The Lopez Heritage House or otherwise known as the Nelly's Gardens is a national heritage house built in 1928 located at Jaro, Iloilo by an Ilonggo statesman Don Vicente Lopez and his wife, Doña Elena Hofileña. The mansion was named after the couple's eldest daughter, Lilia Lopez y Hofileña.
The house is a classic example of Beaux-Arts mansion with its decorative enhancement largely influenced by Western aesthetics evident on its facade.
It is designed to portray the extravagant lifestyle of Iloilo's most affluent families during the American period.
It is designed to portray the extravagant lifestyle of Iloilo's most affluent families during the American period.
Profusely adorned with ornately-carved columns and pilasters, the house is constructed to look imposing outside just as it does inside.
Two set of wooden stairs lead to the family cavernous common room where most of the furniture and paintings are placed. Even the poster beds in its rooms at the second floor are carefully preserved for public viewing.
High up in the ceiling are crystal chandeliers that give off a soft, warm glow, illuminated the wooden brandishing that serves as an elaborate divider to each room.
High up in the ceiling are crystal chandeliers that give off a soft, warm glow, illuminated the wooden brandishing that serves as an elaborate divider to each room.
In the centerpiece of the dining room is a hexagonal table which can sit up to twenty-four guests. A huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling which is fifteen-feet high. The door-length windows allows the light to get inside the room, creating a bright atmosphere as the guests dine together.
In March 28, 2004, it was declared as a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Institute.
At present, the house, with its 4-hectare sprawling property, stands as an important cultural icon of the district and is generally open for public tours and events.
Nelly Garden is open to the public for tours and events. Tour fee is PhP200/pax minimum of 5 persons and to be paid ahead of the tour. For more information and inquiries, just contact them through telephone number 033 320-3075. You can also check its Facebook account Nelly Garden Tours and Services.
Text for this blogpost is from Wikipedia