House & Garden Tour
By Jennifer Hamilton March 7, 2008 San Miguel de Allende


First house. This home overlooks farmlands, mountains and the distant lake. The barrel bóveda ceilings of the living and dining rooms and the light pouring in from French doors inspire visitors. Swathes of fabric protect the outside loggia from the afternoon sun, an idyllic spot for outdoor barbecuing, entertaining and watching sunsets. Flowers add color on the balustrade.

Local architect Nicole Biscaard built the house, with landscaping by Rob Johnson. The owners love to cook and entertain and it shows in their kitchen, with its bóveda ceiling, wood island and lots of gadgets. A short staircase, with its “faceless people” painting by local artist Delphine Scott, leads to the master suite with its French doors, carved cabinet from India, brick fireplace and bed. His and Hers bathrooms with stone walls contain a Jacuzzi, showers, walk-in closets and dressing rooms. 

Second house. Barcelona structures by architect Antonio Gaudí give a hint of what awaits visitors to this property. Mosaic tiles, plates, saucers, cups and glass are embedded into exterior walls topped with a Dali-inspired egg. The inside shows a flair for color and brilliance. Highlights are doors sculptured in nearby Celaya, a quarried stone fountain in the living room, a triangular table in the dining room and an ultra-modern stainless steel kitchen with European appliances.

A passion for Frank Sinatra is evident at the bar, with tin-fronted architectural pieces, mirrors and stained glass. The chandeliers are pure Gaudí, as are the architectural and stained glass windows which offer natural light both upstairs and down. Colorful bottles decorate the fireplace. A guest bedroom has stenciled walls and mosaic tile reflected in the mirror on the opposite wall. A “secret” door leads to the office.

All bedrooms have their own terraces. Stencils are painted on the walls of the upstairs master bedroom and a wall reminiscent of Morocco encircles the rounded shower. A second, upstairs living room is crowned by a bóveda ceiling and candelabra. Dark blue tiles with quarter moons surrounded by stars cover the bathroom, which also houses a steam room. A gym on the third level leads to a rooftop area with views of the lake and mountains. A garden contains a small casita, a pool with Jacuzzi and a rounded ramada with barbecue and topped with Spanish tiles.