Stunning House, & Solar Pool, San Felipe Del Agua, Near Oaxaca Center

• WHAT A FIND!

  WHAT A FIND!

  • Guest Ted77
  • Date of stay 04/27/12
  • Review Submitted 02/05/13
  We stayed here in April 2012, and so thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that we extended our stay! The property is a detached house with a large living room, kitchen and one bedroom downstairs, and a large bedroom with en suite bathroom upstairs. One of the nicest amenities is the large terrace, which is where we ate and relaxed at night, listening to the ever-changing night-sounds of the Oaxaca hillside. The place was very nicely furnished, scrupulously clean, and the kitchen was well equipped. Parking is secure inside the gate. Judith, our host was very helpful and gracious, and very quick-witted with a delightful British sense of humor. Her house, which shares an outdoor pool with the rental, is adjacent. The location is in a nice suburb, about 10 minutes from the center of Oaxaca if the traffic is light. Good supermarkets and other shopping in the area. The only difficulty we encountered is that the house numbers on the street are not sequential, and the house number was not clearly marked, so it's advisable to arrive during daylight hours. I've been in many Mexican rentals in the past few years, and this location is definitly near the top of my list. It was so pleasant staying there, we are looking for any excuse to return to Oaxaca.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• A perfect home base to explore Oaxaca

  A perfect home base to explore Oaxaca

  • Guest Katia
  • Date of stay 07/01/12
  • Review Submitted 08/03/12
  We have just returned from an incredible month in this beautiful house. The location is ideal. The house is situated down a long driveway off the cobblestone road. This means the only noises you hear are those of the local roosters, crickets and occasional thunderstorm. Yet the bus runs by about every five minutes headed to the city center and is a direct, easy ride. You have the best of both worlds, the leafy village surroundings with lovely views but all the convenience of the city center just a short ride (and 5.5 pesos) away. We had our two young children with us and it was truly ideal. The kids enjoyed the play structure next door, and private swimming lessons in the pool. They became friends with the neighbors (and all the neighborhood pets) and were able to play free and unsupervised in a way they can’t even at home. We felt totally secure and safe in Oaxaca and in San Felipe del Agua. My husband was working during our stay. He had three laptops and lots of other valuable high tech equipment in the house and we never worried about security. From the bus drivers and cab drivers going out of their way to help us find certain locations, to the shop owners, market stall sellers and most especially Judith and Sergio and their wonderful daughters, we have never met kinder, more helpful people anywhere we have travelled. We visited ruins and villages, markets and artist studios, walked the streets in the late evenings, attended fiestas and performances in town. In every situation we were welcomed, treated with great kindness and overwhelmed by the generosity and humor of the Oaxacan people. Judith, Sergio and the darling Ollie are the perfect landlords and neighbors. They are truly warm and outgoing people willing to offer suggestions and assistance if you need it, allowing plenty of privacy and space if you want it. We simply cannot recommend this home highly enough and we cannot wait to return. We are already homesick for our “home away from home” and lovely life in Oaxaca.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with young children, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• Authentic Mexican Living

