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"Colorfully arty" appropriately depicts Mariposa Mexico! This is evident in the delightful character of the gated entrance, the painted antique door covered in bouganbilla and in the dreamy view down the lane to the church spire and local market. A hidden arbor path just behind the street entrance leads you seductively along toward days filled with local charm. It is a colorful artist’s "get away" with its own special magic that exudes from within.
The Arbor and Courtyard
Leafy green vines grow in abundance along the arbor walls and overhead arches. A row of central lanterns light the path at night while a succession of niches spot dramatic stone carvings along the walk way. This path ends in front of a stone stair case that leads to a small, cozy front courtyard. Peeking through the gate across the courtyard, one is treated to the first dramatic view of the Colonial facade. High arched glass doors lead to the ground floor bedrooms off the courtyard while a second set of windows balance the symmetry of the building from the second living room level. A large stone fountain occupies a central position between the gridded doors in the courtyard. It gives a splash of freshness to the privacy of this cozy open area. Directly overhead is the bell tower and rooftop terrace of this artistic Colonial town house (And, yes, the bell can be rung). A small seating area is directly across from the fountain in the courtyard. This provides a likely spot for morning coffee. Directly behind the seating is the stairway leading up to the second floor entrance and antique wooden door that accesses the living room and kitchen level.
Rooftop Terrace
This spectacular top floor has a 360° view of the town of San Miguel, the Parroquia and the entire valley and surrounding area. It overlooks one of the most charming Mexican residential streets and has a lovely view of the prestigious and fun rooftops of the area. There is a dipping pool with a fountain and lounge chairs for relaxation and sunning. The stereo speakers that are also placed on the rooftop are a perfect addition. A comfortable dining table seats ten and the delightful, "all-glass" green house is decorated with shelves so it can serve as a buffet area for outdoor dining. The top shelves of the green house have jars of peach blossoms that reach the ceiling. The entire area is lush with plants and pots of flowers. Candlelight gives it a magical feel at night, and it has comfortable air conditioning during the day. The stairs accessing this floor arrive in the green house from the living room/kitchen floor. The powder room is a convenient part of the green house space.
There is a large Mexican barbecue and cupboards stocked with plates and glasses that can be easily accessed for the rooftop table setting. An ice machine is available here so that the white wine is always chilled and the margaritas always ready for a "fiesta!"
Ground Floor Master Bedroom - colors beige, gold and white.
This smart colonial bedroom has light walls and an interesting checkerboard floor pattern that adds real charm. The focal point is the romantic king size canopy bed with white piquet curtains that flutter softly due to the overhead fans. The high mattresses on the beds and super soft pillows and linens of the bedding are divinely comfortable. Everywhere there are tasty things to see and all have a story of their own. The arched gridded mirrors reflect the accessories and give the room an airy, spacious feel. The large St. Peter sculpture, gilded capitols and vingins with airoles all decorate the room with their ageless presence. The "built in" closet has lights that turn on when you open the doors. Comfortable cool mats are "cozy" and the washed beam ceilings give a restful feel to the room. A lovely antique stone fireplace has a carved mantel with assorted gilded candlesticks and a tall overhead mirror that reflects the room in general.
Master Bath
The master bath has a large tub and central "large head" shower outlet. The bath looks out on a tiny private garden complete with a small fountain and romantic lantern. Niches decorate the walls. There are stacks of soft towels and interesting antique accessories. Porcelain bowls are attractively placed inside an antique Mexican table, and a large arched mirror occupies the entire back wall for convenient grooming.
San Miguel is a 450-year-old Colonial town. It began as an Indian mission and was later drawn to the silver mining era with the mines that were being developed in Guanajuato. Today it is being protected as a national monument due to its historical importance in Mexico's fight for independence. It is for this reason that there are no neon signs, no bill boards, no fire hydrants and no traffic lights.
It is widely considered one of the prettiest and cleanest towns in Mexico. The narrow cobblestone streets remain much as they have for centuries. There is a mixture of 16th and 17th century architecture, old churches and elegant haciendas. All of these have sun baked, multi hued walls varying in the spectrum of colors from okra to pastels, faded pink, green and blue. |
