Casa Galleta

Step through the massive mesquite front doors of this
fully renovated home and garden and be transported
from a lively Central Mexican neighborhood to an
artfully furnished retreat that gives visitors one more
reason to fall in love with San Miguel de Allende.

Just a short stroll from San Miguel's five-star dining,
electric shops, art scene and historic churches, what
guest can resist the urge to linger and relax once
inside? His senses will be stirred by the scent of
ever-blooming jasmine, the sound of water burbling
in a fountain, and the soothing palette of neutral
backgrounds enlivened by pops of color.

The architect paid respect to the
home’s Mexican heritage with brightly colored linens
and upholstery; sophisticated art; pottery and terra
cotta masks, religious artifacts and other crafts by
local artisans, and historic photographs.

The owner obviously, relishes the natural world:
sunlight streams through windows and
skylights; site-quarried stone walls are studded with
local geodes, crystals, and opals; abundant greenery
is provided in potted succulents and ferns; and stone
and tile floors are softened with antique Oriental and
Persian rugs.

They also let their imagination soar with pierced
copper light shades, brass plumbing fixtures and
mesquite-and-metal furniture, all designed by the
architect-husband; and courtyard plantings and
an all-organic garden with lemon, lime, olive and
pomegranate trees. Native
orchids hang from the trees.

Once through the front doors, a central courtyard
invites you to sip morning café con Leche near a
fern-adorned fountain, its walls covered by potted
succulents. At night the same space is infused with
romance, softly lit by candles and fairy lights glowing
among the plantings. It is the perfect spot for midnight
stargazing.

Beyond the courtyard, the home’s adjacent living
and dining rooms take full advantage of Mexico’s
sparkling sunlight and mild temperatures; both have
fully opening glass walls.
Serving the first floor is a gourmet kitchen outfitted
with a gleaming copper sink and exhaust hood;
mesquite counters; a gas range and oven; a
commercial, glass door refrigerator; a vaulted roof
with star-shaped skylights, and a full view of the
garden.

A stone terrace six steps up from the dining room also
presents a full view of the garden, and serves as an
entryway to the master bedroom suite.
In the master bedroom, two large windows overlook
the garden. The comforting sound of burbling water
from a nearby fountain lulls visitors to siesta in the
extra-long, matrimonial-size double bed.
A stone wall with a two-sided fireplace provides the
privacy for a dressing room in the master suite, with
eight feet of hanging space along with shelving, and a
copper and stone vanity.
Off the dressing room are intimate niches with a
coffee bar, a copper tub with a shower large enough
for two, a pass-through window to the laundry and a
water closet.

If you keep walking about, the house opens up to another large outdoor living room with a beautiful mural painted on the wall, others are featured throughout the house. Local artist Lucas Rise painted them. Off this outdoor living room is a King size bed with an ensuite bathroom. 

Completing the first floor are an office with an
adjoining den and half-bath. In the den, an armoire
houses a television.

Stairs with wrought iron handrails overlook the
courtyard and lead guests to a second-floor casita,
and then to the roof. Along with panoramic views
of the city, including five historic churches, the roof
offers the heady scent of the jasmine that blankets a
sheltering trellis.

The casita has a full kitchen with a dining table to seat
six on colorful chairs and a window to the
street. Off the kitchen is a sitting room with a built-in
day bed that leads to a second-floor bedroom.

The bedroom has a custom mesquite and wrought
iron queen bed, views of the garden, a balcony and
a bathroom with a shower, both of which overlook the
courtyard.

A housekeeper is on-site from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday
through Friday, to provide cleaning, laundry, and light
cooking. The housekeeper is available for overtime at
guests’ expense, and is skilled at preparing exquisite
meals.
A gardener tends to the grounds three times a week.
Other amenities in this home include:
• Gas fireplaces throughout to dispel the nighttime chill
• Particulate and UV water filters


 

Wifi
Apple TV - with Client's ID info.
Washer/Dryer
TV
Maid M-F; 9am-3pm
Gas Fireplaces
Fans
Organic garden - available for clients when in season
Fountains
Fully equipped kitchen
Purified water throughout the house