Casa Garita, a luxury residence set in the inland Mexico state of Guanajuato, holds more than a few surprises.
The property is hidden behind a modest door on a street of historic homes in San Miguel de Allende’s lively Centro district.
A step off the cobblestone and across the threshold reveals an elegant courtyard enveloped by an 18th century Hacienda-style home. The structure’s stone walls shelter blue-and-gray tiled patio space surrounded by tropical greenery. One portion of the courtyard steps up to form an outdoor dining area.
Massive stone pillars frame doorways and windows, while graceful arches crown other passageways and doors.
Once inside the rustic outer walls, however, it’s another century altogether. With the owner’s input, the rooms have been updated by interior designer Rachel Horn into refined contemporary living spaces.
The large living room, which with the dining room, den and kitchen is part of the original structure, centers on a midcentury French chandelier and combines contemporary and vintage furnishings. Dark beams line the high ceiling.
An arched doorway off the courtyard opens to the formal dining room and frames a fireplace adorned in a gold-leaf chevron pattern.
The updated kitchen combines gray-flecked white Carrera marble counters, lacquered gold-leaf cabinets and stainless appliances.
The library and den/TV room continue the modern vibe with sleek black-fronted fireplaces. French doors off the den lead back to the main courtyard and to a lawn-surrounded swimming pool area with a cabana and bar.
A curving staircase enclosing a dramatic two-story chandelier accesses an en-suite guest room, two bedrooms and a bathroom on the second level.
The third floor contains the primary suite, which has walk-in closets, a dressing room, a terrace and its own bathroom. Another bedroom and bathroom are on this level for a total of five bedrooms, four bathrooms and two half-baths within the 845 square meters (or nearly 2,800 square feet) of living space.
A rooftop terrace takes in views of the pastel pink church towers of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the shops and restaurants of El Centro.
Many of the furnishings and light fixtures will convey with the home, which is priced at US $2.95 million. Ann Dolan and Nancy Howze of CDR San Miguel are the listing agents.
Del Bajío International Airport is about 93 kilometers, or 58 miles, away.
CDR San Miguel is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.