Adriaan
Reviews
67 total reviews
94% rated 5★
67 reviews
4.94
2014–2026
67 reviews
Gustavo
Excellent, 3 months ago
This house is amazing; very private, peaceful, and the perfect place to disconnect from the routine and the city. The place has everything you need, and we loved cooking in the kitchen. There are beautiful beaches just a 20-minute drive away, and the views from the house are incredible. Adrian made sure we had everything we needed during our stay. I’ll definitely stay here again next time I’m in La Paz.
Purba
Excellent, 3 months ago
Adriaan has made a little paradise!
Yasumitsu
Excellent, 6 months ago
This place offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. I highly recommend it.
Host Response
Thank you
Alison
Excellent, 6 months ago
What a magical, inspired, and inspiring place. Our family loved being there and would love to go back for the tranquillity and creativity that flows through the whole property.
Guido
Excellent, 2 years ago
The house is an excellent option for those who want to disconnect from the outside world. It matches the photos and description, and it was very clean when we arrived. One of its advantages is that it has everything you need, so you don't need to bring any additional items such as plates, knives, sheets, blankets and the like. The location is easy to find once you get used to the road and is not far from La Ventana. If you are looking for a cozy space where you can enjoy the starry, total silence, disconnect from the city and you like to walk in nature, this is definitely the place.
Karen
Excellent, 2 years ago
If you like privacy, serenity, gorgeous views (sea and desert mountains), off grid architecture with beautiful design sense, than look no further. We loved every minute of this special retreat. We enjoyed being far enough away from everything but also having access to everything when needed. I cannot recommend this space more highly if tranquility is of a high priority to you.
Emily
Repeat guest
Excellent, 3 years ago
Adriaan’s home is one of my all time favorite places to stay - the house is so thoughtfully designed and the surrounding desert is incredibly peaceful and beautiful! I am always grateful to get to stay at his beautiful home!
Dan
Excellent, 3 years ago
A wonderful world away from everything. I could have stayed there for months. I am hoping to stay again for longer. I wouldn’t change a thing. Was awesome to see the craftsmanship and love put into the build of this property.
Eva
Excellent, 3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful and cozy home in a remote mountain location. Spectacular views (the best I've seen in Baja). Perfect if you really want to get away from it all!
Thor
Excellent, 3 years ago
We were looking for an inland desert experience away from the beachfront crowds and condos and this property exceeded expectations. The house and land are far more dramatic than the pictures show, on a steep hill top surrounded by boulders and trees, view for miles to the sea. The owner/architect has created an old-world style home sited perfectly. I was initially annoyed with the kitchen but came to love the windows on three sides that all opened out to the terraces and view. The owner's check-in is the most organized I have seen. You get 2 cleaning visits per week, which we felt was excessive and declined. Beds are comfy. The plunge pool is 9+' diameter - bigger than expected - lovely place to relax (cold in Feb!). The negatives would be smoke smell in the living room, underpowered gas cooktop, unhandy chest fridge, and sub-par kitchen stuff. Hint: you can get a boat to see the Magdalena Bay whales from Puerto Chale, 2 1/2 hrs. Book whole boat for $187 if you can - worth it!
Erika
Excellent, 3 years ago
The views from this house are amazing. The rooms are very comfortable and private. It's definitely worth a look around to see the window and disconnect from the city.
Host Response
Always welcome, thank you so much.
Kristin
Excellent, 3 years ago
Extraordinary place! Spectacular surroundings, beautiful and comfortable home, very peaceful.
Emilie
Excellent, 4 years ago
This place was beautiful. The house and garden were amazing, every detail… Hope to come back again.
Alberto
Excellent, 4 years ago
Super good communication and attention!
