Excerpt
ARCHTECTURIAL STYLE: Spanish Colonial Revival
The cove casitas were modeled after the charming, romantic La Quinta Hotel. Spanish Colonial Revival has never lost its charm. The Spanish Colonial Revival style is romantic yet humble using natural materials of stucco, clay tiles and iron. These little homes have a balance between austerity and ornament. They mimic adobe construction. There is an intimate relationship to the environment with a hand crafted nature. Patios, archways, and some beams exposed or slightly vaulted ceilings help give a sense of informality and warmth.
The little houses were well built using natural materials that develop character rather than decay as they age. The red roof tiles develop characteristic patinas as they age. The original tiles were made locally by Joe Valenzuela Roof Company located next to the La Quinta Hotel. Valenzuela also made the roof tiles for the Hotel using local clay.
There were two basic floor plans. The I shape and the L shape. Both floor plans have the red tile roofs, wood lintel over the garage or carport opening, stucco walls and multi-paned casement windows. The chimney is short and slightly tapered with a top. Most of the homes were single story with a low pitched roof, cross gable roof or shed roof. Some homes have a central patio in front and wing wall. Garage and entry doors have the Z or strap wood design.
The casitas were built in irregular order on random lots sprinkled throughout the cove with no rhyme or reason. Often the buyers could select their desired lot location.
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