Casa Ayehualco, a villa rental in Mexico

Architect Diego Villasenor's Masterful Design in Celebration of Nature

Steadfast in his belief that nature imparts a sense of balance in how we inhabit it, architect Diego Villaseñor 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 10 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, 15 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.