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Here is a place you may have dreamed about, but you thought it could not exist: On the shores of the deepest lake in the America's, Lake Atitlan, in Guatemala, ringed by volcanoes and some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see: A lovely private, romantic, lakefront house surrounded by fantasy gardens, available for rent, by the week or month.
Situated just a five minute walk from the charming village of San Marcos La Laguna, a famed healing and meditation center, (with great and affordable yoga, massage, and one on one Spanish instruction), the house sits on an acre of extraordinarily beautiful gardens and hillside, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Atitlan, ringed by spectacular volcanoes.
You will arrive, by boat, at a private dock, greeted by an enormously knowledgeable English speaking property manager, who will stock the kitchen with locally grown coffee, fruit, and fresh tortillas.
Relax in the wood-fired sauna, then dive into some of the bluest and most swimmable waters you will ever experience.
The house sleeps four comfortably (with a charming second house on the property - a two-level treehouse with its own kitchen and deck- available for larger groups). Every room boasts spectacular views. Also on the property: a thatch roof ranchero overlooking the lake, with daybed and night lighting, and a custom built wood fired pizza oven. (Cook it yourself, or hire a cooperative of local women to come and make dinner for your family.)
This is a great place for an extended family get together. But it is also an ideal romantic hideaway or honeymoon destination—and a great place for a writer or artist to focus on a project. (In fact, this house belongs to a writer, who has finished her last three books here, and swears it is the most inspiring spot she ever found to write.) Decorated with locally made crafts and Guatemalan textiles and furnishings, the house boasts huge windows in every room, overlooking the lake and volcanoes. Fireplaces in bedroom and living room . Wireless internet.
Huge cathedral ceiling bedroom with balcony overlooking lake and extraordinary bird-life, living room, fireplaces, nice cooking kitchen and spacious bath, patios, gardens, waterfall, lakeside ranchero for sunset drinks and watching the sunset. Gardener and housekeeper included in rental, along with friendly and informative English speaking local property manager in town to orient guests and provide assistance with advice on great hikes and guides, trip ideas, local cooks who will deliver meals, and child care as needed. Property manager will also arrange private transportation to the house from the airport (or Antigua).
The house is an easy walk to the village, where you can find any of five or six varieties of great massage, yoga lessons, and great little affordable restaurants.
For more details, check out a recent article from the New York Times Travel section, written by the house's owner. This home was also featured , with photo slide show, in the New York Times Escapes column, March 28, 2008. |
Pet Friendly