The Best Volcano & Lake View in Pucon Unforgettable Dream Home
- Minimum stay:2-7 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
GRACIAS A LA VIDA is a charming, one-of-a-kind, spectacular, custom-built home that dances with color and light. Our home is named after the famous song, 'Thanks to Life' written by the popular Chilean folksinger, Violeta Parra. 'Ayun Mapu' is the Mapuche name of our 9-acre property. It means 'Land of Love.' Watch our YouTube video and click further down the listing on: 'LOTS MORE PHOTOS OF GRACIAS A LA VIDA.'
SEE ALSO vrbo 440129, AMOR DEL LAGO, on our same property.
The setting and scenery are spectacular. Relax on our 360-degree, panoramic rooftop terrace, either soaking in our jacuzzi, immersed in a great book, sipping a pisco sour or a wonderful, Chilean vino, or enjoying a delicious meal. Savor Patagonian lamb, freshly-caught seafood seasoned with freshly-picked rosemary, thyme, and sage from just outside the front door. Splurge on homemade, delicious ice cream to suit your fancy! Sink into our comfy couches, enjoy great mattresses and soft sheets. You will enjoy an unforgettable stay.
Ideal getaway for families with children, couples, multi-generational family gatherings, year-round outdoors enthusiasts, those who want to study Spanish, or nature lovers of all ages. Whether you are looking for adventure, romance, the comforts of a home way from home, a retreat and well-deserved rest, a cross-cultural experience, culinary enjoyment, or just a delight to your senses, you will find it here.
Our exceptional home is perched dramatically atop nine 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. Astounding views from every room. The grounds are professionally landscaped and the house architecturallly-designed and Feng Shui'd. High ceilings; faux-painted walls in bright, elemental colors; curved, sweeping ceilings; gleaming copper sinks; colorful indigenous art; comfortable and artistic furniture; and all of the modern conveniences of home. The furnishings and art are indigenously-inspired. The fully-equipped kitchen is sunny, cheerful, has a peninsula for three, and there is a dining table for eight in the spacious dining area.
The sunlit, pumpkin-colored, Mapuche 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 facing the volcano, with massage and rain-shower heads. The Sunflower Room, in a restful blue, has a queen-sized bed, an equally dramatic vista of the Lake and Mountain backdrop as well a desk and a sliding door to the terrace. The Poppy Room, with 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 bed with a memory-foam mattress topper can also be set up in the living room for two additional guests. We have ceiling fans in every room.
Our friendly caretaker family lives in their own house across the road. They are available to help you with whatever you need, but will allow you as much privacy as you wish.
The perfect year-round getaway to enjoy the wide array of activities in the 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. Visit one of the fifty-plus of restaurants in Pucon or dine indoors or out while taking in the most panoramic view Pucon has to offer, right from our rooftop terrace. After a magical sunset, view the entire Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and other constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Listen to the sounds of the native bandurrias (geese). In the winter, get a massage, relax by the fire with your favorite book, take a yoga class ten minutes away, marvel at the snow-capped volcano just out the kitchen window, snowboard, snow ski, and enjoy the tranquility and exquisite beauty of off-season Pucon. Make Pucon the beginning or perfect ending of your Patagonian adventure.
