Casa de la Espiga
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Spanish colonial house with a rooftop studio (sleeps 2-5) and an independent Moorish-style suite (sleeps 1-2), 3 blocks from San Miguel’s lively centre
In a corner of Casa de la Espiga’s rambling rooftop patio, a
hand-painted tile reads “Value grace without perfection more
than perfection without grace”. Touching indeed - but far too
modest for this decorators' dream home.
A San Francisco-based interior designer and her husband spent 4
years restoring the 1717 Spanish colonial home and its adjoining
suites. The main house is opulently clothed in elegant antiques and
indigenous artefacts. Two sumptuous bedrooms open to a
sunny patio bordered by a stone-columned portico; if you need more
space, the rooftop studio turns into an ensuite single. Next door
is an independent, 3-storey suite - more of a mini-Moroccan palace
- called the
Casita
de las Estrellas. Its Moorish patio conjures up kasbah nights
under a dome of cutout stars. A week here, pampered by a full-time
housekeeper/cook, is an indulgence to savour: grace and perfection
combined.
Reviewed by Joyce Copeland
Last updated 19 August 2011
Highs
- All mod cons - multiple TVs, internet access - hidden behind period furnishings
- Dimmers, spot lighting and patio speakers create a magical setting
- The exotic touches - a Turkish daybed, slippers and incense burners - will delight your inner Sultan
- Full-time housekeeper who will prepare meals, cater for parties or give cooking lessons
- It's centrally located, within walking distance of all the main attractions
- The flexible accommodation for 2-6 is perfect for small group gatherings, retreats and elegant entertaining
Lows
- This is elegant 'showhome' style, not easy 'lounge-about' comfort
- The complex lighting system can be hard to figure out at first attempt
- Winding stairways and irregularly spaced steps on the rooftop can be a challenge to navigate - especially at night
- It's not appropriate for children, nor for unsupervised teenagers
- There's no air con; though fans are available for those rare hot nights
- The housekeeper doesn't cook breakfast (except by special arrangement)
