Like the Craftsman and Victorian Homes, many of the Spanish Bungalows and even some of the manor homes could be bought as kits through mail order catalogs. Even today plans for a Spanish or any home can be purchased online. This is probably the most popular of the Historic Architectural designs and even among newer homes built in the last 25 years. A Spanish home that still retains its character usually sells for more per square foot than other designs. Out of all the other Vintage designs it is probably the easiest to update since modern kitchens and baths that have a flair to them work in these properties.

The modern or 20th Century Spanish Colonial Revival Movement can be traced back to the San Diego Panama-California Exposition in 1915. Architects Bertram Goodhue and Carleton Winslow Sr. built the California Quadrangle for this Exposition and would popularize the style all up and down the California Coastline. Early examples of this style can be found in the South Bay in areas such as the Hollywood Riviera, Old Torrance, South Redondo Beach and the Lomita Pines.

After the near destruction of Santa Barbara due to the Earthquake of 1925, the City of Santa Barbara adopted an ordinance that all new buildings had to be in the Spanish Colonial Style. By the 1930’s Colonial Calfornano style homes were being built in the upscale suburbs of Mexico City. The movement also caught on in South America, Australia and even in Colonial China.especially in the European Sections of Shanghai. Hawaii also saw many Spanish style homes built in the years prior to 1940.

Along with the Bungalow and Mission Styles, Spanish style homes can also be known as Monterrey Spanish, Moroccan Spanish, Santa Barbara Spanish and Courtyard Spanish.