Authentic Colonial/Impeccably Restored/1 Level/3 Minute Centro Centro Historico, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato Vacation Rental by Owner Listing 11288

Casa del Gallo Perdido: Dramatic arcade at night

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Location: Centro Historico, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Central Mexico, Mexico (3.5 hours to Mexico City; 1.5 hours from Leon Airport)

Accommodations:  House,patios,roof-top vistas, 3 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 7)

Casa del Gallo Perdido is a superb, authentically restored, 18th century colonial house with all the modern amenities. With its unrivalled location on a quiet cobblestone street just a couple of blocks’ level walk from the Jardin—-the historic plaza and heart of San Miguel—-Gallo Perdido is steps away from restaurants, a swimming pool, galleries, shops, theaters, museums and language schools.

From the moment you pass through the tall antique doors into the entry hall, the 15-foot ceilings and massive adobe walls of the casa envelop you in a peaceful, serene atmosphere. The front door opens onto the original long arcade that flanks a flagstone patio—-a showcase of the perfect balance of sunlight and shadow. The sun-struck courtyard, framed by azaleas, boxwood and bougainvillea, is graced by a burbling fountain. Inviting lounge chairs and benches, plus a dining area under the deep awning, welcome you. Effective lighting makes this a dramatic outside entertainment area at night.

To the right of the entry is a guest bedroom. Restoration of the original centuries-old stencils and authentic colors original to the house decorate the high walls. Twin beds with antique brass bedsteads that can be converted into a king, a ceiling fan, ample closets and a gas-log fireplace welcome guests. The room adjoins the study, which has a day bed (original to the house). The bathroom is off the study, and has extra closet space. A narrow stairway leads to the watchtower that served as a lookout in the 19th century.

Off the arcade, antique doors lead to a comfortable sitting room with TV, DVD player and VCR, complete with a library of up-to-date movies. This sitting room and the attached formal dining room have skylights between the wooden ceiling beams that furnish the rooms warm sunlight. As elsewhere in the house, antique Chinese scrolls, Oriental puppets, Mexican antiques, and Kilim or locally-made rugs provide decorative accents. The dining room, with a large antique chandelier over the broad table, easily seats eight. The inviting atmosphere of these two adjoining rooms is enhanced by a wood-burning fireplace.

At the end of the arcade is a spacious kitchen equipped with dishwasher, oven, all small appliances and quality cookware. The original charcoal-burning cook top has been converted to gas burners. A table and chairs for six provide a pleasant eating area in front of the open shelves that display hand-painted dishes. A bar for serving or snacking separates the kitchen from the breakfast area. Just off the kitchen are a spacious pantry and laundry room with washer and dryer, iron and ironing board.

Across the arcade from the kitchen is the master bedroom, which has a queen-size bed with antique door headboard, and a twin chandelier to the one in the dining room. Exquisite cotton bed linens and down comforters pamper all the lucky occupants of this and all the beds at Casa del Gallo Perdido. A gas fireplace warms the room on cool winter nights, while a large window opens onto the front courtyard and provides a cross-breeze. No need for air conditioning in this land of “eternal spring”. Off the bedroom are a dressing room with ample closet space and the bathroom with a unique built-in tub and large rain and regular shower.

Another fountain leads to a second patio graced by a 50-foot palm tree—one of the tallest in San Miguel. Across the patio, wide French glass doors open into the spacious high-ceilinged sala furnished with ceiling fans, comfortable couches and easy chairs and an antique wagon-wheel table that seats six. An antique desk has a high-speed internet connection (and wireless) and a Vonage phone with free calls to the US and Canada. An identical set of French doors on each side of the copper-backed fireplace opens onto the secluded rear patio. Mature orange trees provide fruit, and an umbrella table and chairs offer yet another sitting area. Up for a barbecue? Enjoy the built-in gas unit.

A third master suite with antique brass double bed resting on a locally hand-woven rug look out onto the rear patio through yet another set of French doors. Here again, local and Asian antique furnishings decorate the room, and a ceiling fan enhances the ambience. The attached bathroom doubles as a convenience for living room guests through another hallway door.

An intriguing staircase takes you to the spacious flat roof terrace of Casa del Gallo Perdido. Enormous planters add to enchanting greenery and invite you to savor the pure plateau air. Need fixings for your margarita? Head straight for the lime bush. Enjoy the view of surrounding rooftops and churches from the comfortable seating area, especially beautiful at sunset when flocks of birds wheel overhead.

For swimmers or poolside loungers, we have arranged access to a swimming pool just a half block away, available daily for a small fee.

