Old Town, Romantic Zone Villa
- Villa6000 sq. ft.
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 6
- Min Stay: 3–7 nights
Villa, 5 Bedroom, 6 bathrooms Riverfront Views
Bedrooms
Owner
Jeff Castaneda
- Languages:
- english, spanish
About Jeff Castaneda
I was born in Mexico City, says our host, but from an early age I moved here, right after my mother died. It was my uncle, Xavier de la Torre, who brought me to Vallarta to live with him. The fame of Xavier de la Torre grew when pictures of Elizabeth appeared in Vallarta displaying their designs. Xavier was very close to Rock Hudson, an endearing friend of Elizabeth, so it was not long before she also became part of her uncle’s group, an incredibly creative man and a celebrity in Vallarta. From fashion to interior design and from there to sculpture or cooking. Everyone knew him and he knew everyone. His home (Villa Leonarda) was a true creative mecca. Fairy godmother My relationship with her was very special and unique, explains Sergio. How did she become my godmother? In a very natural and innocent way. One day, my uncle showed me a picture of her and commented: Look Sergio, your godmother. I just smiled and answered: Yes, I want Elizabeth to accompany me on my First Holy Communion. He replied: Very well, the next time you see her, ask her if she wants you to be her godson. And so it was. The desire of the little boy became a reality in a mass officiated in the Parish of Guadalupe, in front of a few assistants. She asked me to call her “madrinita” which is little godmother. No one else call her that, just me, Sergio remembers. Would you like to know more? Continue on the link below ... https://www.villaleonarda.com/libro-amarillo/
Jeff Castaneda purchased this Villa in 1956
Why Jeff Castaneda chose Emiliano Zapata
I often wonder when Vallarta’s destiny was written, says Sergio. Could that has been when Tennessee Williams wrote The Night of the Iguana imagining a magical place in Mexico? or when John Huston decided to film the movie at the port? Or when Elizabeth decided to accompany her husband during the filming? Anyone who has been the true detonator, the history of the port changed forever. Of course, don’t forget the unique geography of this place. It’s one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The water is temperate, the sierra – which ends at the sea – is majestic and its inhabitants are extremely friendly, Sergio describes with great pride. In the end I think that everything contributed to create the myth of Puerto Vallarta. Located in downtown Vallarta, in the colorful and lively area known as Gringo Gulch, Villa Leonarda is a quiet oasis for a perfect vacation in a casually stylish ambiance. Built alongside the Cuale River, home to majestic iguanas, egrets and parrots, this rental villa, ideal for a family or a group of friends, is within walking distance from the boardwalk and main beaches, terrific restaurants and quaint shops. Imbued in a star-studded history, the house consists of two buildings where period and custom-designed furniture pieces alternate with artworks signed by renowned Mexican contemporary artists. Three dining areas and a high-ceiling living room with a fireplace complement five spacious, well appointed rooms, with their whimsically decorated bathrooms. Once a favorite hangout for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, today Villa Leonarda offers all the comforts of world-class accommodations.
What makes this Villa unique
Villa Leonarda is an oasis in the middle of the City. When looking from the outside you never imagine what's hidden behind its walls. One of the great classic villas from the jet set days of the 1960s, recently updated with an urbane sophisticated style and upscale art and furnishings, Villa Leonarda evokes a glamorous age when Hollywood ruled Puerto Vallarta. Behind the stately hacienda walls, you will step into a magical world of beauty, charm and grace. Villa Leonarda offers a unique experience that connects with the City history in a traditional Mexican architecture but renewed, fully equipped to provide a comfortable and sophisticated stay. My uncle Xavier was of the zodiacal sign Leo, so all his friends always gave him figures of lions. That’s why he named his house “Villa Leonarda”. And although it has undergone some transformations, now it is the oldest one that exists in Vallarta. The house was abandoned some time after his death. I came from time to time, but on one of those occasions the house wouldn’t let me go. Elizabeth used to visit his house regularly. I remember returning from school and there they were all gathered talking. They could be Richard, Elizabeth, Xavier and Burt Lancaster, for example. In addition to being an extraordinary designer; he had an outstanding talent to create friendly atmospheres, to cook and to decorate, -the reason why the meetings were always made in Villa Leonarda-. He was a splendid host. There is even a very interesting anecdote about the property. According to my uncle, one day Richard offered to buy it because, apparently, he always liked it more than the one he inhabited, to which Xavier responded in a friendly but definitive manner: Look Richard, you have fame, private plane an extraordinary career and, especially Elizabeth Taylor, but this house will never be yours.
