Casa Torre

A Hidden Gem from Architect Diego Villaseñor

If you've heard of Costa Careyes, you'll know it's a magical enclave, with colorful Luis Barragán-inspired homes under thatched palapa roofs, sprinkled along Mexico's Pacific coast. It's home to exotic birds and a nesting ground for sea turtles, and has been showered with art and glamour ever since the late Sixties when Italian entrepreneur Gian Franco Brignone bought up a sizeable section of the seafront. 

This particular home, Casa Torre, sits on the cliffs above the beach at Playa Rosa. Designed by Diego Villaseñor, one of Mexico's most renowned architects (see Casa Ayehualco), it's an explosion of vivid color, curated by a Franco-American designer couple, who collect eclectic art and sculpture. It's surrounded in gardens created by eminent landscape artist Eric Nagelmann, perhaps best known for his work on Lotusland in Santa Barbara, California. 

It's a formidable pairing.

The home is a cluster of structures, a series of thatched roof palapas, interwoven with open living areas. The main palapa soars heavenward at over seven meters tall and contains the open-air living and dining area. The ancillary palapas contain five bungalow suites, each with a terrace allowing languorous vistas of Playa Rosa and the ocean. 

In addition to its already enormous appeal, Casa Torre boasts a remarkable collection of art and design pieces that appear as vivid pops of color around the grounds. Each bedroom has a dazzling Acapulco chair by San Miguel d'Allende artist Mariló Carral, and a pair of resin lamps by Rosario Guerrero from Mexico City. Throughout the property you'll find works by Spanish sculptor Teresa Solar, California ceramist Stan Bitters, French ceramist Daniel Loïc Les Dalo, and so much more.

In the living/dining palapa, the dazzling hand-built wire mesh clouds entitled Unfold were specially commissioned from Vancouver-based sculptor Marie Khouri, and the colorful abstract wall sculpture (which took over a year to create) is a collaboration between the owner and Mexico City-based artist Saul Kaminer. 

Follow the steps down the hillside to find an inviting infinity pool, and if you want to venture farther afield, there's a 24ft Boston Whaler called "The Medusa" anchored below the house. It's available (with captain) for beach outings, fishing or picnics.

This villa for rent in Mexico is located in a private gated community, making it a magical escape for groups of up to 10 guests.

Read more about the Acapulco chairs in our Stories section here.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Casa Torre is professionally staffed, serving high-quality, locally-sourced food and drink. Massage, manicure, yoga, shaman, and therapist are available by appointment. Daily laundry service is provided.

The main house contains three dining palapas, a powder room, small office, media room, sofa bed, and bathroom. The five suites all have king-sized beds, with bathrooms (soaking tubs and showers) and large closets.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Mexico is located just over one hour north of Manzanillo and two and a half hours south of Puerto Vallarta. Costa Careyes is in the heart of Reserva de la Biósfera Chamela-Cuixmala, a protected biosphere that is home to lush flora and diverse fauna that include leatherback, brown, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles. In this tropical setting you'll find private beaches that are great for boating, spearfishing, and whale watching. The preserve can be toured by appointment.

LOCATION

Costa Careyes, Jalisco, Mexico. Nearest airport: Manzanillo International (105km, 1hr 15mins), Puerto Vallarta (170km, 2hrs 30mins). However, there is a runway nearby for private jets (that can be chartered from PV).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November through April.