The beautiful Spanish colonial villa was designed and furnished by an artist. The property is set into the mountainside of the extinct Volcan de Agua and looks out over the rolling hills and valley below and two other volcanoes. Surrounded by farmland with compesinos walking their burrows to the fields, the property is a refuge from the bustle of urban life. Birds serenade the sunrise.

There are three bedrooms, with the master suite taking up the whole second floor and the other two guest rooms on the ground floor in a separate wing. From the master bath you can watch Fuego erupting or the fireworks in the valley. There are terraces and seating on all four sides so you can sit in sun or shade or take in different views depending on preference and time of day. A stepped fountain 'stream' with flowering plants and fish is in the central courtyard where you can sit out for meals or on the back terrace with umbrella.

The spacious gardens tended daily by the local gardener are filled with flowers you can cut to have in the house. Open lawns for children to play in the walled compound and endless walks through the countryside outside the walls.

Within the spacious walled compound are two other homes not visible from my house, in addition to the guard/doorman who provides 24 hour security and his wife who cleans the house three days a week (additional maid service can be arranged). The two bedrooms on the ground floor share a bathroom between them which also serves as the guest bathroom.

I recently built a beautiful wood fired sauna that seats 6-8 people or two people can lie down on the long benches. When you step outside, there is a cold shower. We have been having sauna parties and have friends over to relax and then have supper together.

All year round one eats outside on the terraces by the cascading fountain or in the warm patio under the umbrella on the patio off the dining room. Downtown Antigua with its restaurants, sites and night life is only 12 minutes away by car.

Please check the availability calendar before contacting me as my place is usually rented months in advance.

Keywords: Villa