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Which avenue offers Art Nouveau-style homes and high prices: it is one of the most aristocratic in Buenos Aires - Ámbito Financiero
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Qué avenida ofrece casas con impronta Art Noveau y valores altos: es una de las más aristocráticas de CABA
Detalles originales, jardines amplios y arquitectura cuidada distinguen una zona de Buenos Aires donde se combina valor patrimonial y mercado premium.
www.ambito.com
July 03, 2025
Original details, spacious gardens, and meticulous architecture distinguish an area of Buenos Aires that combines heritage value and a premium market.
By José Luis Cieri
Residence for sale with Art Nouveau architecture, original details and its own garden, located in one of the most traditional residential corridors of Belgrano R (Photo courtesy of Ramos Couriel Real Estate)
Melián Avenue runs through part of Belgrano R as a distinguished residential corridor, known for its tree-lined landscape, its well-maintained architecture, and the appeal of its large, landscaped lots. It's a unique stretch of Buenos Aires, removed from the hustle and bustle, featuring residences with period features, original details, and a stately air.
The most exclusive stretch of this artery is located between La Pampa and Mendoza, lined with large, old residences with spacious gardens and distinguished architecture that combines European features such as Art Nouveau , Tudor, and the classic Buenos Aires style. In this area, the wide sidewalks and established trees, dominated by tipa and plane trees, define a tranquil and elegant residential environment. The cobblestone pavement, present along much of its length, reinforces the historic, neighborhood-like character, lending an old-fashioned, traditional feel highly valued by those seeking to preserve Buenos Aires' identity in one of the city's most cherished corridors.
In the real estate market for listed homes , the area has consolidated its premium status. According to Leonardo Ramos Couriel, owner of Ramos Couriel Real Estate, properties near Melián have prices starting at around US$1,000,000 and reaching much higher prices for signature pieces or lots with generous front and back areas. In some cases, prices exceed US$3,000,000.
The tipas—large trees that reach up to 40 meters in height—offer a characteristic setting with their rounded crowns and flexible branches to this select avenue.
The rental segment also reflects this positioning: restored or large homes are listed with monthly contracts starting at $2,000 or more, depending on features, exact location, and condition.
The appeal of an environment steeped in history
The Belgrano R area and Avenida Melián in particular are distinguished by their wide sidewalks, established greenery, and an urban layout designed for family residences.
Another of the homes for sale in this area of northern Buenos Aires
The tipa, native to northern Argentina and Bolivia, arrived in Buenos Aires at the initiative of Carlos Thays. Today, it is recognized as the seventh most common species in the city, with nearly 14,800 specimens, found on avenues such as Elcano, Dorrego, Brasil, Amancio Alcorta, Figueroa Alcorta, and Melián. Its presence not only beautifies but also reinforces the neighborhood's identity.
Art Nouveau: a distinctive hallmark and heritage value
Melián Avenue includes examples of Art Nouveau architecture that define its character. According to Iván Malesani , a member of the Buenos Aires Art Nouveau Association, this style is recognized for its high-quality ironwork and woodwork, which is often preserved thanks to the excellence of the materials and the dedication of artisans of the time.
In the area, houses with original decorations have survived the test of time. Malesani points out that, while the greatest concentration of Art Nouveau houses is found in the city's central areas (communes 1 and 3, with some cases in 4), valuable examples can be identified in Belgrano R. Although it is not the area with the highest density of this style, it is possible to take a tour to observe details such as stained glass, artisanal ironwork, and arrangements integrated with gardens.
Luxury, remodeled homes with modern comfort and spaciousness are part of the offering there (Photo Courtesy: Ramos Couriel Real Estate)
The Art Nouveau movement, the first avant-garde architectural movement of the 20th century in Europe, flourished in Argentina until the 1920s. The construction of these houses required specific maintenance and the intervention of skilled artisans. Many properties were modified over time or demolished to make way for new developments, giving special value to those that remain in their original state.
For Leonardo Ramos Couriel of Ramos Couriel Real Estate, the influence of Art Nouveau is central to the appreciation of the properties located on Avenida Melián. “It represents much more than an aesthetic: it offers a cultural and historical experience that connects with a very specific audience,” he maintains.
Demand for these homes on the market isn't massive, but it is highly sought after. "We work with families looking for permanent residence, architecture lovers, foreign buyers, and developers who value heritage," explains Ramos Couriel.
The operation is not defined solely by the surface area or the number of rooms, but by the authenticity of the design, the construction quality, and the original details.
Most have a park, patio and swimming pool in some cases.
The market also recognizes the added value of signature works. In the area, you'll find houses designed by Danish architect Morten Rønnow (who also designed the Otto Wulff) , known for his artisanal approach and attention to integrating the house with its surroundings. Rønnow trained in Denmark and arrived in Buenos Aires, where he left behind several homes notable for their eclectic style and precise construction details.
Market values
The price range reflects the heterogeneity of the offer, but also the scarcity of comparable properties. According to Ramos Couriel, some houses (those with more than three rooms) start at around US$1,500,000, while others, due to their location, lot, and architectural value, can easily exceed US$3,000,000 and even climb higher when they include designer interventions.
Demand for this type of property has shown strength over the past twelve months, even in a context of general economic uncertainty. For the premium segment, these homes are scarce and difficult to replicate, with values less tied to the fluctuations of the mass market.
Unique elements
The uniqueness of these homes is based on their signature architecture, the quality of their materials, and their unique construction details. High ceilings, restored woodwork, original floors, and custom-designed stained-glass windows combine with spacious gardens and a fluid relationship between interior and exterior.
The area is sought after by those who have good savings and value the heritage and stately surroundings of Belgrano R
In the words of Ramos Couriel, the difference with other high-value areas in Buenos Aires lies in the residential and classic character of Belgrano R. While Palermo Chico or Barrio Parque are dominated by modern luxury developments, Melián retains a traditional elegance, with a neighborhood feel that attracts those seeking quality without sacrificing history and style.
The challenge of preserving heritage
Iván Malesani emphasizes the need for active policies to maintain these houses in their original state. He points out that conservation requires knowledge, will, and also concrete incentives from the State to facilitate maintenance.
The progressive disappearance of specialized artisans, coupled with restoration costs and market pressure to replace houses with buildings, represents a risk to Buenos Aires' architectural heritage.
Comfortable kitchen with built-in equipment
Even so, the Belgrano R area, with its large lots and more open layout, retained more examples of single-family homes than other neighborhoods, partially resisting the pressure for densification.
Sustained demand
The interest in these homes is sustained by a defined buyer profile: affluent families seeking heritage value and quality of life. The area combines accessibility with tranquility, green spaces, and nearby services.
Living room with a slope and generous interior height
The premium market demands properties in excellent condition, with original details and an aesthetic true to their period. Buyers value well-maintained gardens, updated facilities, and the preservation of fine materials.
For Ramos Couriel, the prices of these properties are more resilient to market cycles, as their value is based on unique attributes and a demand that recognizes the difference. When a house of this style is offered for sale, it usually generates immediate interest, even in complex contexts.
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