House Hunters International Season 42 Episode 5 Barcelona Modernista
- TV-G
- September 1, 2012
- 21 min
In the fifth episode of season 42 of House Hunters International, viewers are transported to the vibrant city of Barcelona to witness the house-hunting journey of a couple looking to relocate. This episode titled, 'Barcelona Modernista,' showcases the growing trend of homebuyers seeking properties with a sense of history and architecture along with modern amenities.
The episode opens with a brief tour of Barcelona's stunning architecture featuring the Gothic Quarter, the Santa María del Mar Church and the famous Sagrada Familia Basilica. The episode host, accompanied by the couple, wanders around the narrow streets lined with buildings that incorporate exquisite stained glass, mosaics, and wrought iron balconies that define the Modernisme movement.
The couple, Susan and David, originate from San Francisco and have been travelling frequently to Barcelona for business purposes. After falling in love with its culinary delights, mesmerising architecture and rich history; they've decided to establish a home in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Their quest is to find a home that has a balance of Modernista architecture with modern amenities and a spacious outdoor area for their dog to roam.
The first home they visit is an exceptional apartment located in the coveted neighbourhood of Eixample. Built-in 1900, this apartment is an epitome of Modernism. The couple is amazed by the stained glass windows, original frescoes, high ceilings, and intricate details that this apartment boasts of. Although a bit pricey, the couple is charmed by the luxurious space and especially the outdoor terrace, which they don’t want to do without.
The next home they visit is a renovated Modernista flat in Ciutat Vella. It's located right in the heart of Barcelona's Old Town surrounded by delicious eateries, quirky bars, and museums. This property is substantially more compact than the first one but still has a lot of character. They love the exposed brick walls, the vaulted ceiling, and the intricate tiling in the bathroom. The couple sees the potential in its coziness and charm and considers this home a strong contender.
Next on their itinerary, they visit a newly renovated apartment which is an exciting blend of old and new, located in Gracia. This home is perfect for modern living while still retaining the essence of its Modernista heritage. David and Susan are impressed by the interior blends, such as, its slate-grey bathroom with traditional hexagonal tiles and its white kitchen cabinets paired with granite worktops. Although this apartment doesn't have an outdoor space, it has a spacious balcony with jaw-dropping views of the lively neighbourhood below.
As the episode progresses, David and Susan try to weigh up the pros and cons of each place, weighing the pros and cons of each property. After having toured multiple properties, they eventually choose one that is modern inside, retains the essence of its Modernista roots and also provides the perfect outdoor space for their furry companion.
In the final scene, the couple enjoys their outdoor decking area with beautiful flowerpots and furniture as their dog happily runs around. This home is a perfect blend of Modernism and practicality.
'Barcelona Modernista' on House Hunters International is a captivating episode that takes viewers into the heart of Barcelona's bustling neighbourhoods. The episode perfectly highlights the growing trend of preserving the rich cultural heritage of a place along with modern-day living.