We can't wait to return

Guest: K. Paige F. (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/11

We stayed in this amazing house for the entire month of August; myself, two small children, our au pair and later my husband. Stacy was very flexible as our arrival date changed (thanks to Mexicana Air) and put us in touch with the house managers directly. They were able to ensure that when we arrived at 7am after 15 hours of travel, the house had juice, fruit, milk, coffee....everything we needed to feel like we'd arrived home. We sat at the outdoor dining table with the view of the valley and just let all the travel stress melt away. The views are exceptional, the house a work of art, and the sense of peacefulness unparalleled. It's impossible to explain just how incredible the house is - the walls are hand carved stone with little stones inset between them; the iron work on the wall of windows that run the entire back of the house are works of art. Even the water dispenser is a hand-painted jug in an iron stand. There were a few bumps - in the first two days the stove stopped working, then the gas ran out, and the cell phone for the house didn't work because a previous tenant had lost the original phone and replaced it with one from another city, unbeknownst to all. But with every hiccup, Veronica (house manager) was there within minutes and handled everything - she is amazing! Bumps and trials are to be expected in Mexico, and it was so nice to have someone so on top of it. Martín sleeps in a casita in the garden every night, which made us feel even more safe, and he was so sweet with our children. My 4-year-old daughter followed him around in the evening, and together they planted the vine to the right of his casita. And even with Martín there and the house managers in and out to do work on the casita next door, it felt incredibly private. And it was nice to have Martín there to help with the heavy lifting, literally - he helped me replace the water jug, took out the trash...all the stuff that keeps the house going. Guanajuato felt very safe; I knew better than to walk alone at night away from the square (common sense), and even in our neighborhood. The house is NOT that close to el centro; it's at least a 15-20 minute walk to get to the bottom. But in the end that was nice - we were away from the hubbub and felt like our house was a retreat, which a more centrally located house wouldn't have had. Nor would it have had the views that made the 15 hours of travel worth it. Stay here, and then get ready to plan your return.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

We had a great time!

Guest: Rob, Barb, Max and Ben (Davenport, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 06/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

We absolutely loved our two week stay at la Casa Barranquena in Guanajuato. The decor of Stacy and Ed's beautiful home is exquisite, very tastefully done with a gourmet kitchen and breathtaking views of the gardens and mountains from every room. Though the stunning pictures on the website were what initially attracted us to the house, they do not come close to doing justice to this gorgeous paradise of a home. There were six of us staying at the house (mom, dad, two sons ages 16 and 22, and their aunt and uncle) and yet we felt we had plenty of space for privacy or together time. Concha, the talented and sweetheart of a cook/housekeeper was an absolute joy. She would whip up savory, tantalizing comidas that we are all still talking about. The gentle and kind gardener /grounds keeper, Martin was also very helpful, reliable and friendly. Both Concha and Martin were always gracious and exceedingly patient with those of us who spoke little or no Spanish. The town of Guanajuato is like no other we have visited. A university town, Guanajuato is an art and music lover's haven with so much to do: mountains for hiking, museums, excellent restaurants, crafts, beautiful local pottery, and fabulous colonial architecture. It's a fascinating fifteen minute walk from the house to the centro that winds through cobblestone stairways and callejones. When you arrive at the main plaza (El Jardin de la Union), you are immediately overcome with the charm and dream-like quality of this enchanting place: families and friends strolling and eating in outdoor cafes and mariachi bands everywhere. At night, there is a great variety of venues for listening to all types of music. Stacy was very helpful in setting us up with a local club in the centro where our sixteen year old son, Max played acoustic guitar and sang. Stacy was wonderful to deal with before, during and after our stay, providing us with all the help and information we needed. She is friendly, honest, and dependable. We were only home for two weeks, when our damage deposit was returned in full. Another thing we must mention is that we found Guanajuato to be a very safe town. Initially, when we read of drug/gang violence in Mexico (albeit all incidences in boarder towns or areas far from Guanajuato) we were nervous. The people of Guanajuato are remarkably kind and honest. One night when I left a sweater in a taxi, the cab driver returned it the next day. We love this place and can't wait to come back

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Miriam and Forrest (-)
Date of Stay: 07/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/04/10

Letter from this guest: Dear Stacey and Ed, We've had a wonderful time at your very beautiful and luxurious 'Casa'-- what a view! what gardens! Best of all Concha and Martin-helpful, capable, who made us comfortable immediately. Guanajuato is quite a place and after two weeks we feel as though we are just beginning to know the alleyways and the rich offerings.....music, museums, history. Many thanks for creating an idyllic oasis for vacation, relaxation and discovery! Miriam and Forrest

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Guest: Rob, Barb, Ben and Max (-)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/04/10

A letter from this guest: We loved staying at the Casa Barranquena and are looking forward to returning! We are leaving a copy of Max's bands cd, he arranged a gig in the cafe Zilch one night and it was a blast! Gracias a Julie (owner of Zilch) and to you, because it was a fantastic vacation! Rob, Barb, Ben and Max

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You'll be thrilled!

