Casa Murguia's patios, pool and gardens, a quiet retreat in the historic center
Location: Oaxaca, Oaxaca, South East Mexico, Mexico (Heart of the Historic Center on Murguia just east of Juarez) View Map
Accommodations: Bungalow, 1 Bedroom + Den, 1 Bath (Sleeps 3-4)
Keywords: Spacious one bedroom bungalow with private poolside patio
Casa Murguia captures the essence of indoor/outdoor Mexican living. The Bird of Paradise vacation rental, featured in this listing is a ground level, one bedroom bungalow with full kitchen and large dining / living room. This “bungalow” is a real house not an apartment and opens on to a spacious patio with dining table & chairs and comfy chaise lounges. It has over 650 sq. ft of interior living space. The stunning 75 foot long swimming pool is a zen focus in the center of the property. Exotic gardens rich in native plants attract hummingbirds and vermillion flycatchers. We have 3 other units available at Casa Murguia, spread out around the swimming pool. These can be rented as a single unit or more than one for larger groups, please inquire for details.
Casa Murguia is a singular Oaxaca home featured in Melba Levick's book “In a Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools and Open Air Living Rooms”. The Bird of Paradise bungalow is decorated with handpainted tile, handwoven textiles and original art from the owner’s private collection.
There is fresh, fun and close-by shopping for groceries at the charming Merced food market just 5 blocks away; this is where the owner does her shopping but right at the corner you can stock up on fruits, basic vegetables, dry-goods beer and wine.
You can enjoy your meals in the beautifully decorated dining room or outdoors on the patio. A couple of blocks west from Casa Murguia and you are in the heart of the historic center with great dining, shopping, museums and theatre.
The high adobe walls and trees make Casa Murguia quiet by any standards, guests can't believe they're in the heart of the city. Rent with the option of a king size bed or 2 single beds in the bedroom. The living room is large enough to comfortably add a single bed if requested. The Bird of Paradise bungalow at Casa Murguia can sleep a total of 4 people with one or two single beds added to the living room. If your group is larger inquire about the other rentals that surround the pool.
Although the pool becomes the central axis that all living spaces are built around it is seldom used by the owners; Mary Jane & Bobby essentially live at their guest ranch just outside of Oaxaca and come into Casa Murguia to check on things and make sure renters needs are looked after. That said, Maria Antonia, Casa Murguia's property manager and principal housekeeper is very helpful and capable of solving most renter's needs. There is a cel. phone at Casa Murguia that renter's can use 24/7 to contact Mary Jane or Bobby. Visit our Rancho Pitaya listing on HomeAway, VRBO's sister site and think about a combined stay at both places on your trip to Oaxaca. The ranch is located in the fascinating Valle de Tlacolula renowned for its natural beauty and places of interest.
Casa Murguia is the place for anyone who truly appreciates spacious living, a pool you can actually swim in and a quiet retreat just minutes walking to restaurants, museums and great shopping!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : sheets & towels changed each week
- Off Street Parking : This is only appropriate is leaving your vehicle parked mostly
- Beds
- King Bed : The bedroom can be made up with one king size bed or two twin beds. An additional twin bed can be put in the living room at no extra cost.
- Twin/Single Bed : A twin bed can be made up in the living room at no extra cost. Yes, another bed can be added at $100 extra per week.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Shared Pool : The pool is heated with solar panels and cover and is warm enough to swim in year around.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Swimming
- Mountain Biking
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
1 bedroom rental LOW SEASON 2012 rate April 22-May 31 & Sep 1-Oct.15
$760/1 wk $1120/2 wks. $1360/3 wks. $1560/month MIDDLE SEASON RATE Mar.12-Ap. 21
/ Jne 1-Ag.31./ Nov. 5-Dec.18 $950/1 wk . $1400/2 wks .$1700/3 wks.$1950/mth
WINTER jan. 4- mar 12 $1140/1 wk. $1680/2 wks. 2040./3wks. 2340./month
HOLIDAY oct.15-nov.5 & Dec. 18-Jan.3 $1500/1 wk. $2200/2 wks.
