Location: Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Central Mexico, Mexico (Historical Monument Town, Churches, Hot Springs, High Desert) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6)
Keywords: House, home, villa, casa
Designed by Japanese-American architects, Casa Chepito has amazing views from the four balcony/terraces. Fronted with a huge, eclectic garden, it has an open-air yet private Japanese bath, a well equipped, colorfully tiled kitchen, fireplaces, purified water system, high speed internet and cable TV, as well as the two front suspended mountain bikes for use by guests. Eat fruit from the mature orange, avocado or pomegrante trees; pick herbs from the kitchen garden; enjoy meals cooked by Ofelia.
The smaller bedroom has a boveda ceiling done by a master craftsman with a covered terrace ideal for breakfast. There is a new covered "outside room" on the roof terrace, where you can watch vermillion fly catchers playing in the giant bamboo, with views of town and the valley to the mountains of Guanajuato beyond. There is a garden with fruit trees in back, and off-street parking. The gardener/handy-man and housekeeper come three times a week.
Located in the centro, mid-way up the hill from the jardin (6 blocks), this two bedroom, two bath home is the perfect place to relax, read a book while dozing in a hammock underneath the mesquite tree, or simply do nothing but watch birds overhead on their way to the Jardin Botanico, or the fish as they feed in the pila. In town yet on a quiet street, enjoy the many restaurants and shops of San Miguel, or take the bikes out for a spin on the miles of single track.
From Casa Chepito it's ten minutes on foot down to the main square, 15 minutes up to the JARDIN BOTANICO, Mexico's largest botanical garden, and by bike, minutes away from more than 800 miles of some of the best mountain biking trails in Mexico. Adjacent to the landmark orchid farm, there is a heated pool at the gym just across the arroyo.
As a happy renter recently commented:
'Casa Chepito' is a country home in the city. (You really can walk downtown in five minutes, but once inside the property's walls, you are in a 'Secret Garden' kind of world.) On every level, it opens 'wide to the view', and it may well be the best view in San Miguel. The huge garden is terraced down from the house to the street (no traffic) and has 3-story high bamboos that will astonish. One of Casa Chepito's best points is a big, comfortable eat-in kitchen with windows to the view. Those who like a 'natural' setting, will love 'Casa Chepito'.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Linens Provided : High thread count and bamboo sheets.
- Off Street Parking : Enclosed parking.
- Gas Fireplace (2)
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Bring your iPod to hook up to our speakers.
- Shared Pool : There is an indoor/outdoor pool across the arroyo at the health club which you can use for a nominal daily fee.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen is well-equipped with a new convection oven.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : In addition to many pots and pans, good knives, several cutting boards, juice squeezers and numerous cookbooks, there is also have a convection oven, rice cooker, coffee maker, blender, electric frying pan, pressure cooker.
- Refrigerator : Full size.
- Catering Available : The housekeeper, Ofelia, can cook (booked independently of the house rental).
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio (2) : There are two flagstone patios, one in front and the other behind Casa Chepito
- Balcony (4) : There are two balconies, a terrace off the smaller bedroom, and a large rooftop terrace
- Gazebo : There is an outdoor roofed room with hammocks on the roof for the best view in town.
- View/Location
- Lake View : The "lake" (or presa) is in the valley below San Miguel, and can be seen during rainy season especially.
- Mountain View : Watch the spectacular lighting storms come across the valley from Guanajuato
- Monument View : Views of the many churches of San Miguel; watch fireworks from the balconies.
- Communications
- Telephone (2)
- Broadband Internet : Bring your laptop to use our high speed connection
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- High speed internet and cable TV, Japanese Bath, 2 Fireplaces, Terraces, Balconies, large gardens with patios, 2 mountain Bikes, pool adjacent. You can use our membership card to the Jardin Botanico for free admission and discounts to special events.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly : Kids love our house and garden which has many places for them to play and escape their parents! However please note it is not suitable necessarily for toddlers without adult supervision due to the balconies and pool.
- Smoking Allowed : Outside only.