Keywords: Pucon vacation rental, lake view, volcano view, Villarrica volcano, Villarrica lake, luxury villa
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Alternative Lifestyle
- Wheelchair Accessible
Bedrooms
- 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, Beds for 1-7
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Convertible bed(s)
Bathrooms
- 2.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
Kitchen & Dining
- Refrigerator
- Ice Maker
Amenities
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Wood Stove
- Parking Off Street
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- Television
- Stereo
- CD Player
- DVD Player
Communications
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Balcony
Location & View
- Lake View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Golf
- Water Skiing
- Rock Climbing
- Sailing
- Rafting
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Basketball Court
- Skiing
- Racquetball
- Snowboarding
- Parasailing
- Wind-Surfing
- Kayaking
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fitness Center
- Shopping
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sledding
- Sight Seeing
- Boating
- Horseback Riding
- Miniature Golf
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Live Theater
- Cinemas
- Jet Skiing
- Fishing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
paradise
paradise
- Guest deco
- Date of stay 03/22/13
- Review Submitted 04/05/13
Uma casa sensacional em um paraíso da natureza, com vista para um lago maravilho e um vulcão esfumaçante de tirar o folego. Além disso, vc é recebido com toda a atenção pelos proprietários e cuidadores do local. Vou voltar em breve! A sensational home in a paradise of nature, overlooking a beautiful lake and a breathtaking volcano. Furthermore, you are welcome with all the attention by the owners of the place. I'll be back soon! Una sensacional casa en un paraíso de la naturaleza, con vistas a un bello lago y un volcán impresionante. Además, te dan la bienvenida con toda la atención por parte de los propietarios o encargados de cuidar el lugar. Vuelvo pronto!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.
Owner response: You two are delightful. It gives us such joy when guests fall in love with the beauty of our land as well as with our home, as was the case with you. This is truly one of the most special and breathtaking spots on the planet. We are so glad that someday in the future you will be our neighbors. Vds son muy amorosos. Nos da tanta alegria cuando nuestos arrendatarios se enamoran del terreno y de la casa igual como nosotros. Es realmente uno de los rincones los mas especiales y espectaculares del mundo, verdad? Nos alegramos que algun dia Vds seran vecinos. (No sabemos como responder en portugues!)
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Beyond all expectations!
Beyond all expectations!
- Guest drshe
- Date of stay 01/31/13
- Review Submitted 02/18/13
This was my first time in South America, but it will not be my last. The house was a dream come true. We did not want to leave, the house is very comfortable and the views are spectular! At night, we saw more stars from the roof top deck and hot tub then I have ever seen in my life. It was magical! The home is very peaceful and relaxing and just minutes from Pucon. This is a paradise. This could not have been more perfect. Plus, the caretaker, Nelson, made us a grilled vegie and chicken feast. Vegies fresh from the gardens. Oh, did I mention that the gardens were like a arboretum. Best trip ever!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Yes! If you are a lover of beauty and nature, and are looking for a spectacular setting, plan your next trip to Pucon and the South of Chile. A perfect jumping off point for Patagonia. If you love Switzerland, New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Alaska, you will feel right at home down here! Southern Chile is sure to knock your socks off!
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Amazing views, great location, peaceful setting
Amazing views, great location, peaceful setting
- Guest Julie
- Date of stay 01/11/13
- Review Submitted 01/27/13
We had a great time staying at Gracias a la Vida. The home was beautifully situated to take advantage of the volcano and lake views. It was close to Pucón (less than 10 min drive) yet far enough away to be able to relax in the peaceful setting. We were happy we rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle as the road to the property was gravel, hilly and had some rough spots. We enjoyed daily excursions and returned in the evenings to relax & enjoy the wonderful space. Nelson & Ana Maria were very helpful. We spoke very little Spanish and they little English but we managed just fine. All & all it was a great experience. The owners were very helpful with all of our questions. We highly recommend this property. You won't regret it.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: We are happy you had a wonderful time. How inspiring that you participated in Ironman, a Pucon tradition. Please tell your friends about Gracias a La Vida.
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We'd come back!
We'd come back!
- Guest Carolina
- Date of stay 12/25/12
- Review Submitted 01/07/13
This house is great. The views are amazing (volcano AND the lake) and the space is quiet and secluded, but still only 5-7 minutes from downtown Pucon. You definitely need a 4-wheel drive: our little Kia rental car had a hard time up the unpaved roads. The kitchen has all the dishes/pans you'd ever need. The place is clean and well maintained. The caretakers are very nice. The owners of the place are super helpful: even helped to arrange for us to have some food in the house before we got there on Christmas night. Our family rarely stays at the same place twice, but it was said more than once that we'd come back.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: Wonderful! Do come back!!
