From the sidewalk, the Art House makes a grand first impression. Once inside, it continues to impress, over and over.
But let’s first go back outside. The home’s lovely neoclassic facade is set off from a tree-lined street. The tone is formal yet inviting, with a pretty iron gate framing the small front garden.
The front entry immediately embraces its visitors with sight lines through the reception room and a tropical courtyard, which is off the kitchen and a guest suite. Both spaces are well-proportioned and tastefully appointed with French cornices and pasta tiles. Antique cedar doors lend an air of gravitas.
It’s called Art House for the impressive paintings that are hanging throughout. The sellers are from the art world of New England, and they curated wisely. These pieces are available for separate purchase, an opportunity to have an instant art collection assembled by knowledgeable experts.
Many renovated houses lose the originality of the colonial past in search of modern creature comforts, but this house achieves both. The cook’s kitchen is a perfect example. It’s a totally modern space with a huge center island for informal gatherings, but it exudes colonial charm.
That could have easily been the end of the house tour, and we would have left impressed. But then, our photographer gasped when we opened the door leading to the terrace, pool, sunken garden and lots of unique plantings, an outbuilding with a bar and party space, and a casita.
The lot is longer than average at 77 meters deep, and the architects used every bit of it. Plus, there is the unexpected sight of a comfortable winding stairway up to a master suite with excellent ventilation and a private view of the rear gardens.
Behind the party space, which has a striking arched roof, a secret garden leads you to a private rear casita with its own guest suite.
The little house is buried so deep into the property and away from the street it almost feels like it’s in the countryside. Guests there will hear chirping birds and forget they are just moments away from Santa Ana park or the Paseo de Montejo.
The Art House is offered at US$749,000 by Mexico International. Go online for listing 6123 at mexintl.com to see more photos and contact Colm Cooney at colmyucatan@gmail.com or 999-169-6430 for more information and a private tour.