- Smoking Not Allowed : You may smoke outside.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Single-track heaven for Mountain Biking, 60 acre Cactus Garden 5 minutes away, and two mountain bikes are provided with the house.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
WEEKLY RATES: $650/week; $550 for weeks on sale.
MONTHLY RATES: Short-Term ... (one-5 months)...$2050/month
Long Term .... (Oct.sale/or 6 months or longer) .......... $1850/month
(utilities not included for long term rental)
Ask about discounts
rentals are from Saturday to Saturday with some exceptions
we accept payment by PAY PAL
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1989
Why the Owner Chose Centro
As journalists we have traveled throughout Mexico but decided San Miguel Allende was our favorite place because of its culture, history, people, natural beauty and climate. The historical monument in the high desert is amazingly beautiful, reminding many of Tuscany; but with the special warmth of the Mexican people. San Miguel somehow has a perfect symbiotic meld between the foreign and Mexican communities. Although a small town, as an art colony it is more sophisticated than many big cities, with a wide choice of art and language schools, many types of restaurants, a world class theater, and great shopping. And it is high enough in elevation that it escapes the heat and humidity of the coasts.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Although you may want to spend most of your time in town, the beauty of the countryside surrounding San Miguel can really be appreciated by bike. Because there are miles of dirt roads and single track connecting to town the mountain bike possibilities are endless. There are two front-suspended bikes at Casa Chepito for guests to use. The Jardin Botanico, a 60 acre garden bordering the spectacular gorge above town, can also be readily accessed for hiking from Casa Chepito. Free entrance & discount to special events with membership card, included in rental. The garden at the house is also a tranquil way to watch birds, read, or just relax in a hammock.
Owner's Map of Centro
The owners are a photographer/writer team who purchased the raw land to build Casa Chepito in the late '80s. They have worked for many national magazines including the New York Times, LA Times Travel & Leisure and Smithsonian, as well as the "MTV Guide To Mexico." After traveling all over Mexico they are very happy to get back to San Miguel.
Property Photos
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- Exterior of Casa Chepito, from front garden. - San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico Vacation Rental - Architect Designed Home with 100-Mile View!
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- Enjoy Christmas Day at a nearby festival. - San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico Vacation Rental - Architect Designed Home with 100-Mile View!
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- Living room - San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico Vacation Rental - Architect Designed Home with 100-Mile View!
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- Kitchen dining area
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- Tiled kitchen is fully equipped with convection oven, coffee maker, blender, etc
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- You can see the Parroquia spires while lying in bed in the master bedroom
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- View from cistern of kitchen windows above the bike and tool room.
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- Boveda bedroom
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- Bedroom Terrace
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- Hummingbirds feed on the bedroom's terrace.
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- Dancing in the new outdoor rooftop room.
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- interior stairway
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- Japanese bath
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- There are many books to read in the office library, or go online
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- Balconies at Night
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- Night view
Traveler Reviews (13)
Charming and delightful
Guest: TGG
(Denver)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11
Review Submitted: 01/12/12
Our stay was over the New Year's holiday...it fit our needs completely. The short walk to town each morning was all down hill and a breeze, while the taxi ride back was less than $3.00. The house itself was very comfortable with views from virtually every balcony. Perfect for 1 or 2 couples and or older children. Ofilia, the housekeeper was very nice and cleaned the place as promised. She also prepared for us a lovely Mexican dinner.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.
