House & Garden Tour
By Jennifer Hamilton
January 16, 2009 San Miguel de Allende

Mystical fairyland, Indian screen, ravishing glass fountains

House & Garden Tour
Sun, Jan 18, tour departs at noon
Biblioteca Pública
Insurgentes 25
US$15 or 150 pesos
Breakfast at Café Santa Ana starts at 9am


1. This dazzling property was mere jungle when the owners purchased it a few years ago. With exceptional vision and determination, they created a mystical fairyland over a period of five years. The multi-level gardens almost defy description—thousands of exotic plants and trees were brought from all over Mexico. Pathways are lined with countless flora and fauna and everywhere one hears the soft sounds of water cascading softly down stone and rock walls. The lower garden contains an amphitheater for musical evenings. A romantic rose-covered gazebo, a Venetian bridge leading to the casita and a secret garden integrate a cornucopia of gardens, fountains, paths and cascading ponds. Ancient pillars complete the beautiful natural and man-made marvels. An infinity pool overlooks the gardens and spa, offering a place for tranquil relaxation with an outside loggia used for the pure pleasure of living in this place of beauty.



2. This elegant home merges treasures and fine art with whimsical objets d’art. Art deco touches appear in artwork and sculptures. Two colorful separate seating areas offer outside comfort, with fireplaces for cooler evenings. An office area contains a marvelous screen filled with family photographs, walls of books and an old library indexing chest against one wall. The spacious master bedroom, painted in alluring grey tones, contains an accumulation of fine art, an Indian screen, a sensual, soft deco portrait by the bed and wonderful accoutrements. The red and green silk bedspread and pillows work beautifully with the softly hued walls. The bathroom contains a Jacuzzi and a deco sculpture in the corner. A sizeable partially covered patio overlooks the garden and fountain. Even higher, a spacious rooftop deck offers visitors dramatic 360° vistas over San Miguel including its main church domes to the north.



3. This home brings the outside in, with many floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors, a bamboo garden and a front entranceway with a circular grassed-in area, vines climbing the walls and sensually curved outdoor stairwell. A charming self-contained two-storey casita built near the entranceway leads to the exceptional sculptural gate. The living room is wide open with an angular, polished wood ceiling and crisp cantera fireplace. The guest/library/office is filled with books and contains recessed lighting, with an astounding painting on one wall created by a young Mexican artist. A modern black, white and red bathroom has its own walk-in closet. Leading from the living room is a spectacular indoor/outdoor entertainment area. It faces the garden with its terraced “river” sporting ravishing glass fountains at each end designed by local artist Ana Thiel. The master bedroom faces west and overlooks the garden, its bath containing granite countertops, palm trees, an oval tub and a walk-in closet. Outside, a long
, rectangular terrace filled with plants contains several comfortable seating areas and is the perfect spot to enjoy that evening margarita at sunset.