Jennifer
Excellent, 4 years ago
Adriaan's lovely house on the hill is thoughtfully appointed and perfect for the traveler who wants to get away from it all. We loved the private spaces for each of us, the numerous seating options to drink coffee or journal or look at stars, and as nature lovers we delighted in all the creatures who flew, slithered, or skittered across our paths in and outside the house. Adriaan's book of nearby recommendations is comprehensive and we particularly loved the beach at Punta Arena de la Ventana in the afternoon when the water was tranquil and only another handful of people were enjoying the beach. Be mindful of the beautiful old doors and take your room key with you- we had a close call as the doors lock when you pull them closed! Adriaan responded quickly to messages and we appreciated the ability to meet Ciro in La Paz to be shown up to the house. Can't wait to return one day!
Sebastian
Excellent, 5 years ago
Nice place perfect for a peaceful retreat
Toni
Excellent, 5 years ago
Adriaan’s house was the perfect place for my birthday week with friends. The location is stunning and the kitchen and outdoor cooking set up had everything we needed to cook beautiful meals from the market fish and ingredients. Ciro, the house manager, made it so easy to settle in and was available, attentive, and proactive with every need we may have. It was comfortable and charming, though the summer rain did bring out the bugs. I truly couldn’t have imagined a better stay.
Manisha
Excellent, 5 years ago
There is a reason people have written incredible reviews about this place…this is just as inspirational. While not for everybody, Adriaan’s place is for those who like to be away from the resort humdrum to enjoy the nature in it’s glory. The house itself is beyond beautiful. And is located in between la paz and ventana where the markets are. We extended our stay for 5 days beyond our initial plan and made incredible memories here. Already making plans for next time.
Emily
Repeat guest
Excellent, 5 years ago
Adriaan's home is spectacular! The home itself is so beautiful - filled with thoughtful details - and the location is fantastic. The desert surrounding the house is quiet and incredible. Adriaan was so helpful during our entire trip and recommended many wonderful things for us to do. We can't wait for another trip to this amazing place!
Olle
Excellent, 5 years ago
One of the most thought thru houses we have ever stayed in and the surroundings are truly mesmerizing! It's one of those magical places that you just can't wait to return to :)
Daniel
Excellent, 5 years ago
This is one of the best Airbnb’s where I’ve ever stayed. An incredible unspoiled natural setting and a beautifully and thoughtfully laid out house, indoor and out. The owner is clearly an artist who designed a divine space and the house and property feels spiritual. Absolutely magical.
Ivonne
Excellent, 6 years ago
The house is amazing, very well thought out all the spaces to enjoy the view. Every area of the house is made to enjoy it. We hope to return soon. Thank you very much Ciro for your attention.
Lucie
Excellent, 6 years ago
This place is just AMAZING! A beautifully and thoughtfully designed building. All very comfortable and with everything we needed. Ciro was fantastic and very helpful when we arrived and departed. We thought we’d spend more time away from the house exploring the area but it was so lovely there that we didn’t want to leave! If you are undecided then definitely just book! You won’t regret it. We were worried about the bugs after reading the reviews but we wanted to see more when we were there! So much amazing wildlife (birds and lizards in particular) just on the doorstep. We will be back for sure.
Bay
Repeat guest
Excellent, 6 years ago
Adriaan’s place is fantastic! Beautiful sunrises and an excellent property for star gazing. Our second stay at Adriaan’s. Tastefully decorated with wonderful art through out the property. Not your typical vacation rental. Very comfortable beds with a private space for everyone. It is a treat to stay here. Thank you Adriaan!
Louise
Excellent, 6 years ago
We had a really lovely holiday. Great place in the hills with amazing views.
Luviz
Excellent, 6 years ago
Spectacular! Thank you so much Adrián
Guillermo
Excellent, 7 years ago
Great place !
Danielle
Excellent, 7 years ago
This is a fabulous place to make a home base in La Paz for a vacation. We loved everything about it. I can't say enough about how great a time we had.