Spectacular Home overlooking San Miguel
Guest: Nancy
(Mercer Island, WA, and Desert Center, CA, USA.)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11
Review Submitted: 12/03/11
We've just returned from a two week Thanksgiving celebration at Casa Chepito and I'm ready to turn around and go back. There are too many wonderful San Miguel experiences to list but on this trip our highlights were the Jazz Festival, tour of Canada de la Virgen, and our stay at this remarkable home. What I love about this property: the hummingbird perched on the bamboo outside the second story study window watching me send emails; the view of San MIguel from the roof top terrace enjoyed with coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at sunset, the extensive herb garden (discovered AFTER scouring the markets for fresh rosemary for our turkey stuffing); the eclectic library of books, cds, and dvds; the small artistic touches and the large structural spaces; the comfortable kitchen nook adjacent to a marvelous kitchen. I would be remiss not to mention Ofelia, the maid, who hurried over with her husband to rescue us when we had difficulty with the pilot light in the oven just when Sir Pavo needed to be cooked. A note of warning: this house has a spectacular view because it is located high on a hill above San Miguel. We enjoyed the walk into town but often opted for the comfort of a taxi to return us to our castle. (No worries- the taxi drivers were always fun to converse with and the 30p was an easy way to help the locals.) Also, if stairs pose problems I would opt for a single story casa in the heart of the Centro. Otherwise, I highly recommend Casa Chepito!
Recommended for:
What a great place!
Guest: Don
(Minnesota USA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
Just lucked into finding this place last year. I can't say enough about it. The view from the rooftop deck makes you feel like you own the world. Truly awe inspiring. The sunset over San Miguel and La Parroquia is one of the the most romantic scenes I've ever seen. To spend the day wondering the town, checking out the shops, art galleries and restaurants, and then retreat to this place is a day close to heaven. The Casa itself is extremely comfortable with drinkable water throughout which is very reassuring for us gringoes. The beds are wonderful. The boveda ceiling in the smaller bedroom is a focal point that is hard to look away from--just how did they do that...? Apparently the masonry artisans have generations of experience. Wonderful! There are two showers with interesting tile and plenty of hot water. Never any issue with the plumbing. The kitchen is fully equipped for when you want to stay in and do some cooking of your own, and is an architectural delight of its own. Curved windows overlook the front garden, and a back door leads to a secluded secret garden. The casa is clean and fresh from top to bottom, inside and out. We spent most of our days wondering around town which is such an interesting activity! You never know what you will find--from a great painting for a reasonable price, to an intimate serenade while drinking the best coffee ever, by two sweet guitarists. Wonder through the churches to get a dose of revolutionary history, then watch a parade celebrating that revolution. Sit in El Jardin and watch the generations mix while enjoying the exotic sounds of the children playing, the birds singing and the newspaperman calling in his rich basso profundo. Never to be forgotten! We love this place and are coming back for a longer stay next time. We'll be doing some mountain biking on the provided bikes, swimming in the nearby pool and enjoying the hot springs. A great break from our northern winter. Can't recommend it highly enough. Very surprised that it was even available.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Judy
Guest: Judy
(Wichita, KS)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11
Review Submitted: 10/11/11
We so loved this delightful very SMA house! It offered wonderful views of the city and was so convenient to downtown and all it has to offer. The kitchen was a favorite--I always like to cook while in SMA and to take advantage of the wonderful produce. The gardens were fun to explore and we loved feeding the friendly fish and humming birds. We made sure to make use of all the patios and to sit on the sprial staircase with morning coffee! I had intended to spend more time in the hammock on the top floor, but we ran out of time. Thank you so much for sharing your home and letting us pretend if was our home for a whle.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Not so spectacular view home
Guest: Esteban
(WA.)
Date of Stay: 12/26/07
Review Submitted: 08/09/10
We enjoyed immensely SMA but the least pleasing part of our vacation was our stay at Casa Chepito.Our introduction to our stay was the multiple steps to climb carrying heavy suitcases. I lift weights but this was challenging. Then we found the walk to the main square was not convenient so we left in the morning not to return until late at night.There was a sewer smell from the bathroom and it took multiple requests to get another bar of soap. The positive was the owner who was helpful prior to our arrival and the gardener was the best feature of the house. One can find a better rental in SMA.
Owner response:The front steps have been widened and improved since this review; but Casa Chepito is a multi-level home, and San Miguel is nearly a mile high. We were sorry to hear from this review about the odor in the bathroom, which no longer exists. The house is in the centro, a half mile from the jardin, so we find it a convenient and quiet location. But, it is not right in the middle of non-stop action. Every effort is made to accommodate guests with soap and kitchen cleaning products, but we hope clients understand it is not a hotel and so will also bring their own toiletries.
