From the first moment you step into the stunning entry patio of this stone home, you are transported into an elegant world.

The impressive entry way from the street through antique Indian iron doors leads you into a central, lushly landscaped patio with wines, tropical plants and probably one of the most beautiful tree (“el arbol”) in all of San Miguel.

The house wraps around this majestic tree, truly one of a kind, setting a beautiful, indoor/outdoor stage for graceful living.

Located on a quiet street above San Miguel’s historic district, this recently constructed Mexican-style home is only six blocks from the “Jardin”, with many restaurants, galleries and shops all just 15 minutes away by foot.

The property was once owned by the first North American to settle in San Miguel in the late 30’s and the property overlooks the orchid greenhouse and gardens that this early pioneer established. Those gardens are still intact, today highly regarded as a public landmark of San Miguel.

Behind its stone and terra-cotta-hued walls, the multi-leveled house encompasses generous living spaces, multiple patios and a heated spa-hot tub, actually a 10-foot-wide exercise pool.

The whole setting creates wonderful areas for entertaining.

The living room, which is beautifully appointed with the huge fireplaces as its focal point, is absolutely breathtaking. No expense was spared by the decorator /designer owner in making this room the true center of the home.

The kitchen itself is a work of art in stone, cantera limestone and granite. From the dining area’s bay windows, the views of the valley below are incredible.

An outdoor loggia around the courtyard with its ancient tree, bougainvillea, tropical plants and vines provides indoor/outdoor living for the kitchen, the master bedroom and the living room – all of which are located on one level. One passes inside/outside through the central patio to access each room.

The master suite on this first level includes a king-size bed with a huge closet and private bath area with large marble shower. Also featured are towel-heating bars in the bathroom. The appointments in the master bedroom – and all bedrooms – are outstanding.

Down one level, there are 2 additional bedrooms with their own en-suite bathrooms, plus a large family room/den. One is a second master bedroom with a king size bed and a large, well-appointed bathroom with shower. The advantage here is that two couples sharing this marvelous home can have equal bedroom accommodations, upstairs and down, with plenty of privacy.

The third bedroom, also on the second level, has queen-size bed and a beautiful bathroom, also with a shower.

The den, located between these two downstairs bedrooms with easy access to the pool/patio area, has cable TV and comfortable seating.

There is a high -speed Internet hook-up there as well as Vonage (internet phone, with free international calls) for guest’s use. All of the bedrooms have heaters or fireplaces with gas fired logs.

One level down from the pool is a terraced lower garden with a surrounding stone wall and patio for sunning. This lower garden is filled with flowering vines, a large palm tree and beautiful bamboo for privacy.

Above the house, on the roof level, is another sunny sitting area, with table and chairs, located above the entry patio, ideal for entertaining and having drinks at sunset.

Throughout the house are antique doors, windows and architectural elements from old haciendas.

The charming Mexican-style kitchen is filled with beautiful appointments collected by the owner as well as an antique-doored refrigerator. Custom cabinetry and the creative use of tile and carved cantera and wooden beams add to the charms.

The staff has been with the owners for years – they work 9:00am until 2:00pm, five days a week. Together, they form a perfect team. They will make your stay at Casa del Arbol a pampered and luxurious experience.

Across the street, you’ll find a health club with an Olympic-size heated pool and workout facilities. This complex is available for guests to use at a nominal fee, to be negotiated with the health club owner.