As seen on: https://rusticotile.com/mexican-saltillo-tile-st-augustine-fl/

Today, Villa Valencia is a luxury vacation rental located in the heart of the St. Augustine historic district. It’s just a short walk to everything. The Spanish villa provides luxury living for those vacationers seeking private enjoyment.

But before today… 

Villa Valencia goes back to the Rockefeller family in the early 1900s. And isn’t it like the lavish Rockefellers to call it a “cottage”? How cute. In fact, this Spanish Revival style home was built during the Henry Flagler development of St. Augustine.

Q: Howard, when did you start planning this restoration & renovation project?

H: We started demolition in October 2019. And being in a highly restrictive historic area of St. Augustine, we completed construction in March 2020.

Our side of the story – Howard reached out for a Mexican Saltillo Tile price estimate for this Florida home in October 2019. He’s mentioned to us previously that our Riviera Pattern in Traditional Saltillo tile was one of the first selections he made for the renovation. Much of his design stemmed from his kitchen flooring decision.

10 days after he received his first estimate, Howard ordered 500 square feet of the Riviera Pattern and all installation materials (thinset, crack prevention membrane, & topcoat sealer) for a project price of a little over $3700.

Renovating historic homes brings about a myriad of challenges – many of which are unknown until the demo begins.

Q: What proved to be the biggest challenge during your project?

H: Preserving the coquina foundation components while getting everything up to code proved to be challenging. We had to focus on securing dead on leveling for the fit and finishes to be on point.

Q: What was most surprising during your project?
H: The most surprising thing we incurred was the detail that the craftsmen maintained while framing and plastering wire lathe. They had nothing but hand tools and a level. They had to “feel” for what was right.

Q: Why did you choose Saltillo tile flooring? Specifically, why did you choose the Riviera pattern in our Traditional Saltillo tile color finish?

H:  I chose your (Saltillo) tile because I love the passion you show in all of your efforts. The nature of the handmade story (of crafting this tile) is incredible. And I chose the Riviera pattern because of the two-piece design and the true Spanish styling. It’s so hard to find in today’s quickly-manufactured world.

Our experience with Rustico was incredible. The floors are clearly the highlight of the project and our guests from all over the world can’t stop talking about them.

Howard, owner of Villa Valencia

Our experience with Rustico was incredible. The floors are clearly the highlight of the project and our guests from all over the world can’t stop talking about them.

Howard, owner of Villa Valencia