Sierra Nevada introduces Casa Palma
By Kara Hoffman
December 26, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Casa de Sierra Nevada announces the opening of Casa Palma, the newest edition to its collection of historic Spanish colonial mansions. Near the Jardín and located directly beside the hotel’s swimming pool, Casa Palma is a nineteenth-century mansion featuring six distinctive suites.

Sebastián Zavala and his company, ZAGAR Contrucciones of San Miguel, designed and built the house. Casa Palma was originally a private residence dating back to the late 1890s. Zavala and his team kept as much of the original house as possible, including original courtyard walls. He said the original walls were preserved and reinforced in two of the suites, while the remaining four suites were built from the ground up. The stone used in Casa Palma construction was found on the property during excavation or was stone used in the original house.

Each suite captures the rich history of the area, decorated with hand-painted Mexican tiles, polished copper sinks, copper tubs and original arts and crafts. The project involved local woodworkers, iron workers and craftsmen. San Miguel cantera stone also was used to bring old-world touches to niches, columns and fireplaces.

All six suites have private patios with plunge pools The Presidential Suite also has a rooftop terrace with barbeque and bar area, plus breathtaking views of the Parroquia.

The new suites will be open to the public starting December 22. For rate information and reservations, visit www.casadesierranevada.com  or call (415) 152-7040.