a thriving, academically rigorous institution comprising a diverse community of students and teachers. But that unique make-up creates its own set of unique challenges. Every Friday in Gregory Hines’ fourth-grade classroom includes independent reading time. Hines firmly believes in fostering diversity and bilingualism and encourages his students to bring books in their home languages. Many wills, of course, read books in English…
A road trip through Patagonia: 7 obligatory stops on a journey along Route 40
San Martín de Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, Lago Puelo, Esquel, El Chaltén and El Calafate are some places not to be missed. What to do, when to go and what to see at each destination. Embarking on a road trip through the Argentinean Patagonia, following the path of the emblematic National Route 40, implies immersing oneself in one of the most privileged natural sceneries of the planet: immense blue lakes, imposing glaciers, volcanoes and mountains with peaks snow-capped and extensive forests…
La Estancia de Cafayate – Lifestyle homes in Northern Argentina
La Estancia de Cafayate is a 550-hectare exclusive international community that combines vineyards, golf and horses, a world-class spa and fitness facility, among many other world-class amenities such as a 5-star hotel. It is located just outside the historic and charming town of Cafayate, in the heart of the breathtaking Calchaqui Valley in the south of the province of Salta, in northwest Argentina. Cafayate sits 1,683 metres above mean sea level, 189 kilometres from Salta City and 1,329 from Buenos Aires. The…
A US ex-pats experience living in NW Argentina
Kent and Jane have lived in northern Argentina for more than 10 years. The following is an interview with Kent and Jane, pioneers of La Estancia de Cafayate, having two of the first homes constructed there in 2010. They have advanced from 1/2 year residents to full-time residents, joined now with their daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters. The family is united now in Cafayate, enjoying the sun, nature and the family-oriented lifestyle revered in Cafayate. How did you hear about Cafayate originally? We…
The charm of Buenos Aires – It is still Paris in South America
Palace in a window in the centre Buenos Aires
Properties for sale in Buenos Aires are 33 per cent cheaper than in other capitals of South America Culturally diverse, artistically exciting, gastronomically delicious, religiously tolerant amid a friendly atmosphere. Buenos Aires is literally open to “good airs” to ventilate and oxygenate the city. Whether you are thinking about buying a second home or living in Buenos Aires as a retiree, this is the perfect time to buy a property. The elimination of exchange restrictions has opened up all markets…
The Palacio Estrugamou apartments are a reflection of Argentina’s Golden Age
“The classic and refined is sometimes associated with formality and excess. To me, it’s the opposite. In this case, the challenge was to transform that formality into something cheerful and luminous.” Said Maria Silvia Loitegui, decorator in charge of giving new life to this wonderful apartment located in a building full of splendour: the Estrugamou Palace. The gates and their ample corridors simulate the carriages ‘ entrances to the French palaces In 1924, when the construction was…