Rent includes utilities & daily maid service. A weekly tip to maid requested.
25% required Deposit to reserve.Balance due 1 month prior to arrival.
10% damage deposit/ 20% w/ children. $100 per wk surcharge for 4th person
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Spacious Villa with Pool, Patio & Gardens in Historic Center
Year Purchased: 1996
Why the Owner Chose Oaxaca
The Casa Murguia property is over 10,000 sq. feet with a quiet protected inner courtyard that was large enough to construct a proper pool for swimming laps. Add to this a classic 50´s style Mexico bungalow design with a view of the Sierra Juarez mountains made the decision to buy an easy one. With so much space we were able to plant gardens rich in native plants that give privacy between the different patios. The house was an easy 3 block walk to the absolute heart of the historic center.
The Unique Benefits at this Bungalow
Casa Murguia is located 6 blocks from the Zocalo, Santo Domingo and from the great little Merced market, and even though it is in the heart of the center because of the trees it is very quiet. It is constructed with adobe and stays nice and cool year round. The spacious patios are perfect for outdoor living in Oaxaca's perfect climate. The 75 ft two-lane pool was designed for swimming laps yet still fun to play in, fish designs in mosaic tile decorate the floor of the pool.
Owner's Map of Oaxaca
Mary Jane is a Canadian who has lived in Oaxaca for over twenty years. In 1987 she founded Galería La Mano Magica and Casa Murgia is decorated with original art and crafts collected while running the gallery. She is now a passionate horsewoman.
Bobby Ortiz is a transplanted Texan, former jockey and current horse trainer. Together, Mary Jane & Bobby guide trail rides from their guest ranch Rancho Pitaya, listed on HomeAway. Visit their website HorsebackMexico and enjoy a day riding in the country during your stay.
Property Photos
-
- Casa Murguia's patios, pool and gardens, a quiet retreat in the historic center - Oaxaca, Mexico Vacation Rental with Private Patio & Shared Pool
-
- Living room with natural lighting, original art and comfortable furniture - Oaxaca, Mexico Vacation Rental with Private Patio & Shared Pool
-
- The large living room / dining room opens onto private patio & gardens - Oaxaca, Mexico Vacation Rental with Private Patio & Shared Pool
-
- Beds have thick mattress pads & 100% cotton sheets. Extra twin bed can be added
-
- Bedroom on the Bird of Paradise bungalow can be made with king or 2 twin beds
-
- View from the bungalow's patio looking towards the patio of the Villa dle Sol
-
- Poolside living surrounded by tropical gardens. Patio of the bungalow on right
-
- Bedrooms can be made with 1king bed or 2 single beds
Traveler Reviews (10)
Great location, Great staff
Guest: Sunflight
(midwest)
Date of Stay: 10/27/11
Review Submitted: 11/06/11
We recently stayed here over Day of the Dead. The casitas are humble, but clean, centralized, and spacious. They all surround a nice pool, which is cold and a bit itchy if you don't take a shower. There is a lovely garden in the central courtyard with the pool, and each casita has a table there, along with some lounge chairs. Our casita had a kitchen and spacious living room in addition to our bedroom. The bathroom was clean but there was a very small water heater and we had to move very quickly. The staff cleaned daily and was available and fast with any requests, including bringing new jugs of sterilized water. There are markets very close to pick up supplies. The beds were comfortable, and the whole place was quiet. I would definitely choose to return here.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
Just as we expected - Perfect!
Guest: Bird-of-Flight
(Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11
Review Submitted: 11/05/11
My two sisters and I rented the Bird of Paradise Bungalow for a week this past "Day of the Dead." We loved the modest Mexican style apartment which was charming -- simply decorated with Mexican art and tiles, and a perfectly outfitted kitchen. The daily maid service was outstanding. We loved the garden and option to swim in the long pool. I looked at all the other units and they seemed comparable in style. The location could not be better -- right in the middle of town with walking access to markets, bus station, and Zocalo. I'd stay here again. I often rent from VRBO and this place was a winner.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.
