Centro- Light Filled- Comfortable- Large Yet Cozy-Contemporary
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
This wonderful house designed by Eduardo Obregon Pêna incorporates classical Mexican design with free flowing lines. The 25 by 7 foot skylight lets in the almost always sunny Mexican sky. It warms the house in winter and the specially designed shade cover keeps it cool in summer. Four bedrooms and four full baths accommodate 8 guests in perfect comfort. A guest lavatory is off the front entrance and a service lavatory is available for the staff. The kitchen is placed behind the center fireplace, affording privacy when needed or company when desired. Indoor and outdoor dining areas each accommodate 8 to 10 people. The downstairs master bedroom also has a fireplace to add charm and heat to the chillier winter nights.
The living room is the center of activity. Off it flow the reading nook, the den, the kitchen, the indoor dining area as well as the master bedroom. Just through the French doors is the downstairs garden terrace complete with gurgling fountain. On the downstairs terrace, you can sit and have cocktails while looking at the adjoining wall, covered with Bougainvilleas, Durantas, Bamboo and Jasmine, visited often by hummingbirds. The protected terrace also invites dining outside, with a charcoal BBQ adding just the right outdoorsy touch.
Just around the flowered wall is a hot tub, that is sometimes available as an added option to be used by renters. It is also sometimes used by the adjoining Casita, that can provide 1 extra bedroom, in the case of a slightly larger gathering, and by another 2 bedroom Casita for longer term use.
On the second floor is the second king master bedroom, with its own bathroom, and cozy little private terrace. Also on the second floor are the two twin bedrooms, one with an adjoining shower and the other with a Jacuzzi, loved by all. One of the twin bedrooms is also equipped as an office, with the Internet router, a laser printer and a scanner; An office away from the office.
There are so many things to do of interest in San Miguel; one doesn't have time to watch much television. However there are four televisions provided with cable service, with the basic American programs, also equipped with DVD players, for those who want to stay home and quietly watch a movie.
No need to pack your hairdryer. Each bathroom is equipped with one, as well as body cream, face wipes, soap, Que-tips, and shampoo.
Terraces abound with the roof serving as a comfortable seating area to view the sunset, the rooftops of the town and the beautiful Gothic Parroquia, that marks the center of town, only a few minutes walk away.
Full time excellent bi-lingual staff to care for you; to do the laundry, cleaning, shopping for meals, buying an arranging flowers for the house, cooking. The staff cook can also be hired for special cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dinners. Just relax and enjoy your vacation.
Through the laundry room is the garage, a welcome addition for those who want to make excursions to the intriguing historic landmarks and nearby towns, in their own vehicle. It is in use by the owner but sometimes in the summer and early fall, it is available for visitor use. There is a parking lot conveniently located just 500 feet away from the house. Normally one doesn't need a vehicle, for in town visits, just a few minutes by foot and you are anywhere you may want to go.
For smokers, we prefer that you do not smoke in the house but there are oodles of outdoor spaces where you can puff away. Ashtrays provided.
This house is for use by adults and unfortunately not for groups of just barely twenty year-olds who want to come to San Miguel to party.
Be sure to contact me by email as i am often traveling.
Keywords: House, 4 bedrooms, and 1 more possible, Beautiful, light-filled, curves, comfortable, flower filled garden, large yet cozy, real 3 to 5 minutes to Jardin (central square), jacuzzi,sometimes hot-tub option.
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 14, Beds for 8-14
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Bedroom 3
- Bedroom 4
- Attached Unit
Bathrooms
- 4.75 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
Kitchen & Dining
- Cooking Utensils
- Ice Maker
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
Amenities
- Babysitter
- Washing Machine
- Garage
- Parking Off Street
- Covered Parking
- Linens Provided
- Clothes Dryer
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- VCR
- Video Library
- Stereo
- CD Player
Communications
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Balcony
Location & View
- Monument View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Live Theater
- Swimming
- Golf
- Cycling
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Medical Services
- Massage Therapist
- Hospital
- Groceries
- ATM/Bank
- Fitness Center
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Boating
- Scenic Drives
- Bird Watching
- Playground
- Library
- Churches
- Botanical Garden
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Museums
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Equestrian Events
- Mountain Biking
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Exceeded Expectations
Exceeded Expectations
- Guest Sunny R.