Amenities
Featured
- Washer & Dryer
- TV
- Accessible
- Children Welcome
- Internet
- Air Conditioning
- Parking
- Swimming pool
- Hot Tub
- Heater
- Fireplace
Bathrooms
- Bathrooms: 6
Safety features
- Smoke detector
- Carbon-monoxide detector
- Fire extinguisher
- First-aid kitKitchen
- Exterior lighting
Location Type
- DowntownVilla Leonarda enjoys a privileged location on one of the most picturesque streets in downtown area, in legendary Gringo Gulch quarter and a few steps away from boardwalk, church & best restaurants
- Mountain
- Near The OceanWe are conveniently located 4 blocks away from ocean, boardwalk, famous malecon.
- VillageBuilt in the traditional Mexican Colonial style, with whitewashed adobe and red brick walls, formidable hardwood beams and red tile roofs, this riverfront property is a heaven of tranquility.
- RiverRio Cuale right infront of the property, viewable from the terrace and outdoor areas
- Mountain ViewCrossing the threshold of Villa Leonarda, at one end of the patio the river Cuale and its island offer a delightful landscape of lush vegetation against the backdrop of the mountains.
- Ocean ViewFrom rooftop you can enjoy how sun sets into ocean line of horizon
- Water ViewVilla Leonarda is a Riverfront property. Lush tropical ambience enhanced by the sound of the river rushing by.
- WaterfrontVilla Leonarda is a Riverfront property. Once you close the massive wood door, a sensuous calm surrounds you. Still, among the luscious greenery of the patio you may hear the church bells in the dista
General
- Telephone
- Air ConditioningMinis plit AC units are in the bedrooms
- Heating
- Linens Provided
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Fireplace
- Parking
- InternetFREE WI-FI
- Towels Providedbath towels, pool towels, and beach towels are provided
- Safe
- Wireless Internet
- Iron & Board
- Hair Dryer
- Paper Towels
- Shampoo
- Basic Soaps
- Toilet Paper
- Living Room
- Baby Gate
Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Oven
- Microwave
- Grill
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Blender
- Ice Maker
- Pantry Items
- Dishes & Utensils
- Kitchen
- Kettle
Dining
- Dining Room
- Dining Area
- Child's Highchair
- DiningSeparate dining rom area Childs high chair upon request.
Entertainment
- Television
- Stereo
- DVD Player (2)
- Books
- Music Library
- Toys
Outside
- Lawn / Garden
- Balcony
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Towels
- Deck / PatioLarge outdoor area overlooking Rio Cuale
- Outdoor Furniture
Suitability
- wheelchair accessible
Pool / Spa
- Outdoor Pool
- Heated Pool
- Private PoolHeated Outdoor Pool
- Hot TubBedroom 2: Tapanco Bedroom 3. Obelisco Bedroom 5: El Rio
Onsite Services
- Massage
- Private Chef
- Concierge
- Housekeeper Included
Notes
- Any additional service or request you may have please let me know and we can gladly assist you to the best of our ability to ensure you have a memorable vacation.
Breakfast
- Booking Possible
Policies
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.
Damage and incidentals
You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.
House Rules
Children allowed
No parties/events
Smoking allowed - Only outdoorsOnly outdoors
Max guests: 10
17 Reviews
Friends Getaway
Beautiful, quiet, and tranquil property, just a short walk from the ocean and Malecon boardwalk. Josephina and Deliah were nothing short of amazing, they cooked a wonderful breakfast, cleaned and did our laundry daily. The courtyard and pool were a perfect place to gather and enjoy drinks together as a group. I highly recommend booking this villa for your stay in Puerto Vallarta!
Hi Heather
We appreciate your comment and we are pleased that you enjoyed your stay.
We are delighted that Delia and Josefina has treated you well.
We hope your visit soon in Puerto Vallarta.
A private Oasis right near old time
Upon walking into Villa Leonarda, we were quite surprised with the property. It is more extravagant than the pics show. The pool is a great relaxation point. Delia and Josephina were terrific and able to whip of a fantastic breakfast whenever needed. The location is convenient. Walking to most of the places in Old Town were easy and took no longer than 20 min.
