Sixto Machado House (Former Civil Guard Barracks)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Architecture · Subcategory: Civil architecture · Year: 1914 · Authors: Mariano Estanga

This stately mansion was designed by the architect Mariano Estanga in 1914 for the businessman, merchant, and exporter of agricultural products Sixto Machado Pérez-Ventoso.

Located on what was then an extensive estate on the outskirts of the urban centre of Santa Cruz, on the edge of the Hierro ravine, the building was conceived as a mansion with almost rural aspects, although with a certain air of palatial appearance.  

Architect Estanga proposed a work of clear eclectic style with a historicist character.  A tower with battlements is the most striking element of its exterior. Balconies are distributed across all its façades, highlighting the west side where there is one enclosed by a flat ceramic tile roof, garlands on the outer parapets, and glazing enclosures, clearly reminiscent of traditional Canarian architecture. The openings are developed in different styles, featuring pointed, straight, and even lowered semicircular arches. Stained glass windows closed the openings. 

In the mid-20th century, the property passed into State hands and was converted into a Civil Guard barracks, with the consequent interior refurbishment for the new use. 

After being abandoned years later, the building fell into complete neglect, showing signs of true ruin. In 2011, the Santa Cruz City Council recovered and renovated it to house the Municipal School of Music.

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