Old World Ambiance

Stone walls embody a timeless quality that is difficult to reproduce.  They feel solidly reassuring, as though they could withstand any force of nature.  They’ve witnessed days, years, sometimes even centuries of  daily life.  They are unchanging.   The interior and exterior stone walls of this Centro home exude exactly that particular kind of Old World ambiance.  Let’s take a look.

As you enter through the aged wood doors, you’ll appreciate the impressive twin cantera columns that frame the entrance to the living room and are accented by a stained wood beam.  The fireplace is also flanked by a smaller but no less elegant version of these cantera columns.  Two large windows to the street allow for substantial light.  A large framed nicho is the perfect place to display that special piece of art or beloved artifacts from your travels.

The adjacent dining room is a show stopper.   It features two Juliet balconies, a barreled boveda, and vaulted stone walls.  Running along one entire wall is an oversized, intricately carved wood buffet on cantera pedestals which offers more than enough storage for serving ware, table linens, etc.  The balconies create a romantic mood, and architectural details such as a circular nicho called the “eye of the bull” and another square window-like cut out add interest.  Also overhead are an octagonal window, double French doors and a glassed in wall which leads to the second floor terrace and provides a lovely view to the outdoors.

Moving toward the kitchen you’ll be greeted by a built-in bar with traditional shell nicho that can be accessed from both the kitchen and the dining room.  The kitchen itself is adorned in traditional tala vera tile, extensive wood cabinets as well as an island bar.  Double wood doors lead to a spacious pantry.

Just beyond the dining room lies the ground floor suite.  It is spacious and features a small fireplace decorated with tala vera tile and its own private patio with built-in seating.  The stone walls of this patio provide a dramatic backdrop for the extensive greenery, tall trees and view to the blue skies above.  The bathroom is comfortable and the built-in closets are conveniently located.  The upstairs suite is similarly apportioned and a small balcony overlooks the patio below.  Both of these suites are set back from the street and as such are relatively quiet.

A third spacious bedroom is also located upstairs and has a fireplace and access to the upstairs terrace.   The bathroom includes vibrant tala vera tile, a large, airy light well and extensive built-in closets. 

From this terrace you can climb the stairs to the roof, which is host to amazing views, a full artists studio,  bath and laundry.  From here you will appreciate just how great this location really is.  Just two properties from the Oratorio, the ancient cupolas and their spires take on a larger than life quality when viewed from your rooftop.  You’ll also have that coveted view of the Parroquia, as well as more extensive views to the north, south and west.  The artist’s studio is light filled and has a fireplace and built-in seating.  Along with the full bath, it can serve nicely as a guest room as well.

It goes without saying that this property is just a few minutes, flat walk to all things Centro, including the Plaza Civica, “el Jardin” (the main square), the Artisans Market, as well as countless specialty shops and restaurants.  Finally, it should be noted that while the whole house is lovely and completely livable as is, with some customized updates, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, it has the potential to become a show place.  Of course, the stone walls are perfect as is and will only enhance any improvements with their timeless quality.