The Villa is very open air. If you are not used to that, the Villa may be uncomfortable for you. My only complaint for the Villa is the walls are not sound proofed. If you are a light sleeper or have loud housemates that like to stay up late, you will be able to hear them. I was able to sleep through the background noise but I am a rather sound sleeper. Our housemates that stayed in rooms outside of the main house did not have issues with sound from what I was told.
All in all, you will appreciate the space. We would book again on our next PVR trip.
Family getaway
First I will say that the house was gorgeous and a beautiful unique venue to host my family! We all love the detail of the space and especially the backdrop of the plants, art, and overall feel of the space.
Dalia and Josephina (spelling?) we’re so accommodating and responsive to our needs and requests;) we had delicious found prepared by the staff and felt well cared for.
And the pool was our haven! So perfect with the backdrop of all of the foliage!
When the air units did not work in all spaces they promptly got fans for us...the refrigerator did not work well but they had someone out right away to take a look at it.
Some items that could be attended to:
—the room I stayed in (top level of the east units) did not have cold water available in the shower...the handle was stripped so it just came off when I tried to turn it) I didn’t want to put one more task on the ladies for fixing since we had already made a couple of other requests....but it should be fixed.
—You may want to advertise that the main house does not have any air-conditioning in the living room as it is very hot during the off-season and the fan did not work in the living room
—You also may want to specify that there are actually several stairs as we had elderly individuals staying in the space and could only stay on bottom level rooms
—There is a room that shares a wall that has openings in the ceiling of the wall to the apartment next-door… This was an issue on our last night as the individuals that were staying in the apartment were very loud and not very respectful of our request for them to be quieter during the later hours of the evening. The single door between the 2 spaces felt a bit “too close” and not as private when noise was an issue
Overall my family had such a wonderful time and felt very cared for by the staff! What a wonderful location and such a truly unique and historical feeling space!
Beautiful garden oasis
We could not be more happy with our stay at Villa Leonarda. From the minute you walk in the door, the tranquil jungle feel takes your breath away. We felt like movie stars, living in the lap of luxury. The house is very open, in any given room, you never feel like you are exactly inside. Lots of fresh air and breezes. The welcome guacamole and ceviche and margs were heavenly, a great way to start our vacation in paradise. Dalia and Josephina, the housekeepers are so sweet and there to tend to your every need. The beauty of this place is that it is in the heart of the action in Old Town, easy to walk to everything, but it also feels like a secluded Oasis in the middle of the jungle. Very private. You will hear a lot of normal city sounds... But they are off in the distance. Be aware you will be surrounded by wildlife. Some bugs, lots of stray cats, iguanas... But for us that just added to the charm. The art and history of the villa is so amazing... You can feel the stories of many years and many incredible people in the walls. They have updated the place beautifully, without taking any of it's historic energy. Definitely get at least one dinner made by the chef!! The paella was incredible, as well as all the sides. It was a great deal, and enough for two meals. We paid for one breakfast, which was delicious, and about the same price of the dinner, but we also ate that for two or three different mornings. We loved this place so much that I am considering having my wedding there, in the courtyard next year!! 😊😊💓
Absolutely Perfect venue, location, service
This 5 br, 5 bath work of art, historically famous Villa was perfect for our group of 6 women. The service of our two ladies Dehlia and Josefina was exceptional, best food we had in PV. Location is a few blocks from the Malecon and old town.
Each suite is large and very comfortable. Pool area is where we spent most of our time. Can’t say enough good things about this beautiful venue. Upon arrival around 7 pm We were greeted by the manager Alma and our two ladies, serving margueritas, guacamole, salsa and chips, enough for our dinner after a long day of flying. Every morning we were served a different, authentic Mexican breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit, included in the service. We hired the chef for one night of wonderful paella that fed us for three more meals. Got to meet the owner Sergio and learned the fascinating history of the place and his contribution to the beautiful artwork throughout every room.
We all felt extremely fortunate to find this home away from home and hope to return soon. Thank you Sergio, Alma, Dehlia and Josefina for a perfect holiday.
Thank you Meredith for your lovely comments. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay and met your expectations. We look forward to hosting you and your lovely group again anytime your in Puerto Vallarta again. Until we meet again
Map
Villa Leonarda is located at the end of Guerrero Street, corner with Cuahtemoc Street. No hills nor stairs to climb!
Enjoy this open villa and privacy it offers, a one of a kind property located right in the heart of town. Very safe and also conveniently located that you are minutes walks away form some of the finest restaurants in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Villa LEonarda staff are so accomodating, we cant wait to host you!