From the moment you pass through the tall antique doors into the entry hall, the 15-foot ceilings and massive adobe walls of Casa del Gallo Perdido envelop you in a peaceful, serene atmosphere. The front door opens onto the original long arcade that flanks a flagstone patio-a showcase of the perfect balance of sunlight and shadow found here on the high plateau of Central Mexico. The sun struck courtyard, framed by azaleas, boxwood and bougainvillea, is graced by a burbling fountain. Inviting lounge chairs and benches, plus a dining area under the deep awning, welcome you. Effective lighting makes this a dramatic outside entertainment area at night.

To the right of the entry is a guest bedroom. Restoration of the original centuries-old stencils and authentic colors original to the house decorate the high walls. Twin beds with antique brass bedsteads that can be converted into a king, a ceiling fan, ample closets and a gas-log fireplace welcome guests. The room adjoins the study, which has a day bed (original to the house). The desk here and in all the bedrooms invites creative endeavor. The guest bathroom is off the study, and has extra closet space. A stairway leads to the watchtower that served as a lookout in the 19th century.

Off the arcade, age-darkened antique doors lead to a comfortable sitting room with TV, and DVD and VCR players, complete with a library of classic and current movies. The sitting room and the formal dining room beyond a broad archway have skylights between the wooden ceiling beams that furnish this and other key areas with warm sunlight. As elsewhere in the house, antique Chinese scrolls, Oriental puppets, Mexican antiques, and Kilim or locally woven rugs provide decorative accents to the striking original colonial architecture of the home. The dining room, with a large antique chandelier over the broad table, easily seats eight. A wood-burning fireplace enhances the inviting atmosphere of these two adjoining rooms.

At the end of the arcade is a spacious kitchen equipped with dishwasher, oven, all small appliances and quality cookware. The original charcoal-burning cook top has been converted to gas burners. A table and chairs for six provide a pleasant eating area in front of the original open shelves that display hand-painted dishes. A bar for serving or snacking separates the kitchen from the breakfast area. Just off the kitchen are a spacious pantry and laundry room with washer and dryer.

Across the arcade from the kitchen is the master bedroom, which has a queen-size bed with antique door headboard, and a twin chandelier to the one in the dining room. Exquisite cotton bed linens and down comforters pamper the lucky occupants of this and all the beds at Casa del Gallo Perdido. A gas fireplace warms the room on cool winter nights, while a large window opens onto the front courtyard and provides a cross-breeze on warmer days. No need for air conditioning in this "land of eternal spring". Off the bedroom are a dressing room with ample closet space and the bathroom with a unique built-in tub and large rainforest and regular shower.

Another fountain leads to a second patio and green area graced by a 50-foot palm tree-one of the tallest in San Miguel. Across the patio, wide French doors open into the spacious high-ceilinged sala furnished with ceiling fans, luxurious couches and easy chairs, an antique wagon-wheel table that seats six and a 6-foot grand piano for adult musicians. An antique desk is equipped with high-speed internet access. Another set of French doors adjacent to the large copper-backed fireplace opens onto the secluded rear patio. Mature orange trees provide fruit, and an umbrella table and chairs offer yet another sitting area. Up for a barbecue? Enjoy the built-in charcoal unit.

A third master suite with antique brass double bed resting on a locally hand-woven rug looks out onto the rear patio through a further set of French doors. Here again, local and Asian antique furnishings decorate the room, and a ceiling fan enhances the ambience. The attached bathroom doubles as a convenience for living room guests through a separate hallway door

An intriguing staircase takes you to the spacious flat roof terrace of Casa del Gallo Perdido. Enormous planters add to the copious greenery and invite you to savor the pure plateau air. Need fixings for your margarita? Head straight for the lime bush. Enjoy the view of surrounding rooftops and churches from the comfortable seating area, especially beautiful at sunset when flocks of birds wheel overhead.

For swimmers or poolside loungers, we have arranged access to a swimming pool just a half block away, available daily for a small fee.

To help you in every way, Silvia, our industrious, resourceful and cheerful housekeeper, comes five mornings a week. She is a superb cook, and is can provide meals or catering services when you entertain (extra charge). Do try her chicken enchiladas and pears in wine sauce. Alfredo attends to the garden, and if he is free can help serve drinks and wait table. Casa del Gallo Perdido is professionally managed by Judy Arnold, who has over 30 years' real estate experience.

And the namesake of this house? El Gallo Perdido was the gallant rooster who ruled the roost for so many years from his perch on the green bed that is now in the study. Alas, his early morning crowing became too ardent, and he is now gone. But his spirit lives on, emblazoned on a plate here, a statue there. Some say his crowing can be heard in the ringing of the morning bells of the Parroquia Church in the Jardin. Won't you come listen?

Amenities:
Fireplaces-4 (2 with gas-log inserts, 2 wood), 3 outdoor seating areas with tables & chairs, cable TV, VCR, stereo, CD player, microwave, toaster oven, blender, espresso maker, dishwasher, clothes washer & dryer, built-in BBQ, screens on all doors and windows, Simmons mattresses, intercoms in bedrooms and kitchen connecting to the front door, cable internet connection.

Rates (in US Dollars):
$ 4,500 per month
$ 2,500 per two weeks
$ 1,500 per week

Holiday Weeks
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Week before Easter
$ 3,500 per two weeks
$ 2,000 per week

Extra guests: over 6 people: $15 / day / person over age of two.

Rental includes maid 5x week, gardener 3x a week and all utilities (except phone) up to $50/week. There is also a cable internet connection for your laptop.