Gracias A La Vida Perched Above Lake Villarrica
Location: Pucon, Chile, South America (1.5 Hr Temuco Airport; Overnight Sleeper Bus from Santiago) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 5-7)
Keywords: House
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 special 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."
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, or garden-picked organic vegetables. 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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2) : Beautiful, high-thread-count sheets, extremely comfortable Rosen mattress, colorful quilts
- Twin/Single Bed : Beautiful, high-thread-count sheets, extremely comfortable Rosen mattress, colorful quilts
- Convertible Bed : Optional queen-size, inflatable bed with thick, memory foam topper, high-thread-count linens, comfy wool blanket
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : The spa is incredible. Great jets including the Symphonic Wave seat. Luxuriate atop the roof terrace with the most amazing 360° view of Volcan Villarrica up close and personal, Lake Villarrica end to end, picturesque mountains and forest all around, pasture land with horses, cows, sheep below
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : All the comforts of your fully-equipped kitchen at home for your cooking, baking, grilling needs. Four beautiful dining areas, inside and out, depending on your pleasure. Wood-fired, outdoor pizza oven, traditional Chilean "pancho" charcoal grill. Enjoy fresh, organic greens from our huge organic garden and greenhouses and, yummy raspberries and blueberries from our garden, and, soon, fresh fruit from our orchard. (Drool over the photo of the salad fresh from our garden!).
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Our kitchen is stocked with all of the utensils that you have at home, brought down from the U.S. Vibrantly colored table linens, place mats, glasses and dishes, silverware. A feast to behold!
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher : Super-quiet, efficient dishwasher.
- Microwave : Convection optional.
- Ice Maker
- Catering Available : Our caretaker family can prepare for you traditional Chilean dishes such as "porotos granados," "pebre," "pastel de choclo," and other "comida del campo." Or we can recommend carry-out options from many wonderful restaurants within ten minutes.
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Traditional Chilean "pancho" grill , covered or not, is perfect for grilled veggies, Chilean beef to your liking, wild salmon, corvina, congrio, merluza.
- Deck/Patio : You will marvel at the breathtaking view from our semi-circular brick terrace in front of the house, the 360° rooftop terrace with the best view in Pucon (so we have been told by many visitors who know the area). Don't miss the professionally-designed planters on the roof!
- Balcony
- Gazebo : Our covered, brick gazebo with the most riotous flowers to tickle your fancy, picnic table, Adirondack chairs. You will not believe that the mature succulent garden just in front was planted only a year ago.
- View/Location
- Lake View : We have a view of the entire Lake Villarrica from the town of Villarrica all the way to beyond "the peninsula." It is an unforgettable view of which we never tire.
- Mountain View : Immediate, unobstructed volcano view. Our land is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The view is vast, and expansive, yet protected and intimate.
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : We provide the optional use of our two modems, at a small charge, which allows for dependable internet service.
- Other Amenities
- Where to begin? Everything is special at Gracias a la Vida. Our rooftop terrace, with views straight out of a magazine, is complete with a dining table and chairs for six, fabulous VitaSpa big enough for 6-8 spa with incredible jets and symphonic wave seat. Our outdoor, brick pizza oven turns out delicious restaurant-quality pizzas. Savor a gourmet pizza party with fresh pesto from our garden, Chilean & Argentine cheeses, and your favorite toppings. In the summer, there are direct Santiago-Pucon flights. Our decor is artistic and celebratory with Mexican copper sinks, faucets, and farmhouse copper kitchen sink. Indigenous art brought from our international travels. The view is spectacular from every room in the house. Our home is sophisticated and upscale, set on nine acres of prime-view Pucon land. Breathe in the delightful air and views, admire a rainbow of flowers, native and ornamental trees, poppies, wisteria and passion flower vines, fuschias and hummingbirds. Truly a paradise!
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : Sorry, but you can enjoy our dogs, if you wish (otherwise they will not bother you), and admire our sheep and chickens.
