Camila López Parafita
08/20/2020 - 15:46
- Clarín.com
- Zonal
Built more than a century ago, neighboring the presidential residence of Olivosand valued at six million dollars . This is the most expensive and exclusive mansion in the northern suburbs that, after 120 years in the hands of a powerful family, opens its doors in search of a new owner.
It is the “Las Mercedes” house , which is located on Calle Tapiales 1930 in the town of Vicente López and which borders theQuinta de Olivosthat Alberto Fernández occupies today. Just three blocks from Avenida Libertador, the surface of the lot reaches 6,600 square meters and is defined as "a jewel that preserves the original concept of its time."
“The decision to sell it comes mainly from the high tax burdens of a historic property like this one,” explains one of its owners. It is that beyond its imposing construction and its majestic style, the mansion keeps corners full of memories for those who lived there.
The "Las Mercedes" parks were designed and executed by the landscaper Carlos Thays. Photo Remax
It was Dr. Ramón Fernández - who would later serve as Minister of Justice and Public Instruction for General Julio Argentino Roca - who ordered its construction in 1892. It was developed under the command of Engineer Manuel Ocampo, father of the renowned writer Victoria Ocampo , while the parks were designed and executed by the landscaper Carlos Thays . Its current owners are the three great-grandchildren of Juan Ramón Fernández and only one of them lives there with the person responsible for maintenance.
“Las Mercedes”, a name designated in honor of the wife and one of the daughters of the first owner, served as a family summer residence until 1977. “Various factors were taken into account in its construction, such as large spaces, good lighting and privileged orientation. As it is located on high ground, the house had a view of the river, ”says Sebastián Grangeat, Remax real estate agent and responsible for the sale.
He continues: “Originally, the total area of the land was eight blocks and reached the coast . But, based on various subdivisions that were carried out over time, the fifth suffered a reduction and currently the river is not seen ”.
Those who visited the house assure that this unevenness gives it an extra charm: by being located in the lower part, the presence of the buildings that surround it becomes imperceptible, providing privacy and tranquility.
“The property stands out for the huge garden that surrounds it. Its appeal lies fundamentally in the wide ravine on which the house is built and the paths that surround it ”, says Grangeat. The agent adds: "The park is very well cared for: around the pool there is a great diversity of tree species such as magnolias, lapachos and palm trees, and wild birds."
The mansion has three levels that integrate the seven rooms and that are connected by stairs or a wrought iron cage elevator . On the ground floor, there is the living room, the dining room and a desk. "It is the most beautiful part because it maintains the original wood floors, fittings and lighting from the end of the 19th century", they affirm. In addition, it has a kitchen, a toilet and a large covered gallery.
The person in charge of the sale details: “The entire structure of the house remains the same and there were no substantial modifications. But some ceilings were lowered and in the 70s the bathrooms and the kitchen were modernized ”.
The first floor has three interconnected bedrooms and two bathrooms joined by a hall. The main room has access to a terrace overlooking the garden.
Finally, the second floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom that are currently reserved as a service unit. In addition, behind the main structure, there is a smaller house with a colonial-style gallery for guests or housekeepers.
Its elegance and distinction was also discovered by audiovisual producers who began to rent it as a recording set. In 2001, a chapter of “Los Simuladores” by Damián Szifrón was recorded and in 2017 part of “El Ángel” by Luis Ortega, and “Palau” by Kevin Knoblock were shot. “An acquaintance of the owners is dedicated to finding locations for film production companies. We believe that he chose 'Las Mercedes' because of its spaciousness, the lordliness of the environments and the large park ”, says Grangeat.
The three floors are connected by a wrought iron cage elevator. Photo Remax
At the moment, no interested parties have visited the property. "We received some inquiries and whoever wants to know it can do so without problems by obtaining the permit," clarifies the real estate agent.
And he insists: “It is a jewel and I am convinced that it can be sold. It is a very small market and few people can access something like that. At the moment there is a strong uncertainty when it comes to making an investment of that level, but it could be used quietly as a clubhouse, expansion of a university or a museum.
MR