  Authentic Mexican Living

  • Guest Wayne
  • Date of stay 01/15/12
  • Review Submitted 06/06/12
  All inclusives have a place, but this is the real Mexico. In planning for our second long trip to Oaxaca, Mexico we decided we would try to find a home which had enough space for ourselves, for an art studio area and a quiet study area, a well equipped food preparation area, a secure yard for our small dog (must love dogs), access to both walking in the hills and transportation to the historic district and an inviting outdoor terrace area. We wanted our visitors to have their own bathroom (and bedroom!) We found this property appeared to have all of those features and many more. We loved the layout and space of the house, the cobblestone gated drive in area, and most especially the terrace. We learned that the bedroom on the main floor was a perfect place for a siesta in the afternoon….cool quiet and deliciously comfortable. Even features like the outdoor lighting and plugs allowed one to work, read etc on the patio outside day and night. The people we encountered everywhere were friendly and gentle. For those thinking about driving: Our three month visit was nearly sabotaged by concerns about driving through the notorious northern border areas, but after research with friends who live there full and part time, we took a cautious approach and travelled on cuotas (quality toll roads) always in daylight, and made border crossings by mid morning through a recommended crossing not located in a border town. We also researched all required documents for crossing with a pet and an automobile and we were well prepared with documentation, lots of copies of our originals, prepaid Mexican Car Insurance and lots of information from friends about the process. The trip was safe and enjoyable in both directions for us. With the popularity of eco tourism, we believe this long term rental provides a truly authentic Mexican living experience where we had a sense of being part of the community while still having the safety net of Judith, Sergio and their lovely daughters to help those of us challenged with the language and unfamiliar customs. They were all patient, respectful, kind, and never intrusive. They also were very polite about not laughing too quickly about our blunders. It was not long before we felt quite at home and aware of our luck in having wonderful neighbors. It was difficult to say good-bye!

  Recommended for: Pet owners, families with young children, families with teenagers, people with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• We're Returning to Paradise Next Fall

  We're Returning to Paradise Next Fall

  • Guest Elinor G.
  • Date of stay 10/28/11
  • Review Submitted 01/23/12
  The house in San Felipe is just about perfect! Far enough out of town to be quiet (excluding the perpetual sounds of Mexico: dogs barking, music playing, roosters crowing and fireworks going off...to be found anywhere). We felt totally safe. Close enough into town that we could hop the bus directly into the center of things and be there (when we didn't run into a parade) in about 20 minutes. If that was too long to wait, or we were going a bit off the route, a quick taxi ride (usually about 40 pesos) took us where we wanted to go. The nearby market on Tuesday, Friday and Sat was perfect for stocking up on papaya, different varieties of bananas, avocados, etc. Several tienditas are very close as well. We hope Bizmilla, a nearby restaurant that is very good, survives the construction on Hidalgo. If you are looking to be in the center of things, this is not your best choice; if you are looking to be comfortable, quiet, and convenient -- this works extremely well. We checked out another house: closer into town but not on a bus route, not close to a regular outdoor market, on a hill, etc. It's easy to think closer is more convenient which isn't necessarily true. Now...as for the house itself. It is truly lovely. When we arrived, my husband wondered..."ok. This is where the owners live. Where do we stay?" It was THAT nice. The house is thoughtfully designed so the upstairs is roomy and private, which served us well when we had guests staying in the downstairs bedroom. My husband set himself up with his computer upstairs; I was downstairs. We both had wifi access. It was perfect. We loved having the washer and the "solar dryer" so conveniently located. For a variety of reasons we actually spent quite a bit of time in the house rather than poking around Oaxaca and couldn't have been in a more pleasant, sunny, setting. Do bring house slippers and something cozy to wear if you are there in the winter...it gets a bit crispy. But then again, it stays nice and cool even when the day heats up. Perfect. Judith's lovely art decorates the walls, the high ceilings add to the sense of space, all very well done with an eye both for aesthetics and convenience. And now for the best part: our hosts. You basically couldn't ask for better ones. The perfect balance between being totally available to help and extremely careful and respectful of our privacy. And really really really NICE! Bottom line: We reserved again for this coming fall!

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• Such a lovely home to base a visit to one of Mexico's hidden gems

  Such a lovely home to base a visit to one of Mexico's hidden gems

  • Guest FamilyinMexico
  • Date of stay 10/03/11
  • Review Submitted 11/03/11
  We stayed just under a week in this lovely setting, with secure parking and home. We felt very safe walking in the local neighbourhood, and welcomed by the locals. We spent some time perusing the local shops and market area, and it was also a quick drive to the zocalo and easy day trips to beautiful ruins, mountains and mineral spring pools. The home itself was fully self sufficient, with kitchen well equipped, laundry, and bathrooms. We squeezed in an extra mattress to make three beds in the downstairs room, while the mezzanine style upstairs room was a real treat for Mum and Dad! Next door, our host and her family played the role of host beautifully, with as much contact as we wanted and an open invitation for the kids to play next door. We were grateful for help finding a dentist who spoke English, and for giving us some travel tips for the area. We also appreciated the artwork in the home, some of it originals of the host, other piece tastefully collected to reflect the area's artisan culture. We could have stayed in Oaxaca longer in this home. Wifi was strong and consistent, drinking water provided, and the TV good for watching DVDs.

