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"La Casa
de Espiritus Alegres," or House of Good Spirits, dates back
to the 1700's, when haciendas were built along the river in Marfil to
process silver from the mines in Valenciana. These magnificent estates
were reduced to ruins by a flood in 1906. The area remained virtually
ignored until the  1950's
when Georgio Belloli, an Italian sculptor, began restoring them and
creating homes, incorporating architectural features such as stone carvings
and columns collected from ruins throughout Mexico.
Joan and Carol
Summers, artists from California, bought the house in 1979. They built
terraces overlooking the garden, constructed a separate studio where
they could work, and modernized the plumbing and wiring. They then filled
the house with folk art from every state in Mexico and created eight
guest rooms, each with an individual style incorporating elements of
Mexican art. The result is a warm and welcoming blend of sophistication
and playfulness, now known as a most unique and exceptionally inviting
Bed and Breakfast.
 Many
guest rooms open onto the main house's glass-covered, tree-shaded interior
courtyard filled with tropical plants and a fountain. The sunny living
room, or sala, has a fireplace, comfortable furniture, and a great collection
of books. In the lush tropical garden a colorful tent from Rajastan,
India, has become the outdoor living room, and is a wonderful place
to read, nap, or gather with other guests after a day of sightseeing
in downtown Guanajuato.
Breakfast is served
overlooking the garden in a glass-enclosed terrace. The breakfast table
is a sight to behold, with hand painted chairs and brightly colored
linens. The B&B's breakfasts are literally a feast, beginning with
fresh fruit and homemade scones or muffins and featuring a house specialty
such as scrambled eggs on a crispy corn tortilla with black beans, guacamole,
and salsa roja, or oatmeal pancakes with ginger syrup.
 One
of the most beautiful cities in Latin America, Guanajuato offers a variety
of art and history museums, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and a unique
cast iron market building. The Guanajuato State Orchestra performs weekly
in season at the Teatro Juarez, a Victorian and Moorish style theater
that is itself worth the price of admission. Across from the theater
is the Jardin De La Union, the main plaza of the city. Stroll around
the Jardin, or stop for a cappucino or dinner one of the outdoor restaurants.
You'll be serenaded by mariachis or trios singing romantic rancheros.
On weekends the Etudiantinas, strolling troubadours in seventeenth century
Spanish dress, lead people through the narrow streets of Guanajuato
singing classical Spanish and Mexican songs. 
Nestled in the
nearby mountains you'll find the village of Valenciana, where you can
visit one of the original silver mines still functioning today, view
the formidable Templo de San Cayetano, filled with golden altars and
enormous oil paintings in thanks for the riches garnered from the nearby
mine, and wind up your day with lunch in a lovely courtyard restaurant
surrounded by one of the finest gift shops in Mexico.
After a day of
strolling and shopping and museums and music you'll be ready to return
to the warmth and comfort of The Casa. Carol's world famous margaritas
await you in the the garden tent, and fabulous gourmet dinners are available
by request and are served by candlelight on the terrace.
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:
- Frommer's Mexico
guide lists La Casa as one of their 'Best Unique Inns of Mexico'
- Fodor's Mexico
guide named La Casa one of six 'Best Hotels in Mexico'
- 16th Century
Colonial Hacienda
- 8 Rooms and Suites,
each with a unique decor, all with private bath, fireplace, and outdoor
access
- Colorful robes
provided for our guests
- Sumptuous breakfasts
served on the terrace overlooking the garden
- Honor bar in
the colorful Rajastani tent in the garden
- Folkart shop
in the B&B open for your 24 hour shopping pleasure
- Frequent, safe,
and inexpensive buses and taxis to central Guanajuato, about ten minutes
away
- Leon/Bajio Airport
only 20 minutes by car from the B&B
- San Miguel de
Allende one and a half hours away by car or bus
- Personal service
and attention to detail are important to us. We're happy to help you
in any way we can to make your stay in Guanajuato the best it can
be.
NOTE:
Please tell the Innkeeper you
are visitor number
from Bed and Breakfast Inns of
North America.
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Innkeepers:
Hugo and Angelica Anaya (brother & sister)
USA Address: 2817 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz, California 95060
Reservations: (473) 733-1013 Mexico
Price range: $145 US Rooms, $165 US Suites
(Taxes & Breakfast included)
Check-in: 3 pm. No check-ins admitted after 11 pm.
Check-out: 12 noon
For
the comfort of our guests, smoking is allowed only in the garden.
We regret the house is not suitable for children under 12, nor for
your pets.
Click here to send us email.
( info@casaspirit.com )
B&B Inns of North America Home Page | La Casa de Espiritus
Alegres Home Page
Published
by Cimarron Technology, Dallas, Texas
A division of Blackburn Enterprises, Inc.
Copyright
2001
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