An Introduction to Casa Cautiño:
If you haven't been to the quaint and tranquil town of Guayama on Puerto Rico's southern coast, I can recommend it for three reasons: the delicious seafood, the affable people, and the unique culture of the town. There's a stuck-in-time vibe here, and nothing captures it better than Casa Cautiño, an elegant 19th century colonial mansion built from 1882-1887 by Guayanes architect Manuel Texidor for one of the area's wealthiest landowners: Genaro Cautiño Vazquez.
Vazquez and his family lived here from 1887-1974, and the home was converted into a museum in 1986. It remains a special little treasure in Puerto Rico.
About the Owners and the Era:
Genaro Cautiño Vazquez's holdings included tobacco and sugar cane, two very lucrative crops in 19th Century Puerto Rico. He was also a Colonel in the Volunteer Spanish Army, and fought in the War of 1898 against the U.S. In fact, Casa Cautiño would become a headquarters for the U.S. army, under the command of General Ulysses Grant. Thanks to meticulous diaries kept by the first lady of the house, Casa Cautiño today serves as an accurate and detailed chronicle of life in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially for the nobility and dignitaries that frequented the home.
Inside the Home:
Located in the main plaza in Guayama's town center, Casa Cautiño is one of the more striking structures you'll find in the area. A marvelous example of neoclassical architecture, the mansion features the cornices, pilasters, and highly decorative ornamentation so in vogue in the late 19th century. Once inside, proceed past the inner patio to the tasteful rooms, which showcase the luxury of the era and the opulence and obvious wealth of the family that called it home.
Many of the furnishings here are original (several monogrammed), left by the family to keep the authenticity of the place. The kitchen is original, as are the plates and cutlery in the dining room. Note the marble floors, Persian rugs, and other fineries that must have made Casa Cautiño one of the most elegant homes in its day.
And note also in the anteroom a traditional decoration using strands of hair from Juana Monserrate Vazquez, conserved as a family heirloom.
Casa Cautiño is a special place that preserves a bygone era in Puerto Rico. Tucked away in the quaint town of Guayama, it's worth s stop, and a look at the past.
The museum is located on the corner of Vicente Pales and Palmer Streets, along the main plaza. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 9-4:30