Jessica
Excellent, 7 years ago
We highly suggest a stay at this beautiful, serene location. If you are travelling to truly "experience" La Paz, you could not ask for a better home base. A truly beautiful gem well worth the 20 minute drive out of town. Rox (the home's liaison) was communicative and went above and beyond to be sure we had everything we needed to enjoy not only our stay but the community. We had many wonderful and unique experiences during our time on the peninsula, and coming home each night to this home was, without a doubt, one of the best.
Alissa
Excellent, 7 years ago
I cannot recommend Adriaan's place highly enough! It was the perfect spot to unwind after a hectic year. We loved grilling the fresh fish we caught & enjoying a glass of wine while admiring the full moon. Photos cannot do the views justice - you just have to see for yourself! Roxana was incredibly helpful, meeting us in town and taking us directly to the house. She was in touch regularly in case we needed anything. The house itself is truly a piece of art. We look forward to planning our next visit!
Pao
Excellent, 7 years ago
A wonderful place!!!! And Adriaan, the most attentive and detailed with the stay!!! A lot of information that helps us plan our vacation early!!! A complete experience in terms of hosting and information. The house is beautiful and it is worth enjoying time in it. It is necessary to rent a car in order to arrive, you have to consider that the road is terraceria. It is approximately 30 minutes away from Peace so what to consider a visit to the super before. Is close to beautiful beaches!!! And around pure nature!!! A place that is all worth it !!!!
Peter
Excellent, 8 years ago
What can I say? That's Casa Adriaan was 10 times more special, beautiful and unique than hoped for? This place is one of a kind. Everything you need in terms of amenities, literally a window on unfolding nature (every moment is different, spectacularly beautiful and with several view points > patio and roof terrace there's never a dull moment), 3 wonderful rooms, a roof top terrace, an amazing patio etc. etc. A place which is so quiet, yet so rich. Truly special. We visited with 2 kids (15 and 18). Even they loved it. One comment: The road to Casa Adriaan may be a tiny bit challenging for some. We drove with a regular car, not a 4WD. For me fine and very doable, but not for all. My girlfriend would have died. For us both (super experienced travellers) the most beautiful house we've ever stayed in. A place so good I hesitated for a moment to recommend :).
Diego
Excellent, 8 years ago
Absolutely recommended. A magical place! Beautiful views and very authentic excursions.
Memusi
Excellent, 8 years ago
A magical property in a stunning location run by a professional and friendly team! We could not fault anything and treasured every minute. Adriaan and Ciro were extremely welcoming and helpful. A real gem!
Carmen
Excellent, 8 years ago
This place is a gym! We loved taking day trips and then retreating here. This was our second stay at this beautiful spot. We are so in love with Rancho El Ancón. The Mountain View, the beautiful old doors, the sounds of the wildlife, relaxing by the plunge pool, the king sized bed....I could go on and on. However, I recommend you experience it for yourself.
Dawn
Excellent, 8 years ago
Adriaans place was truly magical! The views go on for miles. There was everything we needed to make our stay perfect, and all the little touches made it so beautiful. The only thing that disturbed the perfect silence was a small herd of goats with bells on that walked by down the hill. It was amazing!
Hassan & Aida
Excellent, 8 years ago
We really enjoyed our stay in this place. The house is beautiful with an artistic touch into it. It is relatively far from the light pollution of the cities, and you get a unique experience of watching stars, especially in the rooftop space. The house is well maintained and self-sustained with solar energy, in the middle of the hills and you feel right in the nature. We also had an easy communication with the hosts. Whenever we needed something, or had a question about the house, or needed some recommendations about local attractions, the hosts were very responsive with text messages. We certainly recommend this place for whomever visiting this area.
Regina
Good, 8 years ago
It's worth renting the house, it has an incredible view, as well as the sunrise and sunset, the pool I touch us somewhat cold, but because the same weekend was with the temperature low... it's definitely a place I go back to.