- Date of stay 01/20/12
- Review Submitted 01/30/12
I bought a painting at a studio near our vacation home in the Fl. Panhandle two years ago. The name of it was 'Up on the Roof' painted by a local artist who was in SMA on a rooftop terrace painting and saw these 3 pots on the terrace below. The painting called to me as did the lure of SMA. I had just sold my business and travel was calling. I am familiar with VRBO and have had great luck with previous rentals. I began looking at SMA and knew I wanted to be in the Centro/Historico district. I also knew that 4 women needed 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (if we were lucky). There were many to choose from, but, I kept returning to Casa Harriette. The description, the photos and the owner's profile were all too tempting. There isn't anything that I can say that hasn't been said by the accurate and enthusiastic description of the owner. The skylight is the 'bomb'! We were bathed in sunlight. The entire place was immaculate. The furnishings way comfortable and art abounds. Would not have changed one thing except maybe add another week. Harriette was completely welcoming, totally gracious, interesting and interested. Very available for local tips and offerings. I speak for myself, but, I know we all felt appreciative and lucky to have come in contact with someone so multidimensional. San Miguel de Allende abounds with charm, history, art and more art, reasonably priced restaurants with great food and industrious, hard working, Mexicans. The city was clean as can be (sidewalks are washed with brushes); there is a festival feeling in the Jardin, and Juarez Park is walkable and lush. Like I said--would NOT have changed a thing! Nada!Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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Wonderful in every way
Wonderful in every way
- Guest perrydog
- Date of stay 01/20/12
- Review Submitted 01/30/12
This casa is rated excellent, beyond five star excellent. The owner has described it perfectly and the photos are wonderfu,l but can't begin to show how every room works really well. The art is great. There is not one thing our group would change. (A group of 4 women) The place is immaculately clean....every day. The owner is generous, knowledgable,and checked in with us just the right amount. The location is perfect to the center of town. I realize I am using a lot of superlatives but that is what this place deserves. I promise you....this is the place to rent.Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Owner response: Great fun to have this vibrant group of women having a break away from their daily lives. All interesting people, they seemed to really enjoy the town, although they couldn't do everything this time. I look forward to their return visit.
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Property was Great!!!
Property was Great!!!
- Guest carmen
- Date of stay 12/28/11
- Review Submitted 01/02/12
We went with all our family to San Miguel for New Year....we expected to find a comfortable place, to enjoy these Holidays...the Casita surpassed all expectations!!!! We rented the big house and the apartment...the distribution of the house,the comfortable furniture, wonderful lighting, the cozy fireplaces, all the necessary kitchen facilities and appliances, and the great helpers included with the rent made our New year's dinner an unforgettable experience. We recommend this property with no reservations....The place is as great as the pictures make it look!!!Recommended for: Sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Owner response: It was a pleasure to have such a lovely big well behaved family enjoying my house for New Years. I am thrilled they chose my house for all their gatherings instead of the second, even more expensive, house they rented to accommodate the rest of their group. It is gratifying when one's efforts are appreciated.
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Rates
one week $2,000 one month $7,200 add 20% for major holidays add-on space: one bedroom cassita one week $550 add-on space: two bedroom cassita one week $1,400 longer term rental negotiable JUNE RENTALS or long summer rental - ask for a special price!!!
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2004
About the owner: I started my life in Boston, loving all the seasons, the colorful fall, the dry delicious snowy winters, the exuberance of spring and the tranquil months of temperate summer. In 1980, life brought me and my family to Paris where we have lived on peniches, houseboats, for the last 30 years. Besides enjoying living in one of the world's more beautiful cities, I was busy making documentary films. My children grew and went on to their lives, living also in exotic places around the world, my son an ecologist, working at saving the planet, and my daughter, a filmmaker and painter. We were not often in the same place at the same time. I knew if I was to enjoy life as a grandmother, it would be necessary to find a house, welcoming to all, in a spot that all could enjoy, to spend memorable times together. So, as described below, I bought this house, purposefully ignoring the vacant lot next door that could eventually present a problem. When eventually the lot did come up for sale, it was obvious that I was the one who had to buy it, to keep someone from building a house that would block my side light. Looking toward the future and a large extended family, I built an annex in that lot, and shared the garden with the present house. There is a one bedroom casita, as well as a two bedroom residence, both of which can be added on to the main house, or in fact rented on their own. The complex is built so that each dwelling is separate and private or that they can easily share the common spaces. I find I spend more and more time here, in the two bedroom dwelling, and rent out the others or put my guests in them. I go horseback riding, act in plays, enjoy the lectures, films, and music. I am really not a country person, except for romantic weekends, so love being in a city, large or small, where there are interesting things going on. The combination of Paris and San Miguel, both fascinating, though on entirely different scales, is just about perfect for me.
