Casa Eterea

An off-grid, art-inspired ‘theatre to nature' hideaway, camouflaged on the wildlife-steeped slopes of an extinct volcano by the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende.

Camouflaged on the rugged slopes of the extinct Mexican volcano Palo Huérfano, Casa Etérea is a true ‘bucket-list' retreat for two dreaming souls who adore nature in all its mesmerising forms.

The tiny house-inspired hideaway was lovingly crafted by its owner, drawing heavily upon the concept of ‘emotional architecture' coined by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.  

Glinting mirrored panels melt the house into the landscape, while sustainable elements, including solar panels and collected rainwater, mean you can live in perfect harmony with the breath-taking natural environment.

Described by the New York Times as "an architectural showpiece", the entire house consists of one beautiful and intimate room, adorned with sumptuous furnishings and hand-picked accessories including Balinese lamps, woven baskets from China, and a brass stargazing telescope from Mexico City's La Lagunilla market.

Framed by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, outside awaits a decked patio space, along with a solar-heated dipping pool surrounded by sweet-scented olive and pomegranate trees, and that magnificent volcanic vista.

For a sensory treat, relax in the acacia branch-framed copper bathtub, or freshen up in the gorgeous glass shower, which showcases views to a staggering ravine. There are kitchen facilities, too - ideal for whipping up tasty snacks of all descriptions (please note there are no shops in walking distance, so you may want to arrive with a store of groceries.)

In case you were wondering about the quality of sleep you could expect in a glass-fronted retreat, remote-controlled PVC shutters provide plenty of security and privacy when it's finally time to turn in. And of course, you can look forward to opening them up again in the morning, to be greeted by the sun rising over that incredible, unspoilt landscape.

Enjoy morning coffee out on the patio as you gaze out at all the wild, wide open space that surrounds you... can you spot the local wildlife going about its daily business? Grey foxes, white-tailed deer, and hawks are amongst the area's frequent visitors.

Although it will feel as though you're blissfully cut off from the rest of the world on the mountain, there are friendly family homes dotted nearby, so there'll be no need to worry about being too isolated.

Meanwhile, a 20-minute 4x4 drive (guests are offered a free shuttle service) will lead you into the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende. Enjoying a reputation as one of Mexico's ‘crown jewels', the baroque city is consistently voted as one of the best in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine, and boasts vibrant creative and culinary scenes.

Though of course, you're free not to move a muscle all holiday long, simply immersing yourselves in the blessed sensation of stillness you'll discover in this once-in-a-lifetime retreat.

Things to note

Check in between 3pm-7pm, check out by 10am. No pets are permitted. Please note that the house is not suitable for children.  Warm jackets are essential, since night-time temperatures can be cold.