20°48'34.9"N 100°45'42.3"W Etérea Hideaway, Mexico

Conceived as an off-grid hideaway for two, Etérea Hideaway is a 75-square-metre dwelling that sits on the rugged slopes of the extinct volcano Palo Huérfano. The vision was to create a “theatre to nature” from which guests could experience the mountain, so sustainability was crucial in attaining a truly complete integration with the environment. In order to achieve this, the house runs on solar energy, collected rainwater, and uses a patterned ultraviolet coating on the mirror making it visible to birds while remaining reflective to the human eye.

Heavily inspired by the concept of “emotional architecture,” – coined by Mexican architect Luis Barragán and sculptor-painter Mathias Goéritz – Etérea Hideaway is liveable installation art that uses mirrored panels to diffuse the boundaries between the wild and the structured. By distorting the perspective of where the observer begins and the landscape ends, the project aims to evoke a deep sense of awe and oneness with the wild and to beg questions about our role as stewards in the preservation of our ecosystems.

A testament to how the natural landscape can be enhanced by architecture, while not being tamed – we invite you to find stillness in this one-of-a-kind designer residence.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident neighbour500m
• Shop 800m
• Town 5km
• Café/Restaurant5km
• Airport 120km (Leon del Bajio Airport)

Location Nestled on the slopes of the extinct volcano Palo Huérfano, only 8km (5miles) from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Miguel de Allende. Due to the mountainous road, the drive takes 20 minutes.

Altitude 1,900m.

Build A Beautiful and intimate space, that was designed without partition walls, giving the entire house a natural flowing feel. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors ensure breathtaking vistas of magnificent cliff faces from the living and sleeping spaces. Slide back the glass doors to connect with a decked patio area and solar-heated pool, surrounded by olive and pomegranate trees. The hideaway also features an exposed glass shower with staggering views over a ravine, and an intimate kitchen equipped with amenities for light cooking. Remote-controlled outdoor PVC shutters were added to provide security and privacy. It’s located on a magnificent 8000sqm property, allowing guests to enjoy large, open, outdoor spaces.

Energy Built to be fully self-sustaining and ecological, the house runs completely on solar power.

Digital Detox WiFi can be switched off.

Creature comforts A large king-sized bed, designer furniture from Asia and Mexico, and a solar-heated outdoor pool.

The Etérea Hideaway sits on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Palo Huérfano, within the greater Los Picachos mountain range, a paradise for trekkers, bird watchers (October – March), rock climbers and nature lovers of any kind. The lack of vehicle access and sparse mountain population have contributed to the preservation of an exceptional biodiversity. Peaks rise to 2,600 m and support several microclimates, including dry scrub on the lower slopes, deciduous forests in numerous canyons, and extensive oak woodlands on the higher slopes. Hawks, foxes, white-tailed deer, and mountain lions are among the wildlife who call this part of Mexico home. The best time of the year to visit is September to November, when the mountain is lush after the summer rains.

If you are in the mood for seeing more of this fascinating part of the world than your two feet will allow, then you can hop on a horse and let Mexican gauchos show you their favourite sports.

When it’s time for a change of scenery, then we can recommend taking the 20-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Miguel de Allende. Its eternal Spring climate, snaking cobblestone streets, enchanting Baroque/Neoclassical colonial architecture, world-class culinary scene, and vibrant arts community make it well worth the trip. The town is very festive around the around the national Day of The Dead celebrations (end of October / start of November).

Go Slow

Explore the wonders of nature in the surrounds of the Etérea Hideaway, or while away the time in the delightfully charming UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Miguel de Allende.

Soothe tired muscles by slipping into one of Escondido Place's steaming, mineral-rich pools.

Visit two boutique vineyards near San Miguel de Allende on a half-day tour with wine and food tastings. At each winery, you'll learn about their vineyards and wine production, then sample several wines paired with food.

Or you could just sip margaritas at your private pool under the shade of olive and pomegranate trees.