  Recommended for: Girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• Lovely place for a family

  Lovely place for a family

  • Guest Laura
  • Date of stay 07/01/11
  • Review Submitted 08/18/11
  We stayed in this lovely home for three weeks. It is clean, bright, and pretty, just as the pictures show. Judith and Sergio were great, very accommodating and happy to answer queries. Judith got me in touch with an instructor at her daughter's school who was teaching a summer class in wall-climbing, which made my 15-yr-old's and 12-yr-old's trip! San Felipe is an easy bus ride to Oaxaca City, and a pleasant escape from the hustle of the city. I also recommend the Amigos del Sol Spanish school in San Felipe, and the organic market on Fridays at Xochimilco's church square.

  Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• Lovely home in safe, picturesque surroundings

  Lovely home in safe, picturesque surroundings

  • Guest Saritalouisa
  • Date of stay 03/01/10
  • Review Submitted 05/17/10
  This beautiful house in the friendly village of San Felipe del Agua, just four miles from historic Centro Oaxaca, was our home for a full month, and we hated to leave. The information and descriptions in this VRBO listing are perfectly accurate, yet this place is even better than the photographs convey. The house is beautifully designed and well maintained, and the owners couldn't have been more helpful, yet afforded us privacy. The solar heated pool--heaven! I would (and have) recommeded this property to friends and family, both to couples (young and old) and families with children or teens. While there, we fell in love with Oaxaca, its gentle people, culture, cuisine and of course the Zocolo and historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We felt perfectly safe the whole time. Getting around is easy with inexpensive taxis and buses that run continuously. Hiring a driver to explore nearby craft villages, markets and the mountains is fun and inexpensive. Exploring our own village and hiking the hills was a pleasure any day. Everyone we met was helpful and patient (if bemused) with our fledgling Spanish (We attended a good language school within walking distance) but I have to admit it was great to have the Zurs we could turn to in English. Before our month was up, we were making plans to return to this special place.

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

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• A little piece of heaven!

  A little piece of heaven!

  • Guest Dick and carola
  • Date of stay 02/02/10
  • Review Submitted 05/16/10
  Following the month of January in San Miguel de Allende, we arrived in Oaxaca with our 19 year old cat Goblin and 13 year old Jack Russel, Gidget. Judith and Sergio welcomed us to their property and were perfect hosts, all the usual questions, where do we buy groceries, flowers, etc. We had total run of this property, Goblin owned the garden and saw off the landlord's cat on more than one occasion! Four weeks of Spanish school just down the street for my wife, while I played Golf at San Augustin Etla, just a fifteen minute drive away. Every day we visited the villages and their friendly artists. From Teotitlan and the rug weavers, to San Martin Tilcajete and the wood carvings, searching out those artists that had a flare for doing something different. May I say that by the time we left, we were the proud owners of very many treasured items. My wife met up with Mary Jane Gagner for three scenic trail rides in the hills around Teotitlan. Our trip included 15,000kms in our Ford 150 Truck, the perfect vehicle for traversing the uncountable topes (speed bumps), and for taking on the domineering (and impatient) lady drivers of Oaxaca. Oh yes, and there was the the mechanic who returned our truck to perfect health after one to many bumps,an affordable $40.00 job that would have cost $450.00 back home! Oh the memories.. great wine, fruit and vegetables...only $230.00 for a month, we ate in most days, as we love to cook. Our compliments to Judith for a very well appointed kitchen, and to Fernanda for keeping the house spotless. Will we go back to Oaxaca, count on it! Goblin hates the snow as does Gidget! Did we feel safe....safer than living in most places in the world...driving was a blast, no fear of ever running out of gas, there is a gas station every 30kms. You read more (negatives) about what is going on in Mexico on Yahoo, than you will ever see or experience in person. Hey we did not even feel a 6 on the (Richter Scale) earthquake til we got an email from Canada to ask if we were safe. If you plan is to visit Oaxaca and want to be on the edge of town, this is your spot...not forgetting brunch at the beautiful Hotel Los Laureles, a two minute walk from the house.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children, adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

