Location: Pucon, Chile, South America (1.5 Hr Temuco Airport; Overnight Sleeper Bus from Santiago)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 5-7)
GRACIAS A LA VIDA is a charming, one-of-a-kind, spectacular, custom-built home that dances with color and light. It is named after the famous song, "Thank You to Life" written by the popular Chilean folksinger, Violeta Parra. Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, comfort, retreat, R and R, cross-cultural experience, culinary enjoyment, or just a delight to your senses, you will find it here. SEE "CLICK HERE PHOTO SHOW" below to see two more pages of photos!
This remarkable home is perched dramatically atop seven acres of verdant pasture land and oak forest just three miles outside of Pucon, in the foothills of the majestic Villarrica Volcano. Gaze to the north at sparkling 16-mile-long Lake Villarrica, end to end. Look south toward an immediate, unobstructed view of the volcano. Jaw-dropping views from literally every room. Curved, faux painted walls in bright, elemental colors; curved, sweeping ceilings; gleaming copper sinks; colorful indigenous art in every room; comfortable furniture; and all of the modern conveniences of home. The furnishings and art are indigenous-inspired, and include photos and art gathered from the owners’ travels. This is our dream home, lovingly built with every detail in mind. Lovely native landscaping, fruit trees, and a paradise of colorful flowers and plantings on all sides. The owner loves gardening and flowers, as you will see from the wonderful cosmos, marigolds, zinnias, and crocosmias, just to name a few.
The sunlit, pumpkin-colored, Machu Picchu Master Bedroom suite, with a queen-size bed, offers a dramatic lake view, sliding doors to a circular brick terrace, walk-in closet, stone double shower, looking out directly at the volcano, with massage and rain heads. The Sunflower Room, in a restful blue, has a queen bed, an equally dramatic vista of the Lake and Mountain backdrop as well as a sliding door to the terrace, and a desk. The Poppy Room, which has both lake and volcano views, is furnished with a twin bed and a desk. Soak in the indoor tub/shower of the guest bathroom (shared by the Sunflower and Poppy rooms) and enjoy a marvelous volcano view as you bathe. The mattresses in all three rooms are super-comfortable, with high-thread-count bedding. An optional, queen-sized, inflatable AeroBed with an additional foam mattress topper can also be set up in the living room for two additional guests.
The gorgeous, sunny, designer kitchen contains a large copper farmhouse sink, bar sink, breakfast peninsula, quiet dishwasher, microwave, and all the cookware, dishes, and utensils that you might need. Cook your delicious dinner on our typical Chilean outdoor grill and dine on our fabulous, rooftop deck. We have plenty of comfy outdoor furniture so you can spend as much time out in nature as you would like. Climb the volcano or hike amidst the lofty araucaria trees, raft a river, horseback ride in the hills, then soothe your muscles in our jacuzzi and loung around in our comfy bathrobes and slippers. Pamper yourself while enjoying a view of a lifetime!
Our friendly caretaker family, who live in their own house across the road, is available to help you with whatever you need, and will give you a chance to practice your Spanish. If you miss your pets, you can romp with our adorable golden retriever, Dulce de Leche.
The perfect getaway while enjoying the wide array of activities in the spectacularly scenic Chilean Lake District. Enjoy hiking in the beautiful nearby national parks, rafting the Trancura River, climbing or skiing the volcano, and soaking in a local hot spring (if you can tear yourself away from our Symphonic Wave Seat, super-jetted roofop VitaSpa). Visit one of the dozens of restaurants in Pucon or dine indoors or out while savoring the most panoramic view Pucon has to offer, right from our rooftop terrace. After a magical sunset, gaze at the entire Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and other constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Listen to the sounds of the native bandurrias (geese) and, if you are fortunate, green parrots will land in the trees just outside the bedroom windows.
There are limitless possibilities for recreation in the Pucon area and many tour operators, either via internet or in Pucon, to assist you. After you finish with your activities, return to your home away from home. Treat yourself to a massage or yoga class just ten minutes away in Pucon, or a soak in our rooftop, outdoor. Or we can arrange a massage right in our home. Relax on the deck, day or night, beneath our ten-foot, lighted umbrella. We can promise an unforgettable stay—you may not even want to leave the house!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Hot Tub
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Lake View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Rooftop Terrace with Dining Area and Fabulous Spa with Symphonic Wave Seat, Direct Santiago-Pucon flights Seasonally, Copper Sinks and Indigenous Art Throughout Home; Spectacular View from Every Room. An Unforgettable Chilean Lake District Experience.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Pucon is the considered the adventure capital of Chile. Visitors come from around the world to climb the Villarrica Volcano, river raft the Upper or Lower Trancura River, sea kayak, enjoy the 2.5-mile-long sandy beach, dine at over 30 Pucon restaurants, shop at the craft markets and boutique shops, enjoy the local casino, and visit Volcanic Caves. Day trips include several beautiful, forested National Parks, ten natural hot springs and spas, and vistas of other volcanos and glaciers. Pucon is two and a half hours from the Argentine border, two hours from the Pacific Ocean beaches, and a five-hour drive from Puerto Montt. Whether your passion is the wind in your face as you ski down a volcano, savoring Chilean delicacies or handmade chocolates, soaking in a hot spring, or stargazing at the expansive Southern Hemisphere sky, you will find Pucon and Gracias a La Vida enchanting and welcoming. You can even study Spanish in an adventure-filled, world-class setting!
