A Divided House Finds Its Soul: Maite Pérez Cobo's Unique Haven in Coghlan
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Maite Pérez Cobo purchased a 1970s house in Buenos Aires' Coghlan neighborhood that had been divided into two by its previous owner.
- The house's unusual proportions, characterized by split levels, a unique staircase, and a terrace, were ideal for a single occupant.
- Drawing on her background in sociology, art criticism, and family experience with artisanal ceramics, Pérez Cobo renovated the house while preserving its original style, integrating her passion for creating and restoring objects.
In the bustling Coghlan neighborhood of Buenos Aires, a unique property has found its perfect inhabitant. Maite Pérez Cobo's story, as featured in La Nación's Revista Living, is a celebration of individuality and the art of transforming spaces.
When I saw the house advertised, the elements that most tempted me to buy it were the living room staircase, the split levels, and the terrace.
The house itself, originally double its current size, was ingeniously divided by its former owner. This division resulted in a home with "rare" proportions, as Maite describes, but precisely what she sought for her personal sanctuary. The architectural elements – the living room staircase, the split levels, and the terrace – were not just features but strong temptations that drew her to the property, highlighting a discerning eye for character over conventionality.
As a result, the shape and proportions are rare, but ideal for a single person or couple.
Maite's background is as fascinating as her home. With a foundation in sociology and art criticism, and deeply connected to her mother's artisanal ceramic business, she approaches her living space with a unique perspective. The article emphasizes her innate inclination towards preservation and transformation, finding joy in restoring broken or flawed objects rather than starting anew. This philosophy is beautifully reflected in her home, where vintage elements are cherished and integrated with her own creations.
I was born in a house with a workshop, so ceramics were my primary language. I love creating objects from what I find, what is broken, or what comes out flawed. It gives me more pleasure to try to recover it or transform it into something else than to start something from scratch; that's why I resolved many of these objects in the workshop.
Her seven-month renovation focused on subtle modifications, respecting the home's "strong imprint." This approach underscores a growing appreciation in Argentina for preserving architectural heritage and unique design, resisting the urge for wholesale modernization. Maite's home is more than just a dwelling; it's a curated space that tells a story, blending her personal history, artistic sensibilities, and a deep appreciation for the past, making it a truly inspiring example of personalized living.
Whether by family tradition or because I have a workshop, I'm always reworking and creating pieces. The idea of preservation is innate in me.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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