La Casa de los Milagros

An intimate and homely 3-bedroom colonial house in the heart of Oaxaca, available on a B&B or villa basis

The ‘House of Miracles’ has earned its name. Built in the 1900s as a colonial home, it has come unscathed through several major earthquakes and floods, and now survives as one of the older and more elegant buildings in central Oaxaca. The latest miracle was performed by local architect Jorge Quintanar, who remodelled the house into a stylish 3-bedroom guesthouse with all the mod cons and a bright, colourful décor.

At its heart is a peaceful stone patio, around which are arranged the bedrooms, the dining room and the living room, topped by a sunny cactus-filled terrace. Many traditional features are preserved - beamed ceilings, brass chandeliers, wrought-iron and ivy-covered walls - as well as some whimsical touches, like the cherub wall hangings and vintage dolls.

The reception provided by the Cabrera family is as warm as the ochre walls - you may even become privy to the secrets of Oaxacan cooking in their welcoming, well-equipped kitchen, which is always open to guests and makes the perfect place for a mezcal nightcap. Otherwise, the restaurants and markets of downtown Oaxaca are just a short walk away.

Highs

• This is a private, privileged place to stay
• The décor is a lovely blend of modern and traditional Mexican
• Staff are friendly and attentive
• It’s close to restaurants, shops and markets

Lows

• The central location means there’s some traffic noise, especially from passing buses
• No telephones in the rooms
• Street parking only
• There’s a minimum stay of 2 nights