Written by Amy Smith
For our cover story, we offer a look at the inspired style of one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most innovative builders, Villanueva Construction. It is a newly built, brick and stone Romanesque era dwelling that is sure to set the imagination wheels turning and get you thinking majestically.
Nestled in the Kingsborough neighborhood of McAllen now sits a beautifully constructed home that is magnificent in Romanesque style. Its engaging stone exterior is paired with a concrete stamped paver drive with plenty of room for family and friends to park. The tall, above-standard garage door paneled in machimbre style is flanked by deeply thick metal and glass lanterns and a mosaic fleur-de-lis reminiscent of a castle crest.
Off to the right side of the garage, a brick wall fence and tower beset the perfect asymmetrical component of the Romanesque era. A tower-high front doorway with custom heavy double wooden doors and metal detail set the tone for this uniquely captured period style designer home. We enter the 3500 square foot living space with great anticipation of the awe-inspiring interior. Indeed, more delights await us. Greeted by a beautiful mosaic tiled floor, detail abounds and by design, is a complete visual array at every turn.
A custom bar to the left of the entry way welcomes weary travelers. The family room makes its presence known with plush leather furnishings and an amazing 114” theater screen wall. As the perfect transition, the main thorough way holds a state of the art master touch-screen for all of the home’s internal media, air comfort, and security commands.
The textured walls, domed ceilings, and marble floors are elaborate and stunning. A wall finish termed “elephant hide” that was created by Mario Trevino of Villanueva Construction, is a perfected technique that gives an amazing luxurious look and deep texture to a room. The sheen is fabulous and makes you want to reach out and touch it.
The Victorian/Romanesque kitchen is exceptional in its continuation of the period style. Wood cabinetry and crown molding solidify the feel, while smooth marble surfaces provide the foundation. Textured wall finishes coordinate the scheme. A continuous connection between the open spaces creates a nice flow and makes for exceptionally comfortable living. A family dining area is directly adjacent and leads to the outdoor patios that are excellent for grilling.
The outdoor patios are indeed one of Villanueva Construction’s specialties in home layout that seem to extend the living expanse of a home. A covered outdoor kitchen with decorative ovens and marble countertop island is just waiting for summertime gatherings. The covered patio has two walls of its own and is set amongst the trees with a view of the custom brick murals that detail the back exterior wall. Under the canopy of a large live oak we find yet another gracious seating area for guests or for relaxing family time.
The front and back yards are lushly landscaped with the castle garden theme. Trees and flowers line brick walkways and give the imagination time to come alive and forget the daily grind for a moment. With the detailed brick and stonework, it is like a fortress from the outside world where all who accept the invitation can sit back and enjoy nature and good times.
The master bedroom/bath is nicely embellished and is a point of relaxation with all the amenities: hot tub, rainfall shower, and huge closet space that is fit for a king and queen. A beautiful tile mosaic is inset in the center of the large master bath. It is a lovely room that allows living area for very important preparations in a luxuriant spa-like environment. It feels as though it was designed with the family in mind.
The children’s bedroom is a master as well with his and her sinks, large rainfall shower, and huge closets. It is clearly evident that thoughtful consideration of the children’s space was taken. Woodwork and décor extend into the closets as no room was spared detailed work. This element continues the visual presentation that is uniquely Victorian-styled for this home.
Even the laundry room has decorative doors and custom woodwork; good balance-a nice touch. In this house, the ceiling work throughout each room, the mosaic tile on walls and floors, and the custom paint finishes all combine intricately with the woodwork and moldings to evoke theme and mood. It elicits a stately ambience and is an incredible showcase of Villanueva Construction’s expertise in executing a masterful expression with materials.
Inspiration to captivate the creative mind was infused into every aspect of the design of this awe-striking new construction. It really shows this builder to be one who can visualize and create the expression of the client’s wishes. In this home, Villanueva Construction made dreams of a castle come alive. For your dream come true, your knight in shining amour awaits-Villanueva Construction!
