The New Hacienda [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Karen Witynski (Author), Joe P. Carr (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Hidden in idyllic isolation, the haciendas of Old Mexico have long struck chords with their rich mix of myth, history, and impressive architecture. Today, these once-abandoned treasures have surfaced in contemporary design, sparking widespread interest in their rescue and restoration. Travel behind the scenes with authors Karen Witynski and Joe P Carr as they open the doors to Mexico's remote country estates and reveal innovative interiors, artefacts, and antiques that echo the hacienda's original architectural splendour.

From the Inside Flap
Hidden in idyllic isolation, the haciendas of Old Mexico have long struck a romantic chord with their rich mix of myth, history, and impressive architecture. Today, these once-abandoned treasures have surfaced in contemporary design, sparking widespread interest in their restoration.

Travel behind the scenes with authors Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr as they open the doors to Mexico's remote country estates and reveal innovative interiors, artifacts, and antiques that echo the hacienda's original architectural splendor. Inside, ancient stone walls and arcaded portals are at home with modern art and colonial antiques. Cobbled courtyards and grand salons come alive with a spirited mix of once-forgotten objects and contemporary furniture.

Originally dedicated to coffee, sugar, mescal, henequen, and wheat production, Old World haciendas have been transformed into myriad new roles--as country homes for artists, filmmakers, equestrians, and business entrepreneurs as well as eco-conscious resorts, art centers, riding schools, restaurants, and twenty-first-century workspaces.

The hacienda lives on in the familiar use of natural materials and in the pared-down beauty of its interiors. Designers and architects have found inspiration in the visual culture of the hacienda and have integrated Mexican elements into new homes on both sides of the border. The New Hacienda offers a rich entrance to the world of Mexico's country estates and their influence on contemporary design. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 158 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith Publishers; 1st edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879059095
• ISBN-13: 978-0879059095
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,219,638 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Haciendas - New Views: BRAVO!, January 16, 2000

By	Chuck S. (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This is a fantastic book -- a must-read for anyone interested in Mexican architecture, design, or an overview of current trends in innovative and adaptive reuse of classic haciendas. Beautifully illustrated and well written, THE NEW HACIENDA is recommended for anyone with a passion for Mexico.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars To much use of other people's photos and information, August 1, 2001

By	Roger Smith (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This book has lots of beautiful pictures but hardly enough of true haciendas. It is lacking originality and exterior/interior photos of the haciendas themselves. Text content is "ok" but repetitive and sounds like that from other books. Very overpriced for what it presents. The authors mention that they are building their own "new" hacienda. If they have such a true love for the old ones why didn't they rescue one from ruin??? Very commercial in my opinion.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely beautiful!, May 29, 2000

By	Dari B. Wayne (Lawrenceville, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Karen Witynski and Joe Carr have done the impossible and have created, a beautiful follow-up to Mexican Country Style. The inviting cover pulls you into each chapter and the spectactular photography demands you turn every page slowly and take in the narrative as it describes hacienda lifestyles. You will return to this book again and again.