Casa Palikao

Built in 1764, Casa Palikao is in the heart of Centro, just steps away from the Jardin. This extraordinary home has the grand symmetry of an 18th century hacienda with soaring arches and a central courtyard. Internationally renowned interior designer Anne-Marie Midy and local landscape artist Timoteo Wachter were recruited to work with the owner and local craftsmen to renovate the property, while preserving the colonial architecture and soul of its historic Mexican setting. The results are truly breathtaking.

Entering from the street, a wide arched entry hall takes you into the serene open landscaped courtyard which is bordered on two sides with tall arched 18th century colonnades. In the center of the courtyard is a swimming pool. An outdoor living room flanks one side of the pool and a relaxed dining area is adjacent. An elegantly decorated guest bedroom with fireplace and full bath opens directly onto the courtyard via two tall French doors. A spectacular original open-work 18th century carved double door links the pool courtyard to the dramatic dining room with its tall beamed ceiling, original chandelier and fireplace.

The kitchen is adjacent and has a small back garden with stairs leading to a staff apartment. Beyond the pool courtyard toward the back of the house is the large skylit living room flanked by two fireplaces on either end and 18th century columns. A master bedroom is next door. This room has a fireplace and French doors that face a peaceful interior courtyard. The ensuite bathroom is extravagantly tiled in blue and white and has a high skylit boveda ceiling.

A staircase from the central courtyard goes up to the second floor. A wide arched loggia overlooks the pool below and has a landscaped area with herb garden. There are two grand bedrooms on this floor, both with fireplaces and beautifully tiled ensuite baths. Both rooms are furnished with antique Mexican pieces. The intricate metal-worked mirrors and headboards showcase San Miguel’s wealth of traditional artisanal talent. After renovating the original 18th century house, the owners bought an adjacent property behind the house.

Using only 18th century materials, they built a second extraordinary house and garden that is seamlessly integrated with the original house. This second house has its own garage and entrance via a private drive that is around the corner from the entrance to the original house. It is also accessed by a garden pathway between the two houses. The second house is oriented around a landscaped courtyard anchored by a large central fountain. There is a covered and colonnaded outdoor living room on one side. The interior rooms of the house – living, dining, kitchen and master bed/bath all open to the fountain and garden via French doors on two additional sides.

On the fourth side of the courtyard is a guest room with bath. An outdoor staircase from the courtyard leads to a roof top garden with close-in views of San Miguel’s Baroque church tops. This rooftop space is a true botanical garden with an exceptionally wide variety of regional cacti and flowering plants. Carved concrete benches are placed intermittently along the garden path. The entire effect is a magical San Miguel experience, ideal for entertaining on a large scale. Casa Palikao is a grand 18th century hacienda that has been skillfully restored into a luxurious home with extensive gardens and full guest house.

Gorgeous and historic, this impressive property will be a memorable San Miguel home for a discerning buyer.