Why the Owner Chose Centro Historico:
In 2004, at dinner at my daughter's house, the discussion turned to San Miguel. A friend of hers had just returned to NY from his first visit to this town. During the entire dinner, he raved about the beauty, the interesting people, the variety of creative things to do, and to learn in this town. By the end of dinner, it was obvious to me, and my daughter, that this is where I should buy the house I referred to as, 'my grandmother house'; A place for the whole family to come together for fun filled vacations.
I had been looking for five years for a place that would satisfy the desires of the entire family in the years to come as I expected the family to expand. I had looked in the East, the West and the South to find the perfect place. Coming from the North I wanted to find a place free of very cold winters, also free of very hot summers. San Miguel at 6,000 feet promised to provide a temperate climate, year round.
After a quick examination of the town, I started looking for a good vacation house. I wanted to be in Centro and near Juarez Park, for the playground and the wonderful walking/jogging paths. I saw many typically Mexican houses, with their lovely interior courtyards, but found them rather dark inside under the side roofs. The moment I walked into this house, I knew this was it. Totally contemporary, however it retains a charming Mexican quality, and the large center skylight floods it with energizing light. So with very little time to get it ready, the whole extended family decided to come for the first Christmas.
The house lived up to its expectations, and everyone had a wonderful time. Off we all went to our various lives, leaving the house to guests who would enjoy all that we had experienced. Our guests have found it a wonderful temporary home away from home. It's proximity to the center of town makes enjoying the variety of activities simple, and insures that your time here is spent doing all that you wish.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
I was totally unprepared for the charms of San Miguel. When I bought here, it was mainly as a place for family vacations, which has worked out extremely well for us all. However in coming down to furnish and decorate the house, I spent big chunks of time during which I was more or less forced to get to know the town. Bit by bit I discovered why everyone raves about this place.
Daily I made friends with new people, discovered new fun restaurants, music venues, theater productions, fun interesting people. I realized that that very ordinary looking person wandering down the street actually is a famous artist who has just finished a large mural in the City Hall of Munich, Germany, or has just had a show at the MOMA in NY... Unassuming, lovely people, living their lives in this charming town. No fuss, no celebrity, just interesting people, open, creative, getting on with their lives, in a most comfortable, friendly way.
I found my house a very easy 'flat walk' from the center, so a 3 to 5 minute walk and you are almost everywhere you want to be. No need to plan far ahead. If you forget something in the house, it is not a big deal to go back and get it. The simplicity of living in 'Centro' makes your time here all very well spent.
Being one-half block from Juarez Park, with a playground and wonderful walking and jogging paths, also makes life easy. The park is on a slight rise so a few times around each morning and your exercise is mostly accomplished. The Candelaria, flower and plant sale weeks, are held here as well. Its proximity is definitely a plus.
I am still enjoying all these aspects of San Miguel, and each day discover more new and interesting people and places. Once you come here, chances are you will return. San Miguel is a Unesco World Heritage site, the safest, most welcoming, town in Mexico.
Contact us
- Primary: 917 464 5282
Links to more information:
Photos
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Main House living room
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Main House from upstairs to downstairs
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Main House living room looks on the terrace
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Main House kitchen
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Main House indoor dining
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Main House twin/office
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Main House skylight
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view of paroquia from Terrace of the Main House
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Casita living room opens to private garden
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Casita private garden
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Casita twins-can make into King
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Tree House master bedroom
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Main House upstairs hall
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Main House reading nook- so relaxing
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Main House outdoor dining
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Main House downstairs terrace off the living room.
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Main House upstairs king
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Main House downstairs master
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Main House Terrace seating
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Casita living dining with own entrance on private alleyway
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Casita bedroom with desk , closets and bathroom
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Tree House living room view on garden
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Tree House Guest bedroom
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This listing was first published here in 2011.
Date last modified - Monday, May 20, 2013
917 464 5282