Beneficencia 5, San Miguel de Allende Centro, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato 37700

fter 15 years of visiting San Miguel on a regular basis, New York Architect and Designer Jacqueline Mir decided to build her own residence, which she completed in 2022. After many viewings of lots and existing houses, she settled on two adjacent small structures in a charming alley near the church of Beneficencia, in Zona Centro. The project involved hiring long time SMA resident and high-end contractor Theresa Wachter to achieve Mirs design by demolishing the existing structures, terracing, building contention walls, and legally joining the two lots before building the house.Mirs inspiration is rooted in modernism, as well as the colonial architecture of Antigua Guatemala, lighter and more minimal in style than the colorful colonial architecture of Mexico. Casa Clara is a hidden Oasis in a residential alley in the middle of Centro, the most popular area of San Miguel de Allende. The large entry door (built of ending, the wood from which door churches are historically carved) leads unto a cool, dark four-point, 20 height, arch with views onto a garden, designed by SMA landscape architect Timoteo Wachter, with a central recinto volcanic rock designed by Mir. The lava floors, typical of San Miguel exterior walkways leads unto a half-story covered walkway and al fresco dining area. Floor to ceiling glass doors - handmade for each space by local iron workers - open unto the kitchen and dining area. The Kitchen is designed to accommodate a 10 by 3 table, and to sit 10 people. The kitchen counter and backsplash are 4 solid local Cantera stone, and features imported stainless steel appliances provided by Counter Cultures. The custom encino wood cabinets provide plenty of space, as does a walk-in cubbard. This level also houses a powder/laundry room and the guest bedroom with adjacent shower/bath and w/c separated areas.The center of the house is a spiral poured concrete staircase, with lava stone and polished cement threads. The minimalist