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly : We have had many families stay in our home, to the delight of all.
- Smoking Not Allowed : No smoking anywhere on the property, please.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- 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)
Mid-season: $2000/week: Oct 1-Dec 14 and Mar 1-Apr 30;
High-season: $2250/week Dec 15-Feb 29; Low-season: $1500/week May 1-Sept 30.
One-week minimum; 5-night stay may be possible at some times of the year.
For reservations less than three weeks ahead, discount may be available.
Ask about couples', monthly, and long-term discounts.
$100 Cleaning fee paid to caretakers upon departure.
50% deposit due on booking; balance 60 days before check-in (120 days high season)
Paypal also available for additional 3% fee. NO SMOKING indoors/outdoors. NO PETS.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
The Best Volcano & Lake View in Pucon Unforgettable Dream Home
Year Purchased: 2005
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?"
Owner's Map of Pucon
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.
Property Photos
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- Gracias A La Vida Perched Above Lake Villarrica - Chile Vacation Rental
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- - Chile Vacation Rental
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- Front View of Gracias a la Vida. - Chile Vacation Rental
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- Unobstructed Summer View of Volcan Villarrica Out the Front Door
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- Comfy Living Room
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- Comfortable View Dining Room Seats 8.
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- Fully-equipped, Attractive Kitchen, with Copper Farmhouse and Bar Sinks.
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- Mapuche Master Bedroom Queen Size Bed Private Bathroom
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- Sunflower Bedroom with Queen-Sized Bed and Shared Bathroom. Amazing Lake View.
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- Poppy Single Bedroom
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- Our friendly, helpful caretakers, Nelson and Anamaria.
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- Sunset from Gracias a la Vida.
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- At the end of the day-Volcan Villarrica.
Traveler Reviews (18)
Everything was great!
Guest: Kris and Heather, Pennsylvania
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Date of Stay: 12/29/11
Review Submitted: 01/07/12
You have such a lovely home and we are happy taht we had the opportunity to stay there.We did a lot of hiking. Perfect weather. Thanks again.
Recommended for:
Spectacular Home!
Guest: Joci, Karim, Zack, and Aleya from Maryland
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Date of Stay: 12/19/11
Review Submitted: 01/07/12
Dear Judyth and Robert, Thank you so much for letting us stay in your spectacular home! We never stopped being in awe of the beauty and tranquility of this house, its views, and the setting. You are VERY fortunate! We loved meeting Chai, Oso, Dulce, and Salomon-our 20-year-old twins spent much time playing with them and acting like kids again! Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to return one day- the rafting hiking, thermal baths, horseback riding, volcano climb were amazing.Gracias!
Recommended for:
Heaven on Earth
Guest: This is an owner response.
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Date of Stay: 11/06/11
Review Submitted: 11/19/11
We are thrilled, Claude, that your stay was so wonderful. It is difficult for us to find adequate words for us to describe or advertise our Pucon home. Breathtaking, tranquil, expansive, magical.... you just have to be here and experience it! We admire the gorgeous new flowers as they bloom, are awed by the volcano in its various majestic presentations, ooh and aah at the celestial sunsets and the vast, starry night sky as well as the mystical glow of the full moon on the lake. We are filled with gratitude at stewarding this remarkable property.