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What a paradise
What a paradise
- Guest Ari
- Date of stay 12/09/12
- Review Submitted 12/17/12
My wife and I (37 years old) traveled to Pucon with my parents (70 years old). We found Gracias a la Vida on the internet and it was the best thing we could have done for our trip. With a breathtaking view of both the volcano and the lake perched atop a hill in a setting filled with fincas (ranches) with cows, sheep, horses, it is truly heaven on earth. Nelson and Anna Maria are as helpful and wonderful as can be. We can't wait to come back.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Owner response: This review makes our hearts sing. Do come back! Warmly, Judyth and Bob
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Our Honeymoon At Your Breathtaking Home
Guest comment entered by ownerOur Honeymoon At Your Breathtaking Home
- Guest M.A.
- Date of stay 10/18/12
- Review Submitted 11/04/12
Thank you for our stay on our honeymoon at your breathtaking home. The peace, serenity, and amazing views have truly allowed P and I to disconnect from the world and to connect with each other. Your decor is impeccable! This has truly been a trip we will never EVER forget! And a million thanks to Nelson. Her is very helpful and also an amazing person.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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The Views Are Simply "WOW!"
Guest comment entered by ownerThe Views Are Simply "WOW!"
- Guest B.R. (Daughter)
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 11/04/12
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful house. The views are simply "WOW!" You guys have the best spot and such a beautiful home. Thanks a million for sharing!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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We Pretended We Never Had To Leave
Guest comment entered by ownerWe Pretended We Never Had To Leave
- Guest L.S. and Two Other Families
- Date of stay 03/31/12
- Review Submitted 11/04/12
Thank you so much for allowing us to borrow your view and ambience for a while. There was no better place to view both the volcano and the beautiful lake while exploring the adventure town of Pucon. We loved all the activities and having this amazing home space made it even easier to pretend we never had to leave.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Winter Experience
Winter Experience
- Guest tye
- Date of stay 07/04/12
- Review Submitted 07/18/12
Our winter experience at "Gracias a la Vida" in Pucon exceeded our family's expectations. Location was superb, with a view to die for. Volcano out the back door, georgeous lake out the front door. We love to ski and hit the Pucon Ski Area at the perfect time. Lots of snow and bright blue skyed day. Judy was most helpful and so were her caretakers Nelson and Annamarie. I would highly recommend the whole experience for a winter getaway. If you get a chance to stay here, definitely do it. The "Gracias a la Vida" home is incredible.Recommended for: Age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: We are so happy you and your family had such a fabulous time. Come back in the summer and kayak, hike, river raft.... A whole different world to enjoy! Judyth and Bob
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Best Volcano and Lake View in Pucon, Chile
Best Volcano and Lake View in Pucon, Chile
- Guest Anonymous
- Date of stay 02/12/12
- Review Submitted 02/21/12
I think this is the most beautiful place I've ever stayed. The views of the volcano, lake and mountains were magnificent. Even though the listing photos are great, the home and views are even better once there. The home is not only clean and well-maintained, it is in the center of a garden! The owners were very helpful with all my questions and concerns. I would highly recommend this property to anyone!! Nearby activities we enjoyed were the town of Pucon, ziplining the canopy (Busca Aventura), hiking up Volcan Villarrica, and relaxing in the nearby thermals.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Owner response: That's how we feel in our home, too. You were fabulous guests! Please come visit us again!
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Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 7 night min stay |
$1498 | |||||
| Low Season May 2 - Oct 31 7 night min stay |
$1610 | |||||
| Early Spring Nov 1 - Nov 19 2 night min stay |
$300 | |||||
| Summer Nov 20 - Feb 28 7 night min stay |
$2317 | |||||
| Fall Mar 1 - Apr 30 7 night min stay |
$2100 | |||||
Fees:
- Refundable Damage Deposit: $500
- Cleaning: $100 + tax
- Taxes Not included
Cancellation policy:
You can cancel, but you will not receive a refund.