Andreas
Excellent, 8 years ago
We (4 adults + 1 1.5 year old) spent a full week at this beautiful place and really enjoyed it. Highlights include the view, the quietness, the location (20-30min to La Paz and some beaches), the architecture, the hosts (thank you Adriaan and Roxana), the terrace, and so many more things. We are coming back!
Sandy
Excellent, 8 years ago
Our family had an amazing time together at Adriaan’s beautiful home. It truly is a stunning desert oasis! Beautiful rooftop views of the sandy shoreline sea in the distance, the gorgeous light of sunrises and sunsets, and the expansive night sky of stars was extraordinary and the surrounding rocky desert landscape was breathtaking. We would have stayed every day here and been deeply satisfied, but there was much to see and experience in the surrounding beaches and communities so we frequently left the oasis for day trip excursions. The long and unpaved road leading up to the house must be carefully climbed, but we made the journey daily in our 2-wheel drive rental just fine. If you are looking for a magical and unique experience off the beaten path, this is a place for you.
Luis
Excellent, 8 years ago
A jewel close to La Paz, secluded from everything, and with a beautiful house surrounded by nature.
Annemie
Good, 9 years ago
Incredibly beautiful house, very quiet location with beautiful views over the desert and the sea in the distance!
Alfredo
Excellent, 9 years ago
We were a party of 7 and had a blast in this house. We stayed for a long weekend (Friday to Monday) and even though the house is "far" (about half an hour) from La Paz it's totally worth it if you're willing to drive everyday to and from the house. The house is secluded in the mountains and you have an astounding view of the surroundings. Sunrises look spectacular from there. Everything inside the house is handy and you will feel at home. Both Adriaan and Ciro were totally helpful when needed and gave us all the information necessary to get around the area. If you are looking for a house to spend time with your friends or family (or both) don't hesitate on choosing this place. Just a note, since you're in the middle of the mountains expect to see spiders (they're harmless and you'll get used to them). The house has three rooms distributed through the property, a small pool where you can spend a good time, an exterior and interior living room, full equipped kitchen and everything you need. We were so happy with our decision.
Jorge
Excellent, 9 years ago
! ! !
Raymond
Excellent, 9 years ago
this home is a treasure, sitting high above the coast offering an exception view - morning sunrise and evening sunsets are amazing. the stars at night are big and bright.
Adam
Excellent, 9 years ago
Adriaan's desert retreat is just the place to spend a week in Baja!
Rob & Rae
Excellent, 9 years ago
Adriaan's house is truly BREATHTAKING in every sense of the word! We spent eight glorious nights here and loved every moment of it. The house is beautifully designed with lots of great outdoor spots to relax and take in the views. La Ventana is just a quick 20 minute drive away and there are lots of great spots to eat there (we recommend Tony's - so good). But while there is a great deal to see around the area, you really don't want to leave the property. Our favorite days were exploring the arroyos around the property. You are definitely away from everything here and this being the desert, there are plenty of wildlife -- we didn't see any snakes but there were a few small scorpions here and there but they won't bother you unless you bother them. Adriaan and Ciro were always available if you encounter any issues. I've stayed in quite a few AirBnB's around the world over the past 5-6 years and this is hands down my favorite place. We can't wait to come back -- thanks again Adriaan!
