There are countless places to settle, in our wide and wonderful world. How is it that sophisticated readers of Travel + Leisure magazine last year selected San Miguel Allende, a charming colonial town in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, as the world’s best city?
The pastel-washed colonial town of San Miguel de Allende is known for its Baroque Spanish architecture and eternal springtime. (CDR San Miguel)
Could it be the scent of citrus and spice, flowers and wood that float through the air? Maybe it’s the pastel hues of the architecture, the cobblestone streets, the pleasant mile-high desert climate or the cosmopolitan art gallery vibe. Perhaps it’s the tequila. Whatever the allure, San Miguel Allende is the destination cited by world travelers looking for a beautiful, affordable, expat-friendly place with a high standard of living as a spot to visit and put down roots.
The expansive living room features a grand fireplace and wall of glass doors opening onto the lower courtyard with its waterfall and grill area. (CDR San Miguel)
Among options for those seeking to buy is the five-bedroom, five-bathroom Casa Ladrillera. Designed by renowned architect Nicole Bisgaard, it seamlessly blends superb artisan craftsmanship with modern luxury. The location is near the center of town, but tucked away on a quiet street.
Casa Ladrillera features designs by renowned architect Nicole Bisgaard. (CDR San Miguel)
Entry is through ornately carved double doors leading to a double-height hallway that opens to a waterfall in the lower courtyard and a wide staircase to a second-floor landing and terrace. From the very beginning, it is smashing.
The courtyard is an entertainer’s dream with tree-covered outdoor space and a built-in barbecue. (CDR San Miguel)
Exquisite marble, granite and tilework line the kitchen, which is designed with a Wolf double range and Sub-Zero refrigerator, a huge island and butler’s pantry. The kitchen opens to a breakfast room with a fireplace – one of nine in the home.
Beautiful doors open to the formal dining room. (CDR San Miguel)
The expansive living room features a grand fireplace and a wall of glass doors that open onto the lower courtyard. From that level, gracefully curved stairs lead to the upper courtyard and an inviting, blue-tiled swimming pool and covered loggia, with a fireplace for entertaining.
The designer-done kitchen features a Wolf double range and Sub-Zero refrigerator, exquisite marble and granite, a huge island, and thoughtfully designed cabinetry. (CDR San Miguel)
The primary bedroom and two others are located around the pool courtyard. All five of the bedrooms have gas fireplaces and the primary bedroom fireplace also burns wood. Bathrooms have radiant heating in the marble floors. The primary bedroom bath has a freestanding bathtub looking out on a private garden.
The kitchen and dining nook feature custom cabinetry and a collection of eye-catching artwork. (CDR San Miguel)
Two other generous bedrooms are located on the second floor. Between them lies an elegant terrace with a view of the garden and pool. Steps lead up to an additional private sunbathing terrace.
The covered patio opens directly to the pool area. (CDR San Miguel)
Other luxury amenities include tile floors, high ceilings throughout, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, an office area, a garage, solar panels to power the house and pool, a high-end water purification system, air conditioning and electric blinds.
The lower courtyard is an intimate space underscored by a lovely waterfall feature. (CDR San Miguel)
With more than a million expats, Mexico is the most popular destination for North Americans looking to move abroad, and San Miguel de Allende, with a population of 170,000, is among the most popular towns.
Most rooms connect to outdoor spaces. (CDR San Miguel)
The 64-block historic core remains a colonial jewel box, protected by UNESCO World Heritage status. Restaurants, galleries and murals line the streets. San Miguel de Allende is 58 miles (93 kilometers) from Del Bajio International Airport.
The property features multiple outdoor living spaces. This patio overlooks the inner courtyard. (CDR San Miguel)
Casa Ladrillera sits on an 8,200-square-foot (762-square-meter) plot. The home is 6,300 square feet (587 square meters) and is move-in ready.
The swimming pool features a classic fountain feature set in stone. (CDR San Miguel)
Jessica Patterson of CDR San Miguel is the listing agent for the property. The asking price is US $2.75 million.
