Location: Cordoba, Argentina, South America (40 km/25 miles from Cordoba Pajas Blancas airport) View Map
Accommodations: House/Villa, 6 Bedrooms, 7 Baths (Sleeps 12)
Estancia El Silencio is a one-of-a-kind Spanish-style house, reportedly dating back to 1790, representing a vivid model of 18th century Spanish architecture. It is believed that it originally served as one of the many mule-exchange posts of the Jesuit mission Estancia Santa Catalina. Keeping this spirit intact, it has been prepared to receive guests who invariably marvel at the beauty of its rustic historic rooms and galleries -architecture reminiscent of the Jesuit missions of that time.
El Silencio rises at 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) of altitude, at the heart of the Sierras Chicas of the province of Cordoba. It is 25 miles away from the Cordoba airport and 7 miles away from the town of La Falda. Yet, its 220 acres offer the solitude and proximity to the stars that guests are looking for. The estancia is located in the middle of one of the worlds' best climates and energy points, only 20 miles away across the mountains from the renowned Uritorco Mountain. Artists and yogis find this place unique for contemplation, inspiration, and creativity.
Its architecture, blending exquisitely with the beauty of the Sierras, creates the unforgettable experience of bringing guests centuries back in time. The main house features a "torreon" (tower) to which guests enter climbing a stairway covered with majolica’s (mosaic tiles) in scripted with 16th century Spanish "picaresque" literature. Iron cast details on doors and windows, majolica tiles, and original thick adobe walls crown El Silencio’s magic.
The main house has 6 rooms, each of a different color, with private bathrooms and cast iron wood burning stoves to provide heat on the winter months (May through August). The lower floor harboring the kitchen and dining room, has environment-friendly solar-generated electricity. All water to the house as well as the large swimming pool is fed from one of El Silencio 12 natural mountain springs. Hot water is available daily from a wood-burning boiler. The living room, galleries, patio, and bedrooms occupy the main floor, which is naturally lighted through the open-air central patio.
An external stone patio features a clay oven where the aroma of delicious homemade bread, empanadas, pizzas, and pastries may attempt to capture your senses. It also features the typical Argentine-style "parrilla" (wood/charcoal grill), made to enjoy the famous argentine beef. Guests are welcome to have breakfast or dine outside. Caretakers living in the premises will be happy to help you grill your own "asado".
In addition to the unparalleled beauty of the 220 acres of sierras, guests are welcome to enjoy:
Country activities: Horseback riding (not always available as it depends on a 3rd party provider (liability-waiver required); Guided tours can be arranged in the nearby towns of La Falda or La Cumbre; Pick-your-own organic vegetables from the garden (when in season); Performing rural chores, such as horseshoeing and vegetable gardening; Cooking "empanadas", "asado" (bbq) or bread.
Sports: Golf at La Cumbre village (16 miles away); Hiking/trekking around the mountains; Mountain or road biking.
Leisure activities: Wildlife watching; Star watching (telescope available from caretaker); Swim and relax at the pool; Read, write, meditate.
Tours: Local operators in nearby towns of La Falda and La Cumbre provide guided tours to visit historic places such as the Jesuit missions of Santa Catalina (1622), Caroya (1616), and Jesus Maria (1618), or the church of Candonga (1730), visits and tours to the Punilla Valley towns, as well as the nearby city of Cordoba (2nd largest in Argentina).
Estancia El Silencio offers you the perfect setting to relax and rest your body and soul, finding harmony within yourself, your family, and friends. When staying here, you will feel in complete synchrony with nature, enjoying the oxygen-rich air of our mountains and marveling at the light of candles on the evenings. El Silencio is a unique experience that will awaken your senses and calm your spirit. We invite you to visit us in Cordoba and discover the secrets and mysteries of El Silencio.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Fireplace (2) : In living room and in Red Bedroom
- Wood Stove: "Horno de Barro" (clay oven) on external stone patio. Every bedroom is heated with an individual cast iron wood stove.