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2005
About the owner: We are naturopathic/homeopathic doctors and authors, married for 25 years. In 2005 we embarked on a kayaking trip to Pumalin Park in the South of Chile, and fell in love with this part of the world. After our paddling 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 our minds. We returned two months later, to either make an offer or chalk it up to a whim. We found a property next door, with an even more spectacular view of Villarrica Lake and the 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. We built a lovely caretaker's home, continue to plant gorgeous flowers, native trees and bushes, fruit trees, and a steward a large organic garden.We have recently expanded our land, and added a small flock of sheep. 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 dream. When we are away from Gracias a La Vida, we miss it, as one misses a lover. Once you are there, you will understand what we mean.
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 at this House:
The view, the view, the view!! The shimmering water of the huge lake, the smolderin, snow-capped volcano; the countless stars of the Milky Way from our rooftop deck and hot tub; the delicious grilled chicken, lamb, and veggies grilled in our 'pancho'; the riotous cosmos, dahlias, lilies, lavender; the dream kitchen alive with color; the great mattresses and soft sheets ; more hikes and hot springs and restaurants than we could name; the honking Chilean geese; the elusive, green lorakeets, who show up now and then. Inviting good friends over for deliciou,s home-cooked meals from the garden and wonderful Chilean wine; our golden retrievers romping around the property; the calves frolicking in the pasture next door. Showering with the most awesome view of a smoldering volcano. Buying delicious fresh or smoked salmon from the local fishmongers.Trying out new, gourmet pizza recipes in our brick, outdoor pizza oven. Attending top-notch yoga classes 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 numerous local hot springs on a rainy day. Picking delicious, healthy, organic salads and fresh herbs right from our own garden and greenhouses. Eating the wonderful, fresh cheese that you can buy on practically every corner in Pucon. Greeting our cheerful cuidador (caretaker) each morning as he asks, unfailingly, 'Como amanacio?'meaning 'How did you wake up?'
Contact us
- Primary: (360) 221-7715
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - Lots More Photos of Gracias a la Vida.
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Luxury Home with Panoramic 360 View of Lake and Volcano in Park-Like Setting
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Dramatic Alpenglow on Volcan Villarrica Just Outside Our Front Door
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Lakeside View of Gracias a la Vida Highlighting Panoramic 360-Degree Windows
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Breathtaking Snowy, Winter Wonderland! Ski, snowboard, cuddle, soak in our spa.
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Custom Volcano Entertainment Center, Toasty Wood Stove
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Fabulous, Fully-Equipped Kitchen Overlooking the Volcano
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Master Bathroom with Shiny Mexican Copper Sinks and Designer Mirrors
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Sunflower Bedroom with Fabulous Lake View, Queen Bed, Shared Bath
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Prolific Crocosmia in Our Park-Like, Professionally-Landscaped Gardens
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Our Friendly Caretakers, Nelson & Ana Maria Will Take Care of You
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Panoramic Lake and Mountain View from Our Brick Terrace
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Create Your Own Favorite Pizza and Bake in Our Wood-Fired, Brick Pizza Oven!
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Welcome to Your Luxurious Chilean View Home Away From Home !
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Villarrica Volcano with Full Moon (We wish we could say we took this photo!)
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Unobstructed Up-Close and Personal View of Villarrica Volcano
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Luxurious Lounging, Amazing Art, Cornucopia of Colors in the Great Room.
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Elegant View Dining Room for Eight with Indigenous Art
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Mapuche Master Bedroom Suite with Sweeping Lake and Mountain View
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Luxury Double Master Slate Shower with Massage and Rain Heads
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Sunny Poppy Bedroom with Stunning Lake and Volcano Views
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This Could Be You In Our Amazing 360-Degree View Rooftop Spa!
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360-Degree View of the Andean Foothills with Spring Notro Tress in Bloom
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Scrumptious Salad from Our Organic Garden
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Enjoy A Spectacular Sunset Over Lake Villarrica from Our Rooftop Terrace!
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Date last modified - Saturday, April 20, 2013
(360) 221-7715