Guest: Debbie (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

Last year, my husband and I were a bit hesitant to commit to an 8-month rental before seeing the house. Trust me, it surpassed all our expectations and is even more beautiful than the pictures. The location couldn't be better - close enough to walk to all the action in the Centro, but quiet, with amazing views of the Bufa mountains. Our twin five-year-olds were constantly exploring in the yard, and especially loved Martin, the gentle, kind gardener/watchman who I credit for our boys' quick learning of the language. The American owners and Mexican house managers are incredibly responsive and helpful. The house is completely stocked with a full cook's kitchen, a resort-quality master suite, tons of books, and even games/DVDs. Even though we've only been gone from Mexico for a month, we already miss Guanajuato and this wonderful home. I wholeheartedly recommend staying here, and will certainly be returning myself.

Owner response:Thank you Debbie, we sure do miss your family living in our house. Come back anytime!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Son of Lara Whitley (-)
Date of Stay: 12/13/09 Review Submitted: 12/13/09

This was written by a young boy who lived in Casa Barranquena for 9 months. It's a response to an assignment he had in school to "Write about your special place" Join me to explore Mexico. I know you are going to like it. I remember the flowers glowing, the dust almost snowing, and I am going off in my imagination. I hear the sound of my mom and her friends talking. then I hear "come eat lunch!". After lunch my friend Yoda visits me. Mace comes too along with Harry Potter. I feel as strong as steel and as powerful as a wolf. I feel brave. It seems to fall upon me like a wave. There I am dueling Darth Vader or Lord Voldemort. I can look and see if Dad is watching TV. The rocky path makes my feet feel strong as a lock. included with permission from the Whitley family.

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Guest: Julie Frost (-)
Date of Stay: 08/25/09 Review Submitted: 08/25/09

The Casa Barranquena is just about my favorite place on earth. This is much more than simply a place for a weary traveler to hang her hat; it is a perfect complement to a visit to Guanajuato, Mexico. After a long day of sight seeing, or hiking Los Picachos, returning to this home is a pleasure. The garden brims with familiar, as well as Dr. Seuss-like plants. There are blooming succulents, bougainvillea, organ pipe cactus, and more. These plants and flowers attract butterflies and little lizards; I can easily lose an hour or two just wandering and gazing at the plants, with the Bufa as a backdrop. I have stayed in the main house once, and the casita four times, and my son and I are going again, to stay in the casita, next month. The main house is spectacular. Every detail was completed with love and an eye for the natural beauty of Guanajuato, and the talents of local artists. The house is beyond comfortable, and my 13 year old son enjoys exploring the garden and the area around the house. The casita is equally well done, and provides a cozy, cool retreat on a hot day. It is also snuggly warm when the rains come. Although the casita is smaller then the main house, it feels spacious as the doors can be left open year round, and the patio and garden offer plenty of outdoor living space. I have been there in the winter as well as the summer; all seasons have something wonderful to offer in this beautiful home, and in Guanajuato. This is a delightful home in a town that is endlessly fun to explore. This is why I return year after year with my son. In the evenings we often stroll down to the jardin (takes about fifteen minutes) to grab a bite to eat, watch the clowns perform, and listen to mariachi music. During the day we hike, wander the callejones (pedestrian streets), shop, and just soak up the unique atmosphere in central Mexico. I highly recommend this town, and I would stay nowhere except La Casa Barranquena.

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Guest: Lara Whitley (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 08/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

Our family had the great fortune to live in Stacey and Ed's casa for nine months in 08/09, during my husband's sabbatical. We had an amazing adventure in Guanajuato and a large part of our good time is due to this amazing house and these great landlords. The casa is, in short, perfect. It's gorgeous, comfortably luxurious (not a bit stuffy), spacious and cozy (tell me, how do you achieve that?), quiet and warm (two qualities not to be underestimated in Gto) and sports the best location in town. Our family of 4 had room to both spread out and be together. We entertained easily, hosting 20 for Thanksgiving, and yet loved our intimate comidas around the mesquite dining room table. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I would rent this house again in a heartbeat.

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