Casa de Colores

Featured in "Better Homes and Gardens"

3 Bedroom, 6 1/2 Bath in Los Balcones

$1,650 per week, $5,200 per month

Casa de Colores is an elegant three-level home located in prestigious Los Balcones. Overlooking San Miguel and the surrounding countryside, this home affords magnificent views from every room. An easy ten minute walk downhill takes you to the colorful covered market and the town center.

Exquisitely hand-carved entry doors open into a large patio bedecked with bougainvillea and replete with a large bubbling fountain. A large and separate family room to the left is furnished with an inviting wrap-around leather sofa, gas fireplace, satellite TV, stereo/tape player and a lower level full-bath. Three walls of windows and glass-paned doors provide lovely views of the town, the garden and the open-air entry.

Also located on this level in the main house are the master bedroom suite, a guest bedroom, the laundry and maid's work area, a bar area, and a magnificent indoor ficus tree which reaches to the upper level skylight.

A highlight of Casa de Colores, is the master bedroom suite. A lovely sitting room with fireplace opens onto an outdoor terrace which overlooks the garden. A step-up sleeping area has a king-size bed, elevated TV and a computer desk. The large bath area, reached by either of 2 doors, has his and hers dressing rooms, closets, sinks and toilets separated by a double shower with skylight.

The guest bedroom, also on this level, has a queen-size bed, private bath and a lovely garden view.

An open air portalled walkway and stairway lead down to the garden and to the garden bedroom which has twin beds and a private bath. All three bedrooms are furnished with Ralph Lauren bed and bath linens as well as warm duvets.

There are 2 garden areas: one has a grass lawn, a small bubbly pond surrounded by potted geraniums, a rose trellis, multi-colored bougainvillea, ferns and azaleas; the other is divided into quadrants featuring a lime tree, hibiscus, many bougainvillea and a variety of climbing flowering plants which adorn the surrounding walls. The garden level provides the best view of the spectacular architectural features of this three-level home designed by a leading Mexican architect.

A lovely interior staircase adorned with ceramic pineapples and hand painted designs encircles the ficus tree and leads to the upper level. The large living area provides the best "drop-dead" view of San Miguel. Beautiful comfortable furniture, a gas fireplace, and an Oriental rug make this living room an inviting sitting area.

The large and separate dining room has an unusual round window with views of the surrounding countryside. The dining table, directly under a circular dome, comfortably seats eight. The octagonal carpet, which is hand loomed, adds a dramatic touch.

Both the dining room and living room have glass doors which lead to the outdoor sala. An equipale table with eight matching chairs make this a great place to dine, play cards, sip margaritas, and view the fabulous blue skies, the dramatic sunsets and the night lights of San Miguel!

Also on this level is a large modern kitchen with skylight. A small herb garden outside the kitchen door leads to the maid's stairway. There is a guest half bath on this level as well.

The maid, "Patricia" works Monday through Saturday, usually from about 10:30 to 4:30. She is an exceptional cook capable of creating wonderful comidas (2pm meals) for you and your guests. Should you prefer breakfast prepared rather than comida, you may discuss your wishes with her; if so, we suggest 8:30-11:00 and 1:30-4:30. Bilingual cookbooks are available which will help you choose meals to your liking. ENJOY!

No Pets, No Persons under 8, and No Smokers.

Amenities: 3 Gas Fireplaces, 3 Phones, 2 Satellite TV's, VCR, Stereo, High-speed Internet, Full Kitchen with Microwave, Washer & Dryer.