Casa Ayehualco

Architect Diego Villasenor's Masterful Design in Celebration of Nature

Celebrated architect Diego Villasenor has left his imprint throughout the world with a masterful array of both residential and commercial designs, each lavish in execution while reflecting back to their environment. With a design philosophy rooted in the Land Art movement, Villasenor's use of natural materials results in architecture that “disappears” within its context.    

Matched only by the epic grandeur of the landscape, this striking holiday home in Mexico is deliberately designed in active response to its site, in a distinctive structure that exudes natural warmth and an organic sense of belonging.

Placed just below the rugged spires of El Tepozteco, the home is composed of lava stone, wood and handcrafted adobe, both mimicking and showcasing the magnificent scenery.

Skillfully integrated into the rugged topography, the home's commanding proportions and  geometric angles conversely create spaces of intimacy, with an elegance that lacks any pretension.

Constructing human habitats for the "art of living," Villasenor creates remarkably expressive structures that stir the soul and imagination, forming a sense of protection as well as freedom, in design that celebrates nature.

Steadfast in his beliefs that nature imparts a sense of balance in how we inhabit it, architect Diego Villasenor has crafted a holiday home in Mexico that appears to emerge directly from nature itself.

Set in a rugged canyon adjacent to the El Tepozteco National Park, the imposing structure is an expressive example of organic architecture composed in stone, wood and adobe in perfect harmony of form and function and finely crafted detail.

Rising  into a vaulted wood ceiling, the grand living room soars to double height and opens to the terrace facing the hills and an interior zen-like patio. 

There's a professional grade kitchen, a formal dining area that seats up to ten guests, and a separate breakfast area. Each of the five bedrooms feature distinctive character, and include either a private balcony, terrace or internal patio. 

Immersed in nature and privacy, the property has a pool patio with an open living room and traditional outdoor kitchen with wood-fired oven and dining areas. There's also a peaceful rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape.  

A masterfully designed property, this home was created as a haven to experience nature and escape, or celebrate with friends and family to explore the fascinating cultural sites and beauty of the region. 

Around

Located in Amatlan town, fifteen minutes outside of Tepoztlan, the peaceful spot is surrounded by dramatic rocky hills and oak forests crossed by ravines with hiking routes to the "Centeopa" altar of Quetzalcoatl. There are several excellent little cafes that serve traditional cuisine and a tiny church and plaza in the nearby village.

Situated almost two hours south of Mexico City in the countryside bordering El Tepozteco National Park, the pueblo magico of Tepoztlan is a charming and picturesque town steeped in local history and tradition and as legend has it, is the birthplace of the Aztec serpent god Quetzalcóatl.

Bordered by rugged mountains with a temperate climate, the area is a draw for visitors from around the country and around the world and is a region rich in the native Náhuatl culture of southern Mexico and Central America. The well preserved historic center is great for wandering and exploring with a cluster of good cafes and crafts markets. The cliff-top Aztec Tepozteco Pyramid that sits above the town is a worth the tough hike up.  

The lush capital city of Cuernavaca, surrounded by the by the Tepozteco Mountains is a colonial gem rich with history anchored by the 16th-century museum and Palace of Cortés,  with murals by artist Diego Rivera and lies an hour north.

The archaeological sites Xochicalco, Chalcatzingo are a one hour drive along the scenic route overlooking Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

Location

Amatlan, Morelos, Mexico. Nearest airport: Mexico City (50km)  

Best time to visit

Fall through spring when it's not too hot