May 18, 2007, Magical places await, By Jennifer Hamilton

Biblioteca Pública’s House & Garden tour

Sun, May 20, Noon

Departs Biblioteca Pública

Insurgentes 25

Doors open 11am

US$15/150 pesos

152-4987

Master builders, decorators, oglers or just plain dreamers, this Sunday’s House & Garden tour has much for everyone. Strolling the grounds, peering into rooms, fantasizing about the future, all are just a short bus ride away.

Our first stop is Rancho Los Olivos, named for the olive grove on the estate. This is one of the most dramatic properties in what has become known as the Golden Corridor—the area just outside of town, home to some of the finest ranches in the state. The owners purchased this 25 acre working ranch in 2003 after spending many years living in the Centro of San Miguel. Where and how to begin to describe it?

The winding cobblestone approach to the main house is lined with cypress and olive trees; there are white-fenced horse corrals, a quarter-acre pond and a plethora of animals. The hacienda’s living room is furnished with deep, comfortable sofas and colorful chairs overflowing with pillows for extra comfort.

A collection of exquisite ancient Mexican blue santos fronts one of the owner’s paintings The kitchen with its adjoining pantry has beautiful tile floors and is accented with locally hand-made tiles and an oversized cemento pulido (polished cement) sink. Another one of the owner’s painting, this one inspired by the scenery of Tuscany hangs in the comfortable island eating area. Colorfully painted in yellow and purple the kitchen opens out into the gardens, as do all the rooms. Antique doors were installed throughout most of the home and they maintain their aged hues. A study in vivid colors, is cozily furnished with beautiful objets d’art, Oriental rugs and a comfortable velvet sofa. Paintings and books li
ne the walls. The romantic master bedroom with its iron four-poster bed overlooks the courtyard and pond, and the sizeable bathroom has a huge bathtub and separate glassed-in shower.

The winding pathway that leads to the guest casita is studded with moss between the flattened rocks. One of the bedrooms has an ancient opium bed and soft blue walls. The Oriental touches include a red lacquer Chinese armoire, some fine blue and white Chinese porcelain pieces which are part of a more extensive collection.

In contrast, the second guest room is decorated in a more Spanish style with silky fabrics and rich colors and a stunning carved wood headboard behind the king-sized bed. An ancient cupboard stands majestically in a corner. It’s almost impossible to describe the grounds, they are so vast and spectacular. Of special note, however, is a “secret” garden. Originally an arroyo, it seems to miraculously have its own microclimate where the plants and trees grow mysteriously year-round. It’s filled with a flowing stream, an abundance of trees, flowers, ferns and cacti and is the perfect spot for quiet meditation. In 2006 a vineyard was planted which by 2009 should start producing grapes for a sizeable amount of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. There are 250 olive trees, on the estate, two black Australian swans, two alpacas, two ducks, three miniature horses, two (mother and daughter) snow-white Andalucian horses, five dogs, seven cats, 15 goats and 20 chickens. The inner courtyard, which faces the pool, has a cage filled w
ith “sugar gliders,” tiny opossums from the Australian Outback. They are nocturnal hamster-sized creatures and utterly adorable. Los Olivos is a working ranch that cultivates hay, oats and alfalfa; it is an oasis of greenery with stunning views of downtown San Miguel.

Rancho Los Arboles

This amazing home was designed and built by the owners several years ago and the results are nothing short of astounding. Their focus was to “bring the outside in and take the inside out”, to connect as fully as possible with the spectacular nature that surrounds them. The air is fresh and lively with a symphony of sounds from the various birds, distant burros braying and the constant buzz of hummingbirds and bees. The magnificent front yard area is landscaped with various kinds of cactus, dry grasses and numerous varieties of other draught resistant plants and flowers as well as lush and beautiful pepper trees. A large stone entryway with hand carved double mesquite doors welcomes visitors into a light filled sala with a remarkable floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Every window is a picture window that perfectly frames the many stunning views that surround the property.

Large arched French doors lead to a huge covered veranda where one is dazzled with an explosion of color, texture and fragrance from the overflowing flower gardens and the vibrant, green lawn stretches out to the many mature nopales cactus and pampas grass.

Some of the more mature cacti are as tall as 25’ and look more like trees. .In the middle of the lawn stands an enormous mesquite tree that is 350-400 years old. This distinctive tree brings a feeling of sublime tranquility. The owners call it their cosmic tree. The veranda extends the full length of the house and every room has a door that opens onto it. After spending some time in Bali, Indonesia a couple of years ago the couple brought back many beautiful things including most of their rustic, hardwood furniture. A dramatic staircase leads up from the grand sala to a wonderful studio on the second floor. A balcony wraps around much of this studio and offers unsurpassed, breathtaking views of the mountains, lake, town and sunsets. As the owners smilingly say they say: “This place really does have great energy.” This unforgettable home conveys spacious, bright country living and a connected
ness to nature at its best.

Reservations are not necessary. Call Jennifer Hamilton at 152-4987 for more information.