Fantasy Farm Thursday: Modern Mexican Gem with An Aquatic Twist!

An equine wading pool. I literally can’t even.

Cuadra San Cristobal is more than just another horse property in Mexico. It’s a famous architectural gem of the late 1960s from the genius mind of architect Luis Barragán, and the barn is as much a museum backdrop to your living, breathing artwork as it is a training facility. Cuadra San Cristobal is the canvas, and the horses are the vivid paint. Step inside the awesome with us, won’t you?

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Nestled on the northern edge of Mexico City, this is one of the truly extraordinary architectural achievements of Central America, and also a place that I know from my dreams. Leonardo Dicaprio and Nelson Mandela are also in that dream, gracefully riding giraffes and sharing a key lime pie. So, you know, it’s pretty great.

The Property

One of the really phenomenal design elements of Cuadra San Cristobal is that the indoor and outdoor spaces flow together so seamlessly, and the property is set up so that the horses have the ability to wander the property freely during the day. Your horses are more than just your athletic partners or companions in this home – they’re moving sculpture! The property is literally a cuadra – an enclosed square of architecture and greenery surrounded by the busy city streets, but a peaceful little cube unto itself where a pony can roam in peace.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

The Barn

The stabling area, which is beautifully entwined with the work space and human living quarters, are modern and airy. Every oversized stall looks out onto the greater property, and is detailed with impeccable footing, materials, and lighting.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

The Arena

The performance space is ample, and intended to invite world-class training, but also a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. There’s a shady viewing area for supporters, trainers, etc. and it’s large enough to host an audience if you’re in the mood for a full-on exhibition. (At this property, who could blame you?)

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

There are also hybrid living/working spaces throughout the property, such as this one, where the footing would sustain warming up, long reining, or other small training ventures. Or you may choose to let the horse “just be artsy” in front of a serene pink backdrop. *insert contented sigh*

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

The Horse Pool

But here is where the magic really starts. Luis Barragán felt that the horses should not be left out of the ethereal, exotic design experience, and also wanted to create something with a practical purpose. Ergo, the equine wading pool. The fountain can be turned on or off to suit your needs, but when on, creates a dramatic and sensory experience for you and your horses.

The pool is intended to be about a foot deep — just enough for your horse to get a resistance workout and also cool off. It’s a nice training exercise, but also a dramatically beautiful way to utterly enjoy one’s day among their horses. I just can’t picture a time where at the end of a long hot lesson, I’d be like, “you know, I think I’m over the horse wading pool. I’m just going to skip it.” Am I right? It will just never get old.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

The Human Residence

As we mentioned, the horse and human spaces flow in and out of each other naturally in Luis Barragán’s design; the only distinction being that no ponies are allowed in the human pool, which is positively to die for. The modern edges of the home reflect crisply off the white pool walls, making every afternoon swim a work of art unto itself.

The home has an incredible amount of surrounding greenery, and the bare bones of the interior perfectly continue on the sleek modern Mexican design path Barragán was known for in the height of great architecture.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Photo Courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Cuadra San Cristobal is currently listed with Christie’s International Real Estate for $13 million.  According to the listing, “The interior offers 2,493-square-meters of space, with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, as well as living areas, being positioned on the first floor. A two-bedroom, one-bathroom staff quarters, along with a guest apartment also comprised of two bedrooms and one bathroom, offer plenty of space, and a three bedroom, one bathroom exterior apartment has been placed at the stables.”

You can find out more about the property by visiting the original listing. Many thanks to Christie’s for sharing their listing!