To help you in every way, Silvia, the housekeeper, comes five mornings a week (M,W,Th,F,Sat.). She is industrious, resourceful and cheerful. Silvia is a superb cook, and is able to provide meals or catering services when you entertain (extra charge). Do try her chicken enchiladas and pears in wine sauce. Alfredo attends to the garden, and if he is free can help serve drinks and wait table(extra charge). Casa del Gallo Perdido is professionally managed by Judy Arnold, who has over 30 years’ real estate experience.

And the namesake of this house? El Gallo Perdido was the gallant rooster who ruled the roost for so many years from his perch on the green bed that is now in the study. Alas, his early morning crowing became too ardent, and he is now gone. But his spirit lives on, emblazoned on a plate here, a statue there. Some say his crowing can be heard in the ringing of the morning bells of the Parroquia Church in the Jardin. Won’t you come listen?

Vacation Rental Features

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• Amenities
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Linens Provided
  • Gas Fireplace
  • Wood Fireplace: fire wood, extra charge
• Beds
  • King Bed: or can be separated into two individual beds (in front bedroom)
  • Queen Bed: master bedroom
  • Double Bed: back bedroom
  • Twin/Single Bed: study (connected to front bedroom)
• Entertainment
  • Cable/Satellite TV: cable TV with NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN
  • DVD
  • VCR
  • Video Library
  • CD Player
  • Stereo System
• Kitchen
  • Full Kitchen: with pantry
  • Cooking Utensils Provided
  • Refrigerator: with bottom drawer freezer
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Catering Available: maid can shop, prepare, cook, serve for extra US $22 (+ if there are more than 4 guests); gardener can act as bar man (for parties--extra charge)
• Outdoor Features
  • Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: in back patio
  • Deck/Patio: 4 separate patio/roof decks, all with tables and chairs
• View/Location
  • Monument View: views from roof deck of surrounding churches and roof-tops
• Communications
  • Telephone: local land line: 150-0076
  • Free Long Distance: Vonage line: 1-772-828-2088 for unlimited calls to the US and Canada
  • WiFi (Wireless Internet)
• Other Amenities
  • Fireplaces, 4 (2 with gas-log inserts, 2 wood), 4 outdoor seating areas with tables & chairs, gas barbecue, wireless cable internet for your laptop, cable TV with ABC, NBC, CBS. CNN, DVD/VCR, toaster oven, blender, mixer, espresso maker, refrigertor with bottom-drawer freeze, dishwasher, clothes washer & dryer, screens on all doors and windows, Simmons mattresses, intercoms in bedrooms and kitchen connecting to the front door
• Suitability
  • No Pets Allowed
  • Not Suitable for Children
  • Minimum Age Limit for Renters: 12
  • Smoking Not Allowed: except in patios or roof-top terrace
• Activities (on site and nearby)
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Restaurants
  • Swimming
  • Biking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Fitness Center/Gym
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Basketball Court
  • Antiquing
  • Cinemas/Movie Theaters
  • Live Theatre
  • Museums
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hot Air Ballooning
• Other Activities
  • San Miguel de Allende is the Crown Jewel of the Mexican Colonial Cities and selected a World Hertiage Site in 2008 by the UN. Numerous concerts (of jazz as well as classical music), lectures, plays, street musicians enliven the scene, Also, art galleries, handicrafts, language & art schools, tours to surrounding villages, bull fights, fiestas, parades, 110 restaurants which feature food from around the world, Library with 25, 000 books in English, nearby hot springs & spas, birdwatching, shopping for antiques & handicrafts, art cinemas

Rate Details (In US Dollars)

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Personal Currency Assistant™

$4500 a mo, $1500 a wk, $2500 for 2 wks:   year round
Vonage phone for free calls to USA, Canada, Europe.     Holiday weeks:
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Week before Easter, $2250/wk, $3500/2wks
Rental includes maid 5x, gardener, 3x a wk & ALL Utilities
Cable internet connection.  (Utilities paid up to US$50/wk, or $200/mo)
On wkly rentals: extra guests over 6 people: $15/nt//guest, over age 1-1/2
NO CHILDREN between 1-1/2 to 12 years of age, please. NO PETS.
Maid can cook (for 300 pesos/day + food), or prepare small parties (extra charge).

