Historic Colonias: Our Specialty in the Heart of Madrid
These are neighborhoods made up of single-family homes with cohesive architecture, developed in Madrid during the first third of the 20th century in response to the social needs of the time. Known today as Madrid’s historic colonias, they are small urban oases—calm, characterful, and increasingly sought after for their enduring charm.
At The Singular Space, we’re experts in selling properties within these areas. We've successfully managed transactions in the Colonia de la Prensa, Cruz del Rayo, La Socialista, Prosperidad, and El Viso, among others.
So, what makes these neighborhoods so special? Let us explain.
A brief history
Madrid’s historic colonias originated following the Affordable Housing Act of 1911 and subsequent years, which promoted the creation of housing cooperatives linked to trade unions. These cooperatives aimed to improve living conditions by building quality homes for working-class families.
The result was the emergence of well-planned residential zones, typically made up of single-family homes with similar features, surrounded by gardens and green areas. Today, these neighborhoods are rare enclaves of peace, preserving a way of life from a bygone era that resists the passage of time.
Here are just a few of the more than 40 colonias built during those years that continue captivating with their unique identity:
Colonia de la Prensa.
Founded in 1913, this was Madrid’s first colonia. Located in the Carabanchel district, it was developed by a group of journalists and writers known as “Los Cincuenta”. Its most iconic feature is its remarkable entrance: a Modernist-style guard post with two turreted sentry boxes that once served as a tram stop and telephone exchange. Several of the 65 original chalets are still standing.
La Socialista.
The pioneer colonia of Madrid’s Ciudad Jardín model, located in the heart of Chamartín. It originally consisted of 118 terraced single-family homes; some cleverly adapted to the terrain with two stories on one façade and three on the other. Each home included a bathroom—a luxury at the time—along with garden spaces and large windows for lighting and ventilation. Interestingly, their resemblance to sanatoriums drew criticism at a time when tuberculosis was prevalent in Madrid.
Colonia del Retiro (‘La Regalada’).
Situated next to the famous Retiro Park, in the Niño Jesús neighborhood, this colonia comprises 203 small villas in a mix of styles: Castilian, Basque, Neo-Mudéjar, French, Italian, twin Basque, and twin Spanish. Each includes a garden more than twice the size of the home’s footprint, and the façades feature exposed brick or stucco.
Fuente del Berro.
In Madrid’s Salamanca district, this colonia is named after its historic park, Quinta de la Fuente del Berro, a 17th-century estate with gardens, waterfalls, and sculptures. It includes over 150 one- and two-story colonial-romantic homes located on peaceful, tree-lined, mostly one-way streets. Notable former residents include actor Richard Gere and his partner Alejandra Silva, Infanta Elena of Spain, and the late Luis Eduardo Aute and Fernando Sánchez Dragó.
Cruz del Rayo/El Viso.
Legend has it that a stone cross once stood in the area, destroyed by a lightning bolt—thus giving the colonia its name. Built between 1928 and 1929, this prestigious enclave in the El Viso district is known for its art deco touches—such as statues and balustrades—and its inspiration drawn from the English countryside, making it one of Madrid’s most distinctive residential areas.
Colonia de la Prosperidad.
Part of the Chamartín district, this colonia is made up of large blocks of terraced houses, one or two stories high, often with attic space, small front gardens, and rear patios. It’s a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood offering every kind of service, allowing for a relaxed lifestyle without needing to leave the area.
Colonia Buenavista/Primo de Rivera.
Also in Chamartín and completed in 1929, this colonia was originally intended for municipal guards and police officers. It consists of detached and semi-detached one- and two-story homes, often with front gardens.
Do you own a property in one of Madrid’s historic colonias? Let’s talk. We know how to present it, how to communicate its unique value, and how to connect with the ideal buyer.