Alvarez-Rosenthal House: A Mayan Revival

Alvarez-Rosenthal House

Like an ancient temple rising from the jungle, the Alvarez-Rosenthal House is a supreme example of Mayan Revival architecture. The home was built in 1929 for Ines Alvarez and her husband, Hiram Rosenthal. Alvarez was an extremely popular silent movie starlet, known for her leading performances against the famous "Latin Lovers" of the era. She married Hiram, an arts dealer from a well-known banking family, in 1924. With the advent of "Talkies" in 1927, Alvarez found her roles in film dwindling, unable to overcome her heavy Spanish accent. Though both very wealthy, they decided to downsize from Alvarez's Starlight Shores mansion to a smaller, cozier dwelling.

The resulting Mayan Revival home was the talk of the town. A lush, pyramid-like terrace of fountains obscures the ground floor that features the main entry and stairs, two bedrooms with attached baths, a lounge, and a laundry room. Above is the main living spaces, arranged in a modern, open plan--kitchen, dining, living and office areas. (As well as a small half-bath.) A ladder leads to an attic lit with a skylight for Hiram's extensive book collection. A trellised entry, patio, pool, and garage compliment the exterior.



Price: 265,481

Lot Size: 40 x 40

Version: 1.63

Games used: WA, Amb, LN, Pets, Showtime, SN, Seasons, and IP. Fast Lane and High End Loft Stuff Packs were used as well.

No CC.

Store Content

I used quite a bit, one of the reasons I was reluctant to upload this. But I'll arrange them a bit by usage and you can determine what is vital or not.

Outdoor plants

Bird of Paradise and Swiss Cheese Plant from Serenity Retreat
Royal Palm from Lucky Palms
Ivy Tower fromThe Toyota Prius Family Pack

Structure Bits

Doorway To Adventures
Taintless Window by BahHaus
Sharper Edge Skylights: Part 1 from Skylight Studio for the Performing Arts

Furniture and Deco

Grove Cone Ceiling Lamp
Nightly Light
Friendly Office Lamp
Three's A Crowd Ceiling Light
Classy Chassis Dining CHair
Gothic Glamour Home Office- Eisoptrophobic's Fright Mirror
Italian Starburst Mirror
Elegant Swirls Wide
Elegant Swirls Lite
Jazz Me Up! Photo Series
Super Slim Television DLX
Alvar Vintage Aqua Wahbasin
Alvar Vintage Chill Well Refrigerator
Alvar Vintage Shine On Stove
Alvar Vintage Designer Dishwasher
Eero Mid Century Countertop and Island

Thanks and Notes

This lot was my Round 4 entry for QBuilderz's Groundwork: A Foundation Challenge. So super huge thanks to him! I had so much fun, and this was the round that I really pushed myself. I'm always interested in the lesser-seen architectural styles, like Mayan Revival, and I love the challenge to see just how well I can coerce a lot from the limitations of the Sims. I was very much inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, especially his Hollyhock House. Thank you to MTS, all the wonderful staff, creators, and downloaders--you all make such a great community that I'm so proud to be (small) part of.

Lot Size: 40x40
Lot Price: 265,481