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

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Guest Comments (17)

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• 07/22/09
  Positive Rating
  michael Scheck , Tikrit, Iraq
  • This was my fourth visit to Casa del Gallo and as always it was picture perfect. And after a 30 hour flight from Iraq, what a paradise. The new addition is incredible and adds to the enjoyment of the visit even more. We spent most of our down time in that room, enjoying the summer breezes and whiling away the afternoon with our peach margaritas. The new addition allowed the whole family a private space throughout the house to read, surf the internet or take a siesta. As always the meals prepared by Sylvia were a Mexican culinary delight. The various airport shuttle services make transportation from Leon an easy commute and reasonable. I can hardly wait until next summer when I again make my yearly pilgrimage to Sam Miguel and Casa del Gallo.
• 07/22/09
  Positive Rating
  Michael Scheck , Tikirt, Iraq
  • This was my fourth visit to Casa del Gallo and as always it was picture perfect. And after a 30 hour flight from Iraq, what a paradise. The new addition is incredible and adds to the enjoyment of the visit even more. We spent most of our down time in that room, enjoying the summer breezes and whiling away the afternoon with our peach margaritas. The new addition allowed the whole family a private space throughout the house to read, surf the internet or take a siesta. As always the meals prepared by Sylvia were a Mexican culinary delight. The various airport shuttle services make transportation from Leon an easy commute and reasonable. I can hardly wait until next summer when I again make my yearly pilgrimage to Sam Miguel and Casa del Gallo.
• 10/01/08
  Positive Rating
  Ole Brage Andersen , Denmark
  • I wish to get in touch with former CBC colleague, Heinz Avigdor. We worked together at the CBC TV news in Toronto in the 50.ties. Is an email address available? Then Ole B. Andersen. Now Ole Brage
• 06/04/07
  Positive Rating
  
  • Guest Comment entered by Homeowner:
    Well, Ed and I are back home from an absolutely wonderful visit to San Miguel. It's really hard to believe, sometimes, how quickly time slips by. But I wanted to get back with you to thank you so, so much for everything you and your staff did to make it one of the most pleasant and memorable trips we've EVER taken! It really could not have been better. "Casa del gallo perdido" was perfect. Exactly as I had remembered and just how I had hoped it would be. Sylvia was simply wonderful. So warm, lovely and extremely efficient and professional. She was truly an asset to our stay. And the Alfredo who took care of the gardening and everything else was just wonderful too! We are already thinking about dates for next year and I've shared your website with several of my Philly friends. Don't be surprised if you get a barrage of inquiries from Philadelphia, PA in the near future!!!!!!! Many, many thanks again for everything Judy. I look forward to working with you again. Fondly, Carolyn George
• 01/23/06
  Positive Rating
  Estera Bekier , Toronto,Ontario
  • We have spent a week at this magnificent house. Perfection has a way of taking one's breath away. Every time we enterd the house, everytime we stepped out onto the street, it felt as if it was the very first time. It has to be seen and experienced to know what that feels like. Enjoy
• 11/06/05
  Positive Rating
  Rachel , London/ ON
  • I have now been to this house several times and I still cannot get enough of it. Love the house. I highly recommend it. Everyone who I have talked to about this place has loved it. Me gusta muchisimo!!!
• 07/18/05
  Positive Rating
  Sharon Braverman , San Diego, California
  • What a wonderful getaway! This house is perfect - every amenity, beautifully decorated - a home away from home. Silvia the cook and housekeeper is unbelieveable. We opted to forgo dinner in restaurants a few nights because we looked forward to her fabulous cuisine. In addition, she happens to make the worlds best gucamole and margaritas! This spacious casa is situated so close to the heart of San Miguel's activities by walking a few short blocks. I just loved the San Miguel experience and staying in this great home made it that much better.
• 02/08/04
  Positive Rating
  Nancy & Heinz Avigdor , Stratford, Canada
  • Magical is the word that best describes this house! From the moment we walked through the front door we were captivated by the architecture and the light - we felt as if we'd stepped back in time (but with the advantage of today's conveniences). The location is perfect - steps away from the main square. Silvia is a gifted cook, and the rooftop terrance is the perfect spot for cocktails after a day of exploring San Miguel. We'll definitely be back!
• 02/05/04
  Positive Rating
  Margaret , Toronto, Ontario
  • This house is lovely. It's elegant and very comfortable with perfect privacy and a stunning view of the starlit sky from the courtyard and the roof. And despite its old-world feel all its modern conveniences work! An ideal holiday house.
• 09/17/03
  Positive Rating
  jane , highland park, il usa
  • this wonderfully charming house is a place not to miss. Get away from everything, relax, and don't forget to let Silvia prepare an umbelievable meal for you to feast on.

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