Recommended for:
A Beautiful Place to Stay in Chile
Guest: Claude
(Ottawa, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 11/06/11
Review Submitted: 11/18/11
Our group stayed at this wonderful home for a week. Our high level of anitcipation before the trip was met and exceeded by our experience here. The house is new, clean and beautifully built. The views are stunning, with a lake in the front and a volcano looking out the back. The deck and hot tub are signature features that highlight the stay. We felt very at home. The on-site caretakers tended to our needs and showed us around the house when we arrived, but who ensured our privacy as well. Upon our request, they prepared a traditional Chilean dish for us one night for supper. They are very friendly. The grounds are spacious and well maintained and the house is relatively isolated, giving us plenty of room to relax. But it is only a 7-8 minute drive from from the town of Pucon, which has all the required basic amenities as well as a number of enjoyable restaurants. The house's location strikes a great balance between isolation and proximity to a populated area. Pucon is an hour and a half drive from Temuco, which is an hour flight south of Santiago. We spent the week soaking in natural hot springs, trekking up mountain trails and visiting volano tubes - all within easy driving distance from the house. We spent most nights in Pucon trying the different restaurants, which cater to any palet, but the local dishes are recommended. All the information and picutres posted on the website and used to describe the house was accurate. But the pictures cannot do the house and the scenery justice of course. The owner was very helpful in answering questions and genuinely interested in ensuring that we were comfortable and well taken care of. This property is definitely recommended as a great place to spend a memorable vacation.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Jose F.
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Date of Stay: 02/17/11
Review Submitted: 03/08/11
Thanks for coordinating things to make our stay possible at your house on short notice! You have a lovely house and we sure had a great time and looking forward to be back to Pucón soon!! My mother was especially amazed of the extraordinary views from your house! We hear Pucón could be visited in summer as in winter, so we will plan to visit Pucón in ski season!
Recommended for:
Guest: Alison and Jeremy W., Santiago
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Date of Stay: 02/02/11
Review Submitted: 02/08/11
We really enjoyed our stay in Pucón – your house was beautiful and we loved exploring the surroundings. There is so much to see that we will definitely need to come back and spend more time. The caretakers were wonderful – Nelson lit the pizza oven for us one day, set up the stove and hot tub and brought us a big bowl of raspberries. You can definitely include my comments on your website. I have a large network of friends and colleagues here in Santiago and will most definitely recommend your home in Pucón to them.
Recommended for:
Guest: Craig, Walter, Owen, Emry
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Date of Stay: 01/01/11
Review Submitted: 01/13/11
Wow. What a fabulous place. The views of the lake and the volcano are astonishing. A perfect place to relax and soak up Pucon and environs.This was my first trip back to Pucon in 11 years and, although it has grown somewhat, the place is still fantastic. Our family had a wonderful time and even managed to squeeze in a reasonably large earthquake (7.1). Easy to smile about when no one was hurt (no damage at all). We discovered Termas Geometricas on the backside of the volcano on the road out of Conaripe--well worth the trip.
Recommended for:
Guest: April, Tim, Sean, Kieran, Peter UK, Australia, USA
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Date of Stay: 12/23/09
Review Submitted: 01/13/11
Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home. How did you manage to find such a fantastic spot with views of the lake & volcano? We love the use of colors and photos. We have really enjoyed exploring the local area, including canopy tour, rafting, & 4x4 driving. Our boys said it is their best vacation to date.
Recommended for:
Guest: Javier and Lori
(Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/16/10
Review Submitted: 02/16/10
Our stay at Gracias a La Vida was wonderful. It's hard to describe the beauty that we saw. Before we arrived, we read that the pictures of the house do not do it justice. We can also confirm that. There are very few places where you can stay and see a snowcapped volcano from your door step and see a vast lake from your patio. The house is very comfortable and open. The hot tub on the roof is a great reward after a long day. The caretakers are very welcoming and also respect your privacy. Gracias a La Vida is amazing! We highly recommend it.
Owner response:Dear Javier and Lori, You were the first guests to get married while staying in our home! What a blessing and celebration for you and for all of us. Congratulations!
Recommended for:
Guest: April P.
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Date of Stay: 01/29/10
Review Submitted: 01/29/10
What a wonderful place to spend a weeks vacation. Location is magical, views breath taking, furnishing colorful and comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped but bring your own salt and pepper! It is probably the BEST private house to stay, in the Pucon area. You won't be disappointed if you decide to stay here.
Owner response:We are SO sorry... our caretakers forgot to leave out the condiments. April wanted to omit the sentence but we couldn't figure out how to change it. No worries... won't happen again.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #140763
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