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• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Sara and Carl
  • Date of stay 03/31/07
  • Review Submitted 04/01/10
  What a wonderful month of March we have had living in San Felipe del Agua and staying in this beautiful house! Judith, Sergio, Sofia and Ollie could not have been nicer to have as landlords and neighbors--they are a very special family. And gracias to Fernanda who helped us with all things casa related and our Spanish too. We hope everyone who follows here enjoys as much as we have the beautiful mornings, the birds, flowers and trees, sights and sounds of the nieghborhood (don't worry, you'll get used to the rooster and dogs!) dips in the pool and the lovely privacy. Our favorite time of the day is around 4:30 PM--we sit on the veranda when the wind blows through and clears the air--make sure the windows upstairs are secured or they will slam! Another delight is having breakfast or a late supper on the veranda--no bugs! We have had many great adventures in and around Oaxaca largely attributable to Lonely Planet and Moon guidebooks--both and others are available in English at the bookstore "Amate" at the corner of Alcala and M. Matamoros. You can also pick up a good map at a green Tourist Information kiosk. As you will discover, the white busses, route 25, (leaving from the corner across from the church in San Felipe, for Centro--ask folks when to get off-- then pick up Route 25 busses along the street Reforma for the return, right to the end of your lane!) are fun, cheap (4.5 pesos) and come often. The gray busses are good too. Taxis cruise through regularily and cost 40 pesos to the center, 50 to get back. Once in the Center, we recommend eating a late lunch or supper (get mole negro!) at least once at El Asador Vasco on the balcony overlooking the southwest corner of the Zocolo. They open at 2:00, and you'll need to reserve if you want a front row table. We also recommend the food at La Olla Cafe (esp breakfast! or dinner upstairs or a drink on the roof) on Reforma. If you haven't been to Oaxaca before, of course you'll want to stroll north up Calle Alcala to Iglesia de Santo Domingo around 6:30 to witness the gilded interior aglow in the evening light. The huge Cultural Museum of Oaxaca in the former monastary attached to the Santa Domingo catherdral is excellent (and has English audio tours) as is the guided tour of the adjoining Ethnobotanical Gardens and the new Textile Museum on Hidalgo. In the morning visit the Mercado Jaurez and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre south of the Zocolo. And of course there are wonderful Artisan shops,

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• Guest comment entered by owner

  • Guest Joe and Bette Dixon
  • Date of stay 01/31/10
  • Review Submitted 01/31/10
  Dear Sergio, Judith, Sofia and Oli, We really enjoyed visiting you and living in your comfortable house. We have had so many great experiences here - Monte Alban, Santo Domingo Museum, the Mendoza sisters house and restaurant in Teotitlan (their rugs are beautiful) trips to San Antonio Arrazola & San Martin Tilcajete for Alebrijis, lovely Church in atCuilapan and markets; the traditional arts here are wonderful, friendly people who take great pride in their Zapotec and Mixtec culture.

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Additional information about rental rates

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.

Fully refundable Security Deposit required upon arrival.

base rental rate incl utilities: (1-2 months) 1650 month, high season rate 1780. Long term rates excl. utilities: 3-5 mos 1450, 6-8 mos 1400, 9 mos or more 1350

Full payment: pay pal to reserve $50 cancel fee´til 90 days,50% 31-90 days.Refundable security deposit from $300 for short term rental to one month´s rent for long term rentals. Optional:$35 week/$120 mo. pool access