Castillo Soneira (Soneira Castle), Montevideo

In 2017, the College of San Pablo in Montevideo acquired Soneira Castle and the Castle lands to expand its campus. The property reached back to the Botanic Gardens. It included an 18-hole golf course, an Olympic size swimming pool, a tennis court, and more. But the jewel of the purchase is the mysterious, emblematic Castle.

The so-called Castle is the ultimate 19th-century Neo-Gothic residence. It far exceeds anything Hollywood's Adams family could hope for. Its actual address is Avenida Suarez 3781, next door to the Presidential Residence. It was built in 1861 for the Soneira family of Montevideo by French architect Victor Rabu.

In 1914 architect Camille Gardelle renovated the property, using original materials imported from Europe. The Castle in its original form was a bit smaller. It had two main floors, used for habitation and reception. The basement was used by the household staff. The attic was a studio for the son of the family.

The interior comfort was brought up to date with central heating and electrification. Imported materials included Venetian and Florentine tiles for the floors, Slovenian oak, and Carrara Marble for the stairs. The windows now have stained glass.