In the environs of Valle de Bravo, Casa Rancho Avándaro is a weekend retreat designed primarily to make the most of its extensive natural surroundings. The house is a commanding presence on the landscape, striking a balance between the well-tended gardens and the imposing stone buildings with gable roofs.

The project consists of three volumes, each one contained by stone walls acting as interconnected partitions. The central structure has the living area and dining room, and the wings have the master bedroom (including a studio on a mezzanine floor), kitchen, and other service areas. The retreat also incorporates an annex building with guest bedrooms, a space that offers privacy while still clearly belonging to the overall program.

The interior design is developed around the use of lighting, finishes, and the local vegetation. The exteriors are predominantly stonework, a material that has been left exposed indoors where it combines with ironwork features, wood of various hues (for the mezzanine level, furniture, and partition walls), and poured concrete (for the kitchen and bathroom flooring).

The double-height living room affords the property’s most spectacular views and also contains paintings by Silvia Pardo. The choice of furniture posed a challenge since the indoor areas (living and dining rooms in a contemporary design) lead to two exterior spaces (a terrace with jacuzzi on one side, and a central courtyard on the other). Outside, Charlotte Yazbek’s sculptures provide cohesion for this area that has excellent views onto the natural surroundings. 

The feel of each interior space contrasts with the straightforward rusticity of the architecture, giving the home a contemporary and innovative twist, achieving a harmonious combination of luxury, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.