Conceived as an off-grid hideaway for two, Casa Etérea is a 75-square-metre dwelling that sits on the rugged slopes of the extinct volcano Palo Huérfano. The vision was to create a “theatre to nature” from which guests could experience the mountain, so sustainability was crucial in attaining a truly complete integration with the environment. In order to achieve this, the house runs on solar energy, collected rainwater, and uses a patterned ultraviolet coating on the mirror making it visible to birds while remaining reflective to the human eye.
Heavily inspired by the concept of “emotional architecture,” – coined by Mexican architect Luis Barragán and sculptor-painter Mathias Goéritz – Casa Etérea is liveable installation art that uses mirrored panels to diffuse the boundaries between the wild and the structured. By distorting the perspective of where the observer begins and the landscape ends, the project aims to evoke a deep sense of awe and oneness with the wild, and to beg questions about our role as stewards in the preservation of our ecosystems.
A testament for how the natural landscape can be made clearer by architecture, while not being tamed – we invite you to find stillness in this one-of-a-kind designer residence.
STAY
Casa Etérea is a beautiful and intimate space, that was designed without partition walls – making the entire house one large room. From the central living space and bedroom, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors frame vistas of towering cliffs, while opening to connect with a decked patio area and solar-heated pool surrounded by olive and pomegranate trees. The house also features an exposed glass shower with views to a staggering ravine, and an intimate kitchen equipped with amenities for light cooking. Remote-controlled outdoor PVC shutters were added to provide security and privacy. The house is located on a magnificent 8000sqm property, and guests will enjoy large, open outdoor spaces.
LOCATION
Casa Etérea is located on the slopes of the extinct volcano Palo Huérfano, only 8km (5miles) from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Miguel de Allende. Due to the mountainous road, the drive takes 20 minutes.
AMENTITES
2 Guests | 1 Bed | 1 Bathroom
- Wifi
- Laptop friendly workspace
- Private pool (Solar Heated)
- Kitchen (Gas Stove)
- Cooking Essentials
- Refrigerator & Freezer
- Shower Amenities
- Free Parking on Premises
- Drinking Water
HOUSE RULES
- No pets allowed
- Minimum 2-night stay
- Only 2 guests (from the original reservation) are allowed on the property.
- Check-in: 3pm – 7pm | Checkout: 10am
- Not suitable for children or infants
- No smoking
- Strictly no parties or events
We place a 500 USD/ 10,000 MXN hold on your credit card as a security deposit, that is refundable after check-out. This is a strict, non-negotiable rule before entering the property.
Each guest must present a government issued photo-identification upon check-in.
READ BEFORE BOOKING
We offer all guests a FREE 2-way shuttle service between Casa Etérea & San Miguel. Guests who choose to drive must note that the rocky road leading to the house is only accessible via SUV or 4×4 vehicles.
We advise all guests to buy groceries before arrival, as there are no restaurants or amenities within walking distance. A supermarket, cinema and hospital is a 10 min drive from the house.
The mountain has a semi-arid desert climate. While the daytime remains warm, night-time temperatures can be very cold between Nov – Feb, and warm jackets are essential.
SAFETY
Although the house looks isolated in photographs – you will not be alone on the mountain. There are 6 other family homes nearby, and our friendly neighbours from our close-knit international community will all be looking out for you.
- Enhanced COVID cleaning & disinfection policy
- Alarm & Motion-detection Security Cameras
- Remote-controlled outdoor security shutters
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
- Fire Extinguisher
CANCELLATION POLICY
Full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, if the check-in date is at least 14 days away. 50% refund for cancellations made at least 7 days before check-in. No refunds for cancellations made within 7 days of check-in.
ABOUT SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Nestled high in the Bajio mountains and loved for its seemingly eternal spring – San Miguel de Allende is a small town located about 150 miles north of Mexico City, where the country’s busy elite retreat into their summer homes. Its snaking cobblestone streets, enchanting Baroque/Neoclassical colonial architecture, and multi-spired pink Parroquia church have helped it earn its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as its reputation as one of Mexico’s crown jewels. Consistently voted year-on-year as one of the best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, San Miguel continues to lure streams of visitors with its storied history, world-class culinary scene, and vibrant arts community.
ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN
A 20-minute drive from the center of San Miguel de Allene, Casa Etérea sits on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Palo Huérfano, within the greater Los Picachos mountain range of central Mexico. Its peaks rise up to 2,600 meters in altitude and support several microclimates including dry scrub on the lower slopes, deciduous forests in numerous canyons, and extensive oak woodlands on the uplands. The lack of vehicle access and sparse population in the mountains have preserved an exceptional biodiversity including hawks, foxes, white-tailed deer and mountain lions.