Casa Eterea: A Tranquil Desert Getaway
This star-gazing, off-grid hideaway in the desert outside San Miguel de Allende treads lightly on its incredible surroundings.
19 April 2021
Waking up at Casa Eterea allows one to experience pure solitude in the landscape, accompanied only by the crowing of roosters and the distant howls of dogs. The light floods the area, filtering through shaded glass and creating beautiful patterns on the concrete floor. Outside, a serene pebbled garden and a refreshing swimming pool are bordered by olive, pomegranate, orange, and lime trees. Enjoying a morning coffee here, one feels enveloped in time, observing the gradual dance of sunlight as it caresses the mountains and the cacti surrounding the house.
Accessible Solitude in Nature
South-east of the vibrant town of San Miguel de Allende, nestled on a ridge in the Los Picachos range, Casa Eterea is an exceptional meditative space, best accessed via four-wheel-drive. The journey from the nearby village of Alcocer takes approximately 30 minutes on a rocky and steep path, revealing a picturesque rural landscape dotted with modest farms and ranches, until the shimmering mirrored facade of the casa emerges from between the trees.
Creative Vision in Design
The owner, Prashant Ashoka, a freelance writer and photographer, envisioned the house after relocating from Singapore to San Miguel de Allende in the summer of 2017. During a hike with his partner, Jorge, they discovered this secluded plot and were captivated by its tranquil isolation. Despite the site lacking electricity, water, and road access, they recognized its immense potential and decided to create Casa Eterea, inspired by the mountain’s natural V-shaped ravine.
Preferring to work without an architectural firm, Ashoka collaborated with local artisans to construct the house using volcanic rock sourced from the surrounding hillside. The design incorporates effective ventilation and insulated glass, enabling the structure to maintain a comfortable temperature amidst the semi-arid climate. Fully powered by solar energy and utilizing collected rainwater, Casa Eterea embodies sustainable living. Its mirrored walls enhance the connection to nature, serving both as a protective feature for birds and a reflection of the striking landscape.
Inspired Living
Influenced by the tiny house movement, Ashoka’s vision aligns with a growing trend of sustainable living that emphasizes reducing carbon footprints and embracing minimalism. Moreover, Casa Eterea serves as a living art installation, paying homage to the work of Mexico’s renowned modernist architect, Luis Barragán. Ashoka’s passion for design is reflected in the careful selection of decor, merging objects from Mexico’s rich maker culture with unique Asian finds.
Incorporating Local Artisans
For the interior, Ashoka partnered with a local design studio, embracing artisanal craftsmanship that includes a jute rug from Jaipur, Balinese lamps, and woven baskets from Shaanxi province in China. Unique items sourced from local markets, such as black candles and a brass telescope, add character to the space, while the highlight remains an oversized bathtub created in collaboration with copper artisans.
Experiencing Nature
Casa Eterea indeed presents a different narrative compared to the vibrant art and design community of San Miguel de Allende. It invites guests to explore the rugged terrain and connect with nature. In the early hours, hawks circle above the extinct Palo Huérfano volcano, enhancing the serene landscape.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own food or arrange transport with the house manager to the nearest village for supplies. As dusk falls, stargazing becomes an enchanting experience, especially with celestial bodies like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn visible in the night sky.
Adventure Awaits
On the final day, I was greeted by Concho Sierra Mendoza, who offered to take me on a horseback adventure to the peak. Accompanied by his dogs, the journey was steep yet exhilarating as we traversed fields of cacti laden with ripe tunas. Upon reaching the peak, the stunning view of Casa Eterea illuminated below offered a breathtaking perspective of this impressive structure amidst the vast wilderness.
Conclusion: Casa Eterea stands as a unique retreat in a blossoming green architecture scene in Mexico. For anyone seeking peace and connection with nature, this remarkable hideaway provides a perfect escape.