QUIET, SPACIOUS and WELCOMING
Guest: Connecticut Yankees
(Washington, CT, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11
Review Submitted: 05/25/11
Dear Maryjane and Bobby: we are still remembering the wonderful 3 weeks in your lovely 'hacienda' in the most convenient location in historic Oaxaca. So much to see and do -- museums, galleries, shops, restaurants -- and all within comfortable walking distance. Weather was fantastic, and -- yes, the food too. We were very happy with the guide you recommended for day-trips to craft villages, historic sites and markets. It was great to discover that the Oaxaca we first visited 30 years ago has retained all the character and charm we remember-- and gained some impressive museums and restaurants too. Thanks again for your thoughtful and generous hospitality.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Excelente!!
Guest: Calgary Canuck
(Calgary Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/21/11
Review Submitted: 04/28/11
Our bungalow was well equiped and tastfully decorated. The location is within easy walking distance to all the downtown attractions. The complex has a central courtyard with a swimming pool and was extremely quiet - only the twittering of eary morning birds, which as a birder was not disturbing to me. The attendant was extremely hard working and kept the premises spotless. The owners were very helpful and as a bonus they own a property outside of Oaxaca and offer excellent horse riding adventures.
Recommended for:Tourists without a car.
Delightful lodging in a wonderful city
Guest: Miguel
(Ambler Pa, (Phila. area))
Date of Stay: 02/11/11
Review Submitted: 03/17/11
My wife and I spent 3 weeks in Oaxaca City during the month of February. For us, Casa Murguia was the perfect place to stay. We had the smaller studio (there are 2 other larger units). The location was great, allowing us to walk 5 blocks to the central zocolo and a few blocks to Merced market to restock. As my wife describes it, "We lived outdoors," taking all our meals at our patio table next to the pool, or reading and relaxing on the chaises. We interacted with out neighbor couples in the other units, even having communal dinners where we all chipped in a dish or two. Mary Jane and Bobby, our host/owners were very friendly and accommodating. They took us horseback riding one day at their ranch near Tule, driving us the 20 mins. there and back, door-to-door. Maria Antonia came daily to make beds, straighten up, and even do the dishes. We had 21 days of perfect weather, mid-80s in the day, and low 60s at night. I swam in the pool everyday but one, and got tan laying in the sun before and after each swim. We hope to return to this delightful, bustling, vibrant city, and can't think of a better place to stay again.
Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Casa Murguia, Oaxaca
Guest: Kate
(Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/15/11
Review Submitted: 03/09/11
I've stayed in several places in the lovely colonial city of Oaxaca, and Casa Murguia offers the best of locations, close to the historic center, but amazingly quiet and beautiful.inside its adobe walls, which enclose an extravagant garden, verandas and a pool. Both grounds and living quarters are clean and well-maintained. There is daily maid service, and all necessities, including water, linens, toilet paper, soap, etc, are provided.The city itself is endlessly enchanting, with some of the best crafts in Mexico, delicious restaurants, charming architecture andnearby ancient ruins and vibrant villages to explore. The owner of Casa Murguia also offers horseback and birding adventures at Rancho Pitaya, not far away. As visitors to the Casa are always exclaiming, "It's another day in paradise!"
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
in cambridge
Guest: jollyjudy
(cambridge/ ma/ usa)
Date of Stay: 01/23/11
Review Submitted: 02/11/11
A wonderful place to stay, excellent location in the city center, gorgeous pool and patio. The hosts were always available with helpful suggestions and advice. Relaxing and low key.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.