- Beds
- King Bed (6)
- Double Bed (9)
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- CD Player
- Private Pool: Three-level 36x18 ft pool, fed with fresh spring water. Pool features stream jets and underwater lighting.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Stove top, oven, and refrigerator are gas-powered. Double sink.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Utensils and silverware provided for up to 12 guests.
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: "Parrilla" (Argentine bbq wood/charcoal grill) located on stone patio.
- Deck/Patio: Stone, shaded patio for outdoor dining. Plenty of open-air and tree-covered space to relax.
- Balcony: Gallery balconies surround the West and South sides of the main house.
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Mountain View: Property is nested at the top of the "Sierras Chicas" of the province of Cordoba, at 1,400 mt (4,600 ft) of altitude. View includes the mountain range to the North and South and the breathtaking Valle de Punilla to the West.
- Communications
- Cell Phone: No land line phone available. Cell phone signal within the property (cell phone not provided).
- Other Amenities
- Water: 12+ natural water springs on the property - All water (including swimming pool) is spring water. Organic vegetable garden for guests to pick up their own veggies for salads (depending on season).
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed: The Sierras Chicas in the Cordoba province are at serious fire danger. Smoking not allowed.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Sightseeing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- La Cumbre Golf is 26 kms (16 miles) away. El Silencio has a football (soccer) field, Historic Cordoba Jesuit Missions, Star watching, Yoga/Meditation.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Dec-April (Southern Summer): $1800/wk (up to 6 guests)..$3000/wk (7-12 guests)
Sept 15 thru Nov 30: $1200/wk (up to 6 guests)..$2000/wk (7-12 guests)
Property is leased as a whole (lease agreement required).
Terms: 25% down up-front non-refundable deposit to hold reservation
Balance due 60 days prior to arrival or down payment is forfeited
$500 damage deposit payable in cash upon refunded 2 weeks after departure
Property staff living on the premises available to help guests.
PROPERTY NOT FOR RENT APRIL 15 THROUGH SEPT 15
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2006
Why the Owner Chose Cordoba
When we met 20 years ago we were living in very distant parts of the world. Life united our paths, and when in 2006 we came across the gem of El Silencio, it was a done deal on the spot. It is the place where we want to live when our kids leave the nest and hopefully, it will be the place to keep us always coming together.
The Unique Benefits at this House/Villa
We spend about a month a year at El Silencio. It is homecoming for all of us. Going to the highest point in El Silencio, we can see our hometowns in the distance. It is the place where we have friends over for fireside life chats, great argentine food such as asado and emapanadas, and fantastic wines. We love horseback riding, hiking, biking, swimming, practicing yoga and meditating. We love the sunrise, the sunsets and the night sky. We rejoice on the clean air and the energy of the immensity of our mountains, relaxing and enjoying the gift of being together.
Owner's Map of Cordoba
We are both from Cordoba, Argentina, although we have lived far from our homeland over the last 20 years, in places such as Minnesota, Venezuela, Rosario, and Buenos Aires. We have four wonderful children ages 17, 15, 11, and 8. Besides being partners, friends, and parents, Marcelo works for a large international food company and Josefina is a yoga instructor. We love to enjoy together the little pleasures life gives us everyday,
Property Photos
- Estancia El Silencio Main House - Cordoba Vacation Home with Pool
- Candle-lit Galleries - Cordoba Vacation Home with Pool
- Estancia El Silencio Bird's Eye View - Cordoba Vacation Home with Pool
- Wild Flower framing the Sierras
- Horseback Riding at El Silencio
- Internal Patio and Galleries
- Horses and Freedom
- Pure air, sun, and water
- Contemplation ...
- El Silencio's Maize Room
- Enjoy The Silence.
- ... Life's Little Pleasures ....
- El Silencio Awaits You.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #207234
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
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Víctor Taussig , Bella Vista, Argentina