El Palacete Los Moreau
El Palacete Los Moreau in Moca, Puerto Rico - Photo: George Collazo ©
El Palacete Los Moreau: A French Mansion in Moca, Puerto Rico
El Palacete Los Moreau, also known as the Labadie Mansion, is a beautiful house museum located in the town of Moca, in the northwest part of Puerto Rico. This French coffee hacienda is a wonderful piece of Puerto Rican history and a local treasure.
History
In the early-mid 1800s, when Spain wanted to increase development in Puerto Rico, the Spanish government offered incentives to foreigners to come to the island and start businesses. The original owners of this property, three brothers of the Peugeot (Pellot) family, came from France and purchased 1285 acres of land in Moca. They started growing coffee, and sugar cane, cutting lumber on the property, and raising cattle and various crops and animals for household use. Their caretaker, Mr. Juan Labadie (also from France), eventually bought the property from the brothers in 1860.
The Mansion
The large, 2-story mansion, built over 12 years, looks like a French chateau. The first floor was strictly used for business. The upper floor was used as the family’s living quarters. After the markets fell in the early-mid 20th century, the house was abandoned and eventually vandalized. In 1993, the town of Moca purchased the house and 100 acres of land and restored it to its former glory.
Legacy
Back in its heyday, a local author, Enrique Laguerre, was a frequent guest at the mansion. The house and family inspired him to write a fictional novel called La Llamarada, in which he named the family who lived in the house Los Moreau. When the town of Moca acquired the property, they renamed it after the characters in Laguerre’s novel as an honor. Enrique Laguerre is interred on the property as per his final wishes.
Conclusion
El Palacete Los Moreau is a testament to Puerto Rico’s rich history and cultural heritage. It stands as a symbol of the island’s past, and its restoration ensures that future generations can appreciate this local treasure. If you ever find yourself in Moca, Puerto Rico, a visit to this French mansion is highly recommended.
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