Palacete de los Ocharan, Castro Urdiales, Historic mansion in Castro Urdiales, Spain.
The Palacete de los Ocharan is a mansion in Castro Urdiales featuring ten ionic columns arranged in double rows, a side staircase with dual access, and a gabled roof topped by a classical tower. The complex sits within gardens containing about 50 tree species, including coast redwoods, coconut palms, and ginkgo trees.
Luis de Ocharan, a Bilbao entrepreneur and photographer, commissioned architect Eladio Laredo to design this structure, with construction starting in 1901. A neo-Gothic castle with crenellated towers was added to the site in 1914, reflecting the owner's scientific pursuits.
The mansion displays handcrafted ceramic tiles by artist Daniel Zuloaga and marble coverings in pink and white that shape its visual character. These materials give the building its distinctive appearance and add refined detail to every corner.
The grounds are best explored during daylight hours when architectural details and plantings are most visible. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the property includes uneven terrain and stairs.
The property houses an observatory that reveals the owner Luis de Ocharan's personal interest in astronomy and scientific observation. This addition shows how his curiosity extended beyond business and artistic ventures.
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