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$300/night(5-night minimum Dec-Mar; 4-night minimum Apr-Nov) .. $2000/week
$100 Cleaning fee. Inquire about discounts if one couple only.
$30 Additional Per Night for Use of Inflatable AeroBed if 6 or 7 Guests
Monthly and Long-Term Rates: Negotiable
Payments can be made by PayPal or personal check.
PayPal allows you to pay by credit card or bank draft.
50% deposit due on booking; remainder 60 days prior to check-in if time allows.
Pets NOT allowed. NO smoking indoors or outdoors.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2007
We are naturopathic/homeopathic doctors, married for 23 years. In 2004 we decided to take a kayaking trip to Pumalin Park in the South of Chile, which we loved. After our paddle adventure, we visited the lakes in Argentina and ended our trip in Pucon. We had absolutely no intention of buying land in Chile, but we met friends at an eco-hostel who lived half the year in the Pacific Northwest and half in Chile...not a bad idea to enjoy two springs and two summers a year in gorgeous places! We ventured out with a realtor "just out of curiosity" and found what we thought was our dream house. We returned to Whidbey Island, WA, where we live, and, try as we might, we just couldn't get that property out of minds. So, we went down again two months later, to either make an offer or chalk it up to a whim. Rather than purchase the house, we found a property next door with an even more spectacular view of Villarrica Lake and Volcano. We purchased seven acres and built what really did turn out to be our dream house in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots on earth. The owner of the house we so admired is now our best friend in Chile, as well as our neighbor. Her favorite expression whenever she visits, which is often, is "Wow! You guys!" We found a responsible, good-natured Chilean family to be our caretakers, built them a really nice house of their own, and we have truly become a part of their extended family. It helps that Judyth got a degree in Spanish literature and Bob is avidly improving his Spanish. Everyone who has stayed in our home has fallen in love with it, and it has been a joy to share our comfortable, colorful, one-of-a-kind home with others like you, and to hear the delightful, even poetic, feedback. It is hard for us to tear ourselves away from being there ourselves, and our guests have shared similar feelings.
Why the Owner Chose Pucon
We read in a sea kayaking magazine about a fabulous trip to the Chilean fiords. It was even more beautiful than we had imagined. We toured Chile a bit (Judyth was there in 1970, but it was Bob's first trip), traveled around the Argentine Lake District as well, then ended the southern portion of the trip in Pucon. Despite only being there for four days, everything happened so quickly that we couldn't even keep up with it. We found a sublime home with a dynamite view, then had to leave a day later. We halfway hoped the idea would fly out of our minds, but it didn't. So, we returned a couple of months later and, after searching from dawn to dusk for two weeks, were shown the property next door to the home we had considered. The moment was stepped on the land, we just knew!
It took us another couple of years to build the road, dig the well, and complete our house and our caretakers' home. All of this from 7000 miles away! There is so much to tell. We do plan to write a book about it one of these days.
The Unique Benefits of this House
The view, the view, the view!! The shimmering water of the huge lake, the smoldering; snow-capped volcano; the countless stars of the Milky Way from our rooftop deck and hot tub; the delicious barbecued chicken a la Carlos, our caretaker; the riotous cosmos, dahlias, lilies, lavender; the dream kitchen alive with color; the great mattresses in all the bedrooms; more hikes and hot springs and restaurants than we could name; the honking Chilean geese, known as bandurrias; the elusive, green lorakeets who show up now and then. Carlos' terrific sense of humor, Raquel's yummy acelga (Swiss chard)"tortillas," the dogs having the time of their lives running around the property, admiring the horse frolicking in the pasture next door. Showering with the most awesome view of a smoldering volcano. Buying fresh salmon from the fish market in town and the most delicious smoked salmon we've ever tasted from a fishmonger in Villarrica. Attending the best yoga classes anywhere just ten minutes away. Strolling on the beach all by ourselves. Kayaking on Lake Villarrica with outrageous views everywhere, and no other paddlers in sight. Staying toasty with the Bosca woodstove or visiting one of the countless hot springs on a rainy day. Visiting the local fresh produce market and getting enough fruit and veggies for a week for $15. Eating the wonderful, fresh cheese that you can buy on practically every corner in Pucon. We could go on forever!