John & Cari
Excellent, 9 years ago
Wow! Adriaan's home is absolutely amazing! It is the perfect place to connect with people you love and not be distracted with all the hustle of city life. The more time you spend there the more you become aware that this is not just a home, but Adriaan's work of art. The pictures don't do it justice or convey all of the nuances of esthetic architectural details. It's a stunningly beautiful and special place. The more time you spend there—the more exquisite things you notice like the tree theme that runs throughout the house, the artwork wall murals, framed artwork and the way nature and organic elements are integrated into the design of the home. The home is fully equipped with everything you could possibly want including beautiful serving ware and quality cookware that we put to good use over the seven days we spent there. We spent ample hours in the outdoor living room both day and night as the weather permitted and even took chairs up to the rooftop veranda to star gaze and drink wine well into the evening. The layout of the buildings gives everyone tranquil privacy while providing beautiful spaces for everyone to come together. This house is not for everyone. It is isolated (in the best of ways) and as mentioned in other reviews, you will most likely see some critters (field mice, lizards, spiders etc.) in your space. But that's only an indication of how well the home is integrated into the natural desert surroundings. It's about 15 miles out a good road from La Paz and then another mile out a rough, bumpy dirt road to the house. Our rental car handled the road with no problem at all, but if there was any significant rain, all-wheel drive would probably be advisable. When driving from town, especially at night, be very cautious and be aware of cows and goats on the highway, there are many. Driving into La Paz or to the nearby towns and beaches is easy. While remote, the area feels very safe and secure with a locked gate at the dirt road and neighbors nearby. On the first day Ciro met us in town after we stocked up on supplies. (We met at the Mega grocery store for our first food run, but found the nearby Chedraui to have better, fresher produce and meats). We followed Ciro out to the house where he gave us a tour and showed us how everything worked. Later if we had any questions our texts were always answered immediately and he was extremely helpful. Our son purposed marriage to his girlfriend at the house on Christmas eve with the family all there. It was a moving experience and made our time there all the more special. To sum it all up, this is a special, magical, one of a kind place that we enjoyed as much as anyplace we have ever been. We hope to return to the house for the wedding this...
Anca
Good, 9 years ago
The house is gorgeous, in a remote and unspoilt part of the desert, with wonderful sea views. The design of the house is stunning- the attention to details, colors, furniture, we loved the old doors, which we were told come from Central Mexico. We felt really priviledged to have discovered such a special, one of a kind place. Adriaan and Ciro were very gracious hosts, the check-in/out was smooth and they also arranged for a cook for us, Ovelia, who prepared wonderful breakfasts for us every morning- thank you all! This house, however, is not for everyone. We knew it was remote, but the driving back and forth to the beach with a child was exhausting, 1 hour to La Paz, 35 min to Sergento/La Ventana, 45 min-1 hour to Ensanada de los Muertos. During the day it was OK, but it's not feasible to go out for dinner. For those who want to enjoy the desert it is beautiful, but if you are planning on spending most of the time at the beach, consider staying in La Ventana or around. Finally, when we arrived we asked Ciro if there are snakes or other animals, he said no and recommended we go hiking on the trails around the house. The second day, we saw a big rattle snake on the path to the bedrooms. We freaked out- it is very dangerous NOT to know, especially with children, we could have had a fatal accident. In the 5 nights we stayed we saw 4 snakes, one of them was eating a mouse right in front of the bedroom door! Because of these encounters, we obviously didn't hike (quite an irresponsible advice), but tried to spend minimal time outside the house, we were always afraid that our daughter might run into something. We ended up sleeping the three of us in the same room, because there were little mice in the main bedroom, and after the snake eating mouse accident, we were afraid snakes might somehow get in the room. I should say I have a pathological fear of snakes and I had rattlesnake nightmares most nights. To end on a positive note, we absolutely loved the house. I think everyone should know that the house is immersed in the desert, and it is natural that animals/snakes abound. I only wish we knew in advance- a warning would have been tremendously helpful. Probably perfect for visitors without children, especially small children who are hard to control.
Iria
Excellent, 9 years ago
This is a wonderful place. Period. If you have the opportunity, you will not regret staying at Adriaan's house. Our entire family (5 adults) spent a full week this past November and I can only describe our stay as magical. The house is well equipped and maintained, full of wonderful and whimsical little details and... the views! Oh, the views! Any meal in the outside table overlooking the bay is priceless. Adriaan is a wonderful host, that contacted us multiple times and made sure that we had everything we needed. He took care of all logistics, and also gave us very good recommendations on things to do and places to visit around the house. Definitely staying here again on our next visit to Baja!
Eder
Excellent, 10 years ago
We enjoyed Casa Ancon for a 3-day weekend and we were blown away. The views are spectacular, and every corner of the house seems to be made for enjoyment. Adriaan was very helpful before we got to La Paz. He sent great ideas for planning and was great at responding quickly with great detail. Ciro, who met us upon arrival and made sure we had no issues finding the place, was very kind and attentive. They were always available in case we needed anything for the weekend. We loved that we were close enough to La Paz (15 mns) but we were far enough to explore new beaches and we found incredible bahías
Carolyn
Excellent, 10 years ago
We had a fantastic few days staying in Adriaan's beautiful home. It's in a quite location, has stunning views and very comfortable. He has a wonderful eye for detail with interesting touches in every room. Ciro meet us in La Paz and guided us up to the house. He was extremely helpful and polite with lots of helpful suggestions what to do in the area. There are bugs and crawling things but you get used to them - its the desert after all! Would also like to mention that Adriaan was extremely good in communicating with us in the lead up to our trip. I would absolutely recommend this house to anyone wanting to experience this beautiful part of the world. Would love to come back again one day and stay longer.
Jesse
Excellent, 10 years ago
This place rules! Ciro, who is the caretaker, was very helpful. He made us feel right at home. We got to the house pretty late, but the next morning we were greeted with a glorious sunrise (so glorious I had to eventually shutter the windows for a few more hours of shut eye). The house is 20-30 minutes drive from La Ventana and La Paz. This was not a problem and I enjoyed escaping to the mountains after a day at the beach. Our kids loved every minute and spent most of their time in the little pool. I hope to return as we still have lots more to see in BCS.
David
Excellent, 10 years ago
Adriaan's Desert House is anything but a standard AirBnB experience. As we were driving in to the property from the hustle and bustle of La Paz, we knew we were going to be arriving at someplace special. Off-the grid. Remote. One-of-a-kind views. A fantastic place to decompress and take in the sites and sounds of the Baja desert. Adriaan has an amazing eye for design and detail. The place felt extremely inviting. But if you're expecting a "hotel-like" experience, this is probably not for you. You're staying in the middle of mother nature - expect the occasional critter, lazy iguanas, a slow and bumpy drive to your destination, and star gazing like you've never witnessed. Beds are super comfy and Adriaan had a friend meet us in La Paz and had us follow him to the property to make sure we didn't get lost. Hugely helpful! Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a unique Mexico experience. Also, there were enough fun day trips from the house to keep all of us (including two 4 year olds) entertained.
Enrique
Excellent, 10 years ago
A spectacular space, perfectly integrated into the surroundings and full of great details. Without a doubt, a house and a pair of hosts like no other. We’ll be back soon. Thank you so much.
Joie
Excellent, 10 years ago
Truly stunning and luxurious! Breathtaking views and very, very comfortable. Every last detail has been thought of and hand crafted. Adriaan was very responsive and Ciro was wonderful. Would highly suggest this house. It was farther away from La Paz than we thought but we ended up just loving hanging out at the house all day - also is only 15 minutes to good kiteboarding beach. Also this is a better house for people who enjoy wildlife and being around nature. We saw a lot of animals, including tarantulas and scorpions.
Denise
Excellent, 10 years ago
What can we say about Adriaan's house that hasn't already been said? In short, it is an amazing house and you can tell a great deal of attention has been paid to every detail. Adriaan provided us with detailed information on the house and where to meet his friend Ciro to have him take us up to the house. It ended up being rainy and foggy the first few days at the house, but that made for interesting views/clouds. It was what locals would consider quite cold, but the house was still cozy and comfortable. One it cleared up we spent whole days sitting on the porch reading and just staring out at the incredible view. In fact, we loved being at the house so much that we only ended up going into La Ventana for two quick visits to get groceries. I would recommend buying groceries at the Mega in La Paz (where we met Ciro) as there isn't a large selection in La Ventana (although we did end up buying some excellent fish there.) We are already trying to figure out when to go back. It really did our souls good to spend time there.
Bay
Repeat guest
Excellent, 10 years ago
An amazing special place on the planet. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Adriaans house. The house is beautiful! The views are beautiful! Everything we needed was there and more. Adriaan was very responsive to any questions we had. It felt like a honor to stay there. If you have the opportunity to stay at Adriaans house..DO! Thank you!
Sylvie
Excellent, 10 years ago
For lovers of tranquility and nature , this villa is superb with an exceptional panoramic view. The person who welcomed us was charming and did everything to make our stay go smoothly. Close to the villa , we were able to enjoy pretty beaches and near the PAZ , the excursion to the island of Esperitu Santo is magical , the rock, fauna and flora of the island are fantastic and we were able to dive with the sea lions. Also at LA PAZ, a dive with whale sharks delighted the whole family.
Teddy
Excellent, 11 years ago
While the initial drive up the mountain was treacherous, all things to the brave! Once you reach the house, you will reap the rewards of the journey. After having to stay in an all-inclusive resort in Cabo, you really get to see the benefits of making an effort to experience and see Mexico from a unique perspective. We were mesmerized by the views everyday, cooked amazing meals, and went to visit beautiful uninhabited islands. I also proposed to my girlfriend on the trip, and she said 'yes'! We celebrated it with some champagne and a beautiful sunset. So happy that this place exists so that we can go back to it to celebrate our anniversary!
Bryony
Excellent, 11 years ago
What an amazing place! The view, the design of the house and furniture, the atmosphere! You're in the middle of nature, in the middle of nowhere so you do need a 4WD to get there over the sand roads (especially if it has rained like when we were there) and as other reviewers mentioned, bugs sometimes do wander in and out, but this didn't bother us at all. Actually, our children loved discovering all the species they had never seen before. Adriaan was very communicative and provided us with all the information we needed.
Phoebe
Excellent, 11 years ago
I couldn't agree more with everything other traverlers have said. The beauty and tranquility of the house and surroundings is simply out of this world. The settings felt magnificent and private and the same time. There are plenty of things to do around the house, and it’s convenient to get to nearby beaches and towns. We enjoyed cooking food on the grill made of car rim, and loved having meals on the open patio. The house was a great base that made it a wonderful vacation for us. I highly recommend this place if you’d like to be a part of the nature and still feel very comfortable.
Claudia
Excellent, 11 years ago
If you enjoy going off the grid in style, prepare for a treat. You have to be self-reliant and able to enjoy the lack of TV, intermittent cell, but constant thrill of beauty all around you. Sweeping views of wonderful cactus, mountain, sea, island, stars...You need to bring your own company and good humor, flashlight and a book. There are fabulous beaches within a 20 min drive, and a few restaurants, and at least one good cappuccino in Sargento. Endless exploring. We bought fresh fish right from the fishermen. Swam daily. Made fires to sit around and chat. Amenities at the house are superb, and each room has its charm. A four-wheel drive isn't necessary but the driveway is daunting the first time. Ignore your apprehension and press on. Before you know it you'll feel like a local. The opportunity to relax in a comfortable house beats most 5 star hotels -- take it from this former travel writer who went worldwide for years for all the top publications. But this house is more than comfortable. It has STYLE! It has a sense of place. Of the owner's interest in ships. To be frank, it's unforgettable. We hired the cook/housekeeper which is totally worthwhile on vacation! who wants to do dishes? Everybody raved about how comfortable the beds were. We really got into slowing down and relaxing, which is a difficult thing to achieve these days. A nice sleep, perhaps a cowbell sounding in the distance, a view of the stars to great advantage -- and then happy coffeetime in the morning to discuss the day's adventures, a lingering over breakfast, a pop in the pool, more lingering, maybe a quick round of bridge, and eventually we got out for entertainment. Those of you unfamiliar with Baja need to know it's --- uh -- as good as it gets. Phenomenal desert, with stupendous seas, wildlife, and the welcoming Mexican smile, indigenous crafts, eternal cave paintings not so very far away -- Europeans, if you're reading this, say yes to it. Just go. Dismiss any doubts you have, those of you who are old Baja hands and think you've been everywhere. Try this place. Bring some beeswax candles with you. Some of your favorite cooking spices. A few music selections if you must. Your writing, painting, whatever you're thinking about. It will all come clear down there. And you'll always have a place that you know about where you can peel away the layers of nonsense in which we're so thoroughly steeped, a place you can go and empty out your brain and listen to the birds. Silence is a very rare commodity, and so is the opportunity to commune with yourself. This place is made for rejuvenation. Nothing could be further from the cookie-cutter hotel room. It's real. Take advantage.
Issac
Excellent, 11 years ago
Thank you Adriaan for sharing your BEAUTIFUL house! The peace and tranquility of the location, the sky packed with stars and the space designed and constructed with so much thoughtfulness was a perfect retreat. The house and kitchen were immaculate, beds comfortable, the dishes and wooden bowls were lovely and the knives were sharp. We loved cooking in the kitchen with the large window open and living so fluidly inside and out. We also enjoyed listening to the clinking of distant goat and cow bells in the early morning and evening, catching glimpses of a ring tailed cat and iguana and the many lovely birds. There were two of us this last trip and we felt cozy in the main house however we would love to come back again and bring two more couples! I would highly recommend this special place to anyone looking, it truly is a desert paradise.
Julie
Excellent, 11 years ago
This is one of the most beautiful homes, in the most beautiful settings, we have ever stayed in. Every detail is perfect: the placement of the stones, the graceful pathways, the well-appointed kitchen and lovely bedrooms and bathrooms, the simple and very comfortable outdoor living areas, the way each created space fit into the landscape. And the sounds! Birds, crickets, and - best of all - the bells of goats and cows roaming through. The photos cannot do it justice - the bay, the mountains, the interesting desert vegetation. There are things to do in the area if you are so inclined - water sports, fishing, restaurants, all around half an hour away. But you won't want to leave the property. We were there just the two of us, but it would be great for four or six. It was paradise. Really. We can't wait to return.
Myra
Excellent, 11 years ago
This house is quite incredible! We were hoping (upon seeing the photos online) that it would be half as beautiful in person, and in reality, the pictures don't do it justice. I travelled here for the Christmas holiday with my family and boyfriend (six of us total), and we had a splendid time. The house was designed by the owner (who is an architect in Mexico City), and you can tell he put a lot of personal attention and care into the house design. Despite him being away in Mexico City, Adriaan was very responsive to our needs and arranged a friend to drive us to the house the day we arrived in Mexico. He answers emails/phone calls promptly when there is an issue. The Astonishi house is definitely a place that melts together with its outside environment, with lots of doors and big windows meant to be opened wide. The breakfast table is out on the patio, and we thoroughly enjoyed dining out there every morning. The kitchen is well-equipped, all the furniture and beds are comfortable, and the separate living areas allow for communal living, and privacy when needed. To get back to the beauty of the place....The main patio is gorgeous and overlooks the Bahia la Ventana, and the lovely beach which is about a 25 minute drive from the house. La Paz city is a 35 minute drive from the house, down a good highway (once you navigate the VERY bumpy 2.5 km dirt road from the house). So yes, this house is pretty remote out in the desert...complete with desert critters who occasionally venture into the house (tiny mice, spiders and occasional scorpion). But that being said, we found it to be remote in a really good way, a place for real relaxation and beauty. The stars are incredible at night, the sunrises are breathtaking, and there's nothing better than lounging out in the sