Colonial Gem With Magnificent Rooftop Views

Casa del Granado, “House of the Pomegranate,” located in a friendly neighborhood on historic Montes de Oca, is situated just a few blocks from San Miguel’s festive Jardin and Parroquia. The location is close enough to let you conveniently enjoy the atmosphere of el Centro, yet with enough distance to provide a respite from San Miguel’s lively nightlife. This jewel of a home, originally built in the 1700s, was beautifully renovated by the previous owners in 2004 with the help of architect Eliazar Torres. It seamlessly blends spacious additions and modern amenities with the original 18th-century 2-ft thick adobe-wall construction. Two large bedroom suites, each with a private full bath, and a third bedroom with a private half bath make Casa del Granado an ideal retreat for two to three couples or a family group of up to six. The house features serene outdoor living areas with fountains and incredible views from two connected rooftop terraces. The lay-out provides ample space for relaxation in secluded privacy as well as entertainment and enjoyment by the full group. Throughout, the house has been painted in warm colonial colors, comfortably furnished, and tastefully decorated with American and Mexican art and artifacts. The house is entered from the street into a long, bamboo- shaded pasillo, or walkway, which opens onto a stone-floored courtyard shaded by the namesake pomegranate tree. The courtyard features a beautiful cantera fountain, outdoor dining table, and a covered, open-air sala, with gas fireplace, sofa, chairs and wine bar including a wine cooler—a perfect spot for relaxing in the shade or entertaining. Stairs at the back of the courtyard lead up to the rear bedroom suite. The bedroom is painted in Mayan blue and decorated with Mexican textiles, and has a queen sized bed, Juliette balconies overlooking the courtyard, walk-in closet, tiled bath and shower, ceiling fan and gas heat. It also has its own private stairway to the rooftop terrace. Directly beneath is the downstairs bedroom painted in warm burnt orange, like the adjoining outdoor sala, with a full-sized bed, half bath and gas heat. French doors and windows open onto the courtyard to let in abundant natural light and the relaxing sound of the fountain. Along the pasillo, on the way to the courtyard, are an additional half bath, stairs to the master suite and roof-top terrace, and entries to the interconnected living room, dining room and kitchen. The thick 18th century walls keep these three original rooms at a near-constant, comfortable temperature, day and night, in summer and winter. The sky-lit living room at the front of the house features a gas fireplace and window-seat. The room is filled with art, and is furnished with overstuffed sofa and chairs, and large flat screened TV. Adjoining the living room, the dining room has a solid-mesquite round table for six, crafted by a local craftsman. The kitchen is decorated in bright blue and yellow tiles and receives natural light from a window onto the courtyard. It is fully-equipped to prepare delicious meals. Cooks will appreciate convenient access to Mercado Central, just 10 minutes walking distance from the house for a great selection of fresh produce and other grocery items. The master bedroom suite is reached via stairs from the pasillo to a private plant-screened terrace with a lovely tiled fountain. The terrace has an umbrella-shaded mosaic table and chairs, an ideal spot for morning coffee. Another flight of stairs leads to the rooftop terrace. The master bedroom is naturally lit by two sets of French doors opening onto the terrace. A king sized iron canopy bed and gas fireplace provide a romantic atmosphere. The bedroom has a beautifully tiled bathroom (with tub and shower) walk-in closet, ceiling fan and an antique armoire holding a large screen TV. The two roof top terraces (one above each of the bedroom suites) are connected by a steel walkway. Both provide panoramic views at eye-level to the spire of the paroquilla, down to the town below and across the valley to the mountains beyond. A stone-columned, tile-roof tejada with built-in banquette seating provides shade most of the day and is a great spot for morning coffee and refreshments at sunset. Two chaise lounges are ideal for bird watching in the early morning or enjoying the sun as the day warms up.