Imagine being on a 36-hour layover in Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende and leaving owning 9 acres of land; that is exactly what happened to John Houshmand. Interior Design recently featured his home, designed by architect David Howell, which showcases 10-foot-high windows, terracotta floor tiles, a partially open dining area, and many repurposed items such as sinks made from troughs, train wheels turned into candle holders and a mesquite door transformed into a headboard.
And many items throughout the home are made by Houshmand, his wife and local artisans, “Ultimately, craftsmanship is what this house is all about, from Houshmand's sculpted furnishings to Howell's hands-on sensibility and the rewarding process of building in a remote area when job-site communication is largely confined to sketches and hand gestures.”
See the full story and pictures at Interior Design: Down Mexico Way.
(Photos by David Joseph/Interior Design)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
San Miguel is an enchanting little town--the glass beverage-ware I purchased their years ago (for like 50 cents a piece) is a wonderful reminder. I envy the home and the location in this piece!
view sassypiggy's profile
I've been all over Mexico from Baja to Chiapas to the Yucatan -- and there's just nothing else like San Miguel de Allende. Aside from urgent hospital care being a concern, I'd retire there in a heartbeat (assuming that by the time I'm 70 there's such a thing as retiring). What a gorgeous home for an equally gorgeous landscape.
If you haven't yet retired, it's a great escape kind of place. Sleepy but yet still art-y and food-y and music-y. :-)
view kimg924's profile
Don't forget tourist-y. It is the most amazing place for architecture and interior design though.
view SFGail's profile
The BEST thing about this house are those incredible vaulted brick ceilings! Fantastic.
view cheapo's profile