Rancho El Paraiso is many things.
It’s an in-town dwelling. The classic hacienda-style compound’s vibrantly red exterior wall fronts a main street in Atotonilco, a village near San Miguel de Allende, in the central Mexico state of Guanajuato. On weekends, the thoroughfare is lined with vendors selling gorditas and other Mexican food treats.
It’s a rural retreat. Covering 6 hectares, or nearly 15 acres, the tree-surrounded spread includes stables, farmland and undeveloped parcels – all of which create a protected buffer of privacy.
It’s part of a rich history. The location is practically across the street from the Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco. The 18th century church complex features a Mexican Baroque mural decorating its nave and chapels and contributes to the landmark designation of the greater area.
“Living in a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as Atotonilco and San Miguel de Allende, adds a bit of magic to your surroundings,” says listing agent Doug Robinson of CDR San Miguel. “Plus, you get both small town and country living in one property.”
The compound combines original 19th century construction and more recent additions. The front portion of the site contains the primary residence, guest quarters and two separate casitas for a total of six bedrooms and six bathrooms.
The rustic living space of about 664 meters, or more than 7,100 square feet, features stone doorways, terracotta floors and carved wooden doors. The massive brick-lined fireplaces have raised hearths and stone or wooden mantelpieces. Wall niches, some with a shell motif, adorn several of the rooms. The kitchens and bathrooms are done in decorative tile.
Courtyards create outdoor living and dining spaces, softened by greenery, fountains and plantings. Steps lead into the waters of a blue tile pool with an embellished tile surround.
There are six horse stables and paddocks. On-site parking can accommodate several vehicles.
The rest of the site could be used for additional structures, agriculture or kept in its natural state for personal enjoyment.
The property is priced at US $2.2 million.
Slower-paced Atotonilco is in many ways much like what San Miguel de Allende was a half-century ago. Yet eateries, hot springs, stores and food stalls are all close at hand.
Downtown San Miguel de Allende, with fine restaurants, concert halls, galleries, shopping and historic sites, is about a 15-kilometer (less than 10-mile) drive away.
CDR San Miguel is a founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.