Property Photos
- Gracias A La Vida - Chile Vacation Rental
- House with Lake in Background - Chile Vacation Rental
- Villarrica Volcano from the front of the house - Chile Vacation Rental
- Living Room with View of Lake Villarrica
- Sunny Kitchen
Guest Comments (8)
First (8) of (8). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #140763
There have been 9776 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 12, 2009
Positive Rating
We stayed at Gracias a la Vida for a month. It was a wonderful experience for our family of four. My little boys loved to play outside, they loved the dogs, and they especially loved Raquel, the caretaker. The house is warm and comfortable and we did not want for anything. The linens were wonderful, after traveling around the world. The kitchen is well stocked with sharp knives and wonderful dishes. The view is absolutely amazing. The volcano. The lake. The volcano. The lake We enjoyed our stay so much in Pucon that we are moving there this fall. Thank you, Judyth and Bob, for sharing your wonderful house and all of your inside information. Our trip was a success!
Positive Rating
Please enter this on your guest comments: Our stay in Pucon was like a dream! This home is truly as beautiful as it gets, warmly and meticulously decorated with all of the amentities (roof-top hot tub, gourmet kitchen,etc) AND an extraordinary view to boot. We LOVED our 2-week stay at Gracias a La Vida. We got so familiar with our volcano that we decided we HAD to climb it....what an adventure!! We highly recommend this for any visitors. Pucon is a fabulous, little tourist town and you just don't get tired of walking its little streets, sitting in its cafes or dining at its many restaurants. Carlos and Raquel are always around to help with anything you might need, and the dogs are always happy to greet you! We stayed for two weeks in March and the weather was perfect almost the entire time! Thank you so much for sharing your Chilean home with us....
Positive Rating
"My wife and I spent 2 months traveling in Patagonia before coming to Pucon. We needed to relax and take a break. When we found Gracias a la Vida we knew it would be perfect. First of all, it is stunningly beautiful. The setting, with the lake in front and the snow-capped volcano behind, is incredible. The house is designed to compliment the natural beauty, inside and out. Secondly, the owners have provided everything you need to instantly feel at home. It is more than comfortable - it has luxury features that are not over-the-top, but simply encourage you to be still and use the precious time to restore one's soul. Give yourself this gift!"
Positive Rating
Hi Judyth, Please add to your guest comments: It's hard to describe the absolute wonder of this Chilean home. The views from the house of the beautiful lake and awesome volcano are breathtaking. The deck on the top of the house provided a relaxing way to start the day with breakfast and end the day with the splendor of the skies, including the Milky Way and other constellations, not to mention the shooting stars all while enjoying the jacuzzi. The house itself was truly a cultural experience and full of life and color. We had a BBQ several nights and thoroughly enjoyed the company of your gracious caretakers (and loved the dogs). Day trips to Pucon to wander around the town and adventure trips zip lining and rafting were enjoyed by all. If the occasion presents itself again, I would stay at this wonderful home away from home in a heart beat. Thank you for letting us share your home and make many wonderful memories in Gracias a La Vida!!
Positive Rating
Elizabeth Ritchey ,
Positive Rating
Our vacation to “Gracias a la Vida” was a Chilean adventure beginning with your stunning home. Its appreciable architecture is jaw dropping inside and out. The location of the property has almost make-believe scenery. It’s quiet, very private, a little off the beaten path with absolutely unobstructed, magnificent views. It’s a very special hide-away. Not only did we find your home enchanting, but also we found that “peaceful place to be in life”. We left Pucon with new friends, lots of adventure under our belts, an enriched spirit and definitely the need to follow through with more Spanish lessons for our return one day.
Positive Rating
Thank you so much for having us in your lovely home! We so enjoyed having access to town while feeling miles away from our busy lives. It was easy to have a restful, restorative vacation surrounding by the lake, the volcano, and your beautiful art work. We wish you many happy years in this lovely place!"
Positive Rating
It has been completely spectacular. What an honor to initiate this guestbook! We have reveled in this beautiful place, enjoying every aspect of your thoughtfully-designed home and the environs of Pucon. Thank you x 10 to the sixth! ...Carlos and Raquel have been so helpful. "Perhaps this is the house I lived in when neither I nor earth existed, when all was moon or stone or darkness, when still light was unborn. I want to tell you how much I loved your Chilean home. I don't want to seem melodramatic, but meditating on the pillows by the open front window was a truly sacred experience. The air there is somehow different - maybe it's just that it's clean, and so quiet. Wonderful. Thank you. We got climb to the volcano and visit forests and rivers. The weather was perfect.