Perfect Oaxaca location
Guest: Ann
(Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 01/22/11
Review Submitted: 02/08/11
We have been to Oaxaca five times and stayed in various places, but now think that Casa Murguia is the perfect location for enjoying all that Oaxaca has to offer. After sightseeing or shopping and a lovely lunch at one of the many great nearby restaurants, we so much enjoyed coming back to the Casa and lounging on the comfy chaises in the sun or shade, by the pool, surrounded by a glorious garden. It was quiet and peaceful, and so great not to have to shut ourselves up in a dark, tiny hotel room for our siesta time! Also, breakfast on the patio table just outside our kitchen was a daily delight. There is plenty of sun and shade, and privacy, in the patio, pool and garden areas. Since Oaxaca has wonderful weather, having use of a garden area while there is essential. The beds are wonderful too, not something we can often say about vacation rental properties. Our king-size mattress was new-feeling, firm and very comfortable. We stayed for two weeks in the Aguacate casita, and the only quibble we had, was that during the first week, we noticed the housekeeping seemed a little hit or miss. Mary Jane was very eager for our feedback, and after we mentioned some areas of neglect, she hired an additional housekeeper who worked wonders. The kitchen was fairly well equipped, certainly enough for our daily breakfast making, (though we did have to switch out our broken coffee maker with our traveling companion staying in the studio next door.) It might have been nice to have a blender, for margaritas, but since we ate out every night, we just waited to order them at dinner. Plus, I'm sure Mary Jane would have furnished us one if we had mentioned it. Mary Jane and Bobby and Gabriel and their staff are all very charming and friendly and they work very hard to make guests happy at both the Casa and their ranch. Mary Jane sat down with us when we arrived and made a list of restaurants we should try and she was spot on with her recommendations. She also recommended a driver to take us out on a day-long excursion and Federico was just great. Though we are not horseback riders, guests who are will find this combination of Oaxaca city apartment and outlying ranch a winner. We will come back, and we hope that one of the spots in Casa Murguia will be available. Thanks for everything Mary Jane and Bobby and Gabriel!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing.
Real Mexico
Guest: sue
(CT)
Date of Stay: 07/07/10
Review Submitted: 07/22/10
hi maryjane- we wanted to thank you for our terrific stay at casa murguia! it was truly wonderful. we were in a great location and able to get a good feel for the city. the people were friendly and helpful, the sights, sounds, smells and tastes were all that we'd hoped for. i have seen a few of my oaxacan students since we returned and they were thrilled that we loved their hometown, plus it gave me a bird's eye view of where there grew up, so it worked for all of us. many thanks to you and gabriel, also, for your hospitality and warmth. we appreciate it! sue
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Outstanding rental, beautiful, quiet, comfortable- in the heart of the city
Guest: MichelleHR
(Tuxtepec, Oaxaca Mexico)
Date of Stay: 04/07/10
Review Submitted: 04/12/10
This is such a nice place I am already checking back to this site to see about reserving again. It is extraordinarily convenient, within walking distance of the historical and tourist district, the US consulate, museums, parks, great restaurants, shopping- just about anything you want to do. Night life is also active and fun in the area, but then amazingly quiet at the bungalow even though you are right in the middle of everything. Taxis are everywhere to catch if you want to wander out of the city, and we had our car but preferred to just park it. Private secure parking is a block away and inexpensive. The place has tons of room in the beautiful courtyard, really interesting tall cactus plants and fruit trees and flowers. It's very private and contained, large place but a very secure feeling. The pool is really long and fun... perfect for swimming and playing or just relaxing. The bungalow was spacious and very comfortable- bed mattress and pillows were outstanding for great sleeping, (I had to ask where they bought those pillows!), night air is cool and comfortable, and you wake up to a quiet morning with birds singing in the trees and flowers- which seems odd since you are right in the middle of the city. The kitchen was impressively large for a bungalow and full of amenities and a dining table inside... but also right outside our door was another table in the courtyard by the pool. Bathroom was either new or refurbished and had pretty tile and shower was great with good pressure and hot water (not a given at most places!) The bungalow itself was neatly decorated, had plenty of furniture/armoir and drawers for clothes and things, and very homey with lots of books and interesting art. Regarding questions on the left, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes! And I'd recommend taking a stroll out the door of this place, walk about 3 short blocks and there you are on the main tourist street- Alcala I think it is called? a walking street closed to traffic, and just go explore. Fascinating city.
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children.
First (10) of (10). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #265010
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Wednesday, January 25, 2012