Recommended for:
Fond Memories of Casa Chepito
Guest: Mimmikay
(Park Ridge, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/20/10
Review Submitted: 04/12/10
My husband, children (ages 8 and 10), and I stayed at Casa Chepito for Spring Break this year and had a wonderful time. Every square inch of the house and its gardens are beautiful, charming, and unique. Our children loved exploring the gardens and the rain cistern with colorful goldfish that they could feed every morning. We also loved all the relaxing verandas and rooftop area with its magnificent views of San Miguel. My son spent one afternoon just capturing all the beautiful images around the house, from the exotic flowers and cacti in the yard, to the winding wrought iron staircase, to the pretty Talavera pottery and tiles in the kitchen, to the glorious sunlight that you can see from the rooftop glowing through the church windows in downtown San Miguel at sunset. The house is a pleasant walk from the cental Jardin and the food and art markets, and we never felt the need for a car with so many inexpensive taxis available to take us anywhere we wanted to go. We enjoyed our long walks to the botanic gardens and Parque Juarez. We also enjoyed taking taxis to the lovely hot springs nearby. Casa Chepito is in a safe and charming neighborhood with a nice mix of Mexican and American residents. We always felt safe walking around there even at night. We especially enjoyed all the Spring and Easter festivities going on all around us. One evening a whole procession of musicians and children in costumes paraded down the callejon. It was a wonderful and memorable experience!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Guest: Donna95
(White Rock, British Columbia)
Date of Stay: 03/15/10
Review Submitted: 03/15/10
We thoroughly enjoyed Casa Chepito with its unique garden and spectacular view. Many relaxing evenings were spent on the patios taking in the sights and sounds of San Miguel. This lovely home was a clean and comfortable accommodation! Perhaps March or April would be the time to return as the oranges would be ripe for the picking!
Recommended for:
Guest: R F Mullane
(Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/06/09
Review Submitted: 07/06/09
My 7-year old twins and I absolutely LOVED staying at Casa Chepito during our two-week stay in San Miguel de Allende. We stayed at the Casa along with a friend and her two children (ages 5 and 8), and had plenty of room for which the children could play (both within the house and the surrounding gardens), and privacy in our respective bedrooms for quieter times. The Casa is well laid out, beautifully decorated, has all the amenities we required, and is well enough away from the Centro for peace and quiet, but only a 10-minute walk to the Jardin. We very much enjoyed our morning walks to the Centro just in time for our Spanish language classes. The walks home were also as, if not more, enjoyable and tested our uphill endurance. On days when we had much to lug around, an inexpensive cab ride would take us home -- those rides were our treats to ourselves, along with the goods we purchased from the various markets and shops. :) The views from Casa Chepito are absolutely superb, both in the daytime and night. With San Miguel's high desert weather, we had many clear, sunny days that gave us over 180 degrees of mountain and city views. At night, the lights of the city, along with those of the Parroquia and surrounding churches, were a sight to behold. We hope to make it back to San Miguel de Allende soon, and when we do, we would definitely stay at Casa Chepito again.
Recommended for:
Guest: Wendy Adams
(Lynnwood, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/15/09
Review Submitted: 06/15/09
Wonderful and lovely large colorful home situated just about the city. Beautiful views while being just a short walk from town. We have stayed two years in a row during late April and would recommend this home to anyone except those who want an overdone, glitzy hotel with room service. This year we stayed with another couple and had lots of space - sitting on the balconies in the evening with a cool drink was so relaxing,the staff was always very friendly and helpful. A beautiful place to unwind and soak up the native lifestyle.
Recommended for:
Guest: Dick Robertson
(Northville, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 04/07/09
Review Submitted: 04/07/09
My wife and I had a a perfect holiday at Casa Chepito. The town was wonderful, restaurants were first class and the people were helpful and friendly. The home was a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery of San Miguel. I would not hesitate to go back to Casa Chepito and enjoy the places we missed the first time.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #164
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