Mexican Architecture - Villa el Cerrito

San Miguel de Allende is a town located on a high desert plateau in the mineral-rich central Mexican state of Guanajuato. It was here that Spanish colonization conceivably began in the 16th century and where I looked to find traditional Mexican architecture.

Located north of Mexico City, San Miguel's charm and preserved history draws travelers and a wide range of artists, including photographers, decorators and designers.It is here that I found Villa el Cerrito, an authentic adobe villa built by prominent local architect, Roberto Burillo. Its lush garden paradise was conceived by master New England landscape designer, Douglas MacLise, and created by local premier landscape architect, Timothy Wachter.The quality and authenticity of the design and construction is truly inspirational. I especially love these large-scale hacienda doors recessed into this entrance. The dark wood balanced against the warm tone of the stucco leads the eye up to the dark, heavy timbers above. The stone pavers reflect the cool hues found again in the stone columns and niches. Contrast of materials and colors are in harmony. Through this magnificent villa, I found interior decorator, Rachel Horn. There is continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, comfort and elegance. The palette is uses the earth's natural material and colors. Inside, light and shadow bounce off each other through skylights, windows and openings. Light gently grazes the texture of the stucco walls. Throughout the villa and its surrounding landscape, the eye is lead through one space into another, with jewels at the end of each vista.