Casa Azurin – A Bahay na Bato in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique
Explore Casa Azurin: A Historic Bahay na Bato of Antique.
Casa Azurin, or Bahay na Bato, is a historic house in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. It is considered one of the province’s most prominent remnants of Spanish influence. The old ‘bahay na kahoy at bato’ of the Azurin family is the only remaining intact structure of Spanish houses in the province, which speaks of its historical and cultural attributes in Antique.
Casa Azurin: A Historic Bahay na Bato of Antique
Casa Azurin is a two-story house made of wood and stone with a red-tiled roof. It has a spacious living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and several bedrooms. The house is decorated with antique furniture, paintings, and other artifacts that reflect the Spanish colonial period. The house also has a beautiful garden with a fountain, adding charm and elegance.
View from the second floor of Casa Azurin Bahay na Bato
Historical Significance
Spanish Colonial Era
Casa Azurin, also known as Bahay na Bato, stands proudly as a majestic testament to the enduring Spanish influence that once graced the province of Antique. With its roots tracing back to the vibrant era of Spanish colonialism, this exceptional house unravels a captivating tale of heritage and elegance.
As the cherished possession of the Azurin family, it is the sole surviving example of the enchanting Spanish architecture that once dotted the province. A visit to Casa Azurin promises to transport you back in time as you immerse yourself in Antique’s rich historical and cultural tapestry during its Spanish colonial heyday.
Japanese Occupation
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Casa Azurin was used as a garrison by the Japanese forces. It was also used as a hospital for wounded Japanese soldiers. The house was damaged during the war but was later restored to its former glory.
In recognition of its historical significance, Casa Azurin was declared a heritage house by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). A marker was installed in the house by the NHCP to commemorate its historical significance.
Architecture and Design
Bahay na Bato Features
Casa Azurin, also known as Balay na Bato, is a perfect example of a bahay na bato, a traditional Philippine house made of wood and stone. The house features a two-story structure with a red galvanized iron roof and a spacious balcony overlooking the street. The ground floor is made of stone, and the upper floor is made of hardwood.
Piña handloom weaving tools inside Bahay na Bato
The house has a unique design that reflects the Spanish colonial architecture. It has a large central hall, which is called the caida, that separates the living area from the dining area. The caida is also used as a receiving area for guests. The house also has a spacious kitchen and a separate area for washing dishes.
Balay na Bato second floor receiving area
Balay na Bato in Antique Dining area
Main Hall at the second floor
Bedroom at Antique’s Bahay na Bato
Hardwood Construction
One of the most notable features of Casa Azurin is its hardwood construction. The upper floor of the house is made of narra, a type of hardwood known for its durability and resistance to termites. The use of hardwood in the construction of the house is a testament to the quality of craftsmanship and the attention to detail that was put into the construction.
The house’s hardwood floors are well-maintained and polished, giving the house a warm and inviting feel. The use of hardwood in the construction of the house also reflects the importance of the timber industry in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
Door leading to the garden of Casa Azurin
Leni Artwork by Alex Moscoso Espanola
Casa Gella-Azurin Restoration
Restoration Efforts
Casa Gella-Azurin, or Bahay na Bato, is a 200-year-old ancestral house in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. Unfortunately, the house had deteriorated over time and is no longer inhabited by the Azurin’s descendants. However, the Provincial Government of Antique, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, has initiated a restoration project to preserve the cultural heritage of Antique.
Casa Gella-Azurin before the restoration
The project aimed to restore the house’s original architectural design while integrating modern features to make it functional and safe for visitors. The restoration project was completed in April 2019, and the house was opened to the public for viewing. The restoration project cost P5,000,000.00 and was funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Gella-Azurin Family’s Role
The Gella-Azurin family played a crucial role in the restoration of Casa Gella-Azurin. In 1936, the seven children of Dr. Reymundo Azurin and Consuelo Gella purchased the house from a Spanish family named Vital. Consuelo Gella is the eldest daughter of former Antique Governor Vicente Gella. The family retained the usufruct deed, allowing them to use the house for personal purposes while maintaining the structure’s integrity.
The family’s commitment to preserving the house’s cultural heritage led them to partner with the Provincial Government of Antique and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to initiate the restoration project. The restoration project would not have been possible without the family’s cooperation and support.
Cultural and Heritage Preservation
Legislation and Funding
Casa Azurin – Bahay na Bato is a heritage house recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). In 2020, the NHCP passed Resolution No. 7, s. 2020, designating the house as a Heritage House. The marker was installed on February 2, 2021, to commemorate the historical and cultural significance of the house.
To ensure the preservation of the house, the Provincial Government of Antique allocated a P5-million fund for the restoration of the house, which was completed in 2018. The project was spearheaded by Senator Loren Legarda, who pushed for the preservation and restoration of the house to promote the cultural heritage of Antique.
Heritage House Status
Casa Azurin – Bahay na Bato, the last standing Spanish house in the province, is a vivid display of Antique’s captivating history and vibrant culture. This architectural gem is a living testament to the heritage of Antique and its people.
