Mi Ranchito

Wild West Vibes

A fringed palm roof, whitewashed architectural tower and sweet, saltwater swimming pool with a sun-bleached terrace give this home its modern beach house vibe, but the villa’s “Wild West” rooflines, rugged outback location and rustic boho décor live up to its “little ranch” name. A true oasis on a sand swept, unpaved road outside of downtown Todos Santos, this newly renovated villa for rent in Mexico sleeps six, and is a quick, two-minute drive to the beach.

More western-styled rural getaway than typical beach house, this “little ranch” compound stands as a whitewashed oasis off a windswept road a quick drive from the waterfront. The house is located in the Las Tunas area of Todos Santos, an artsy, surfing destination on the Pacific. Charmingly rustic, the location feels off the beaten path from the colorful, palm tree dotted town plaza, but it’s only a couple minutes’ drive away. The beach is close too, making the house the ideal getaway for those seeking the best of both worlds—rustic isolation and the funky, artsy buzz of Todos Santos, with its hip surf and arts culture.

The villa’s lookout tower—a second story bedroom—offers views of the Pacific with sunset vistas that are vivid and showy. In addition to the twin daybeds in the lookout tower, the home offers a queen bedroom in the main house, and a king bedroom and bath in the independent casita. A spacious outdoor shower is located poolside, adding amenities to the main house’s single bathroom. 

Shaded ramadas also add to the poolside outdoor space, with built-in sunbeds and shaded couches, plus a dining table and food prep area, all set under the shade structures. Indoors, cushioned bancos create a pair of couches flanking the kiva fireplace in the living room, and exposed wood ceiling and wall beams keep the look low key and rustic. Banco seating also forms one side of the indoor dining area’s seating, and earth-toned cushions and poufs round out the rustic décor.

The home’s kitchen is open concept, filling an L-shaped corner in the main house, and there’s an outdoor kitchen too, with ample counter space and a barbecue. The independent casita is bright and spare, with concrete floors and poured bathroom basins, and plenty of windows to keep it light and cheery.

The home’s pool is small, sundrenched, and sparkling. Nearby, the outdoor shower stall is wide and walk-in, with turquoise floor tiling mimicking the pool’s blue waters.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Mexico is located in the Las Tunas area, about five minutes outside downtown Todos Santos. A handful of restaurants are within walking distance of the house, as is a favorite local coffee shop bearing the neighborhood’s name. The beach is a quick two-minute drive away and is known for its technicolor sunsets and as a great place to walk, run or sunbathe. Due to the closest beach’s unusually strong currents, a better beach for swimming and surfing (Playa Los Cerritos) is located about 15 minutes south of the house. Another beach, La Pastora, offers Todos Santos’s biggest waves, and is becoming a hot spot for expert, big wave surfers.

Once a little-known haunt for California surfers seeking Baja’s famed breaks, the town of Todos Santos has become an artsy, hip mecca for creative and remote workers who love the low-key lifestyle. About an hour or 90-minute drive from the hum of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is quieter and artsier, with a big dose of magic and mysticism thrown in too. Known in Mexico as a “Pueblo Magico,” it was almost completely isolated until the 1980s, when road access came to town. Its central plaza area features centuries-old buildings and storefronts in multicolored charm, bougainvillea grows abundantly, and Baja’s iconic cacti and other plants typical of the region’s desertscapes add to the town’s unique charms. Boutiques, galleries, jewelers and other artisans sell their wares from quaint brick shops. Food and cocktail options, surf schools, yoga and wellness retreats, and farm-to-table markets and stands are all available.

LOCATION

Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico. Nearest airport: Cabo San Lucas (about 50 miles).

BEST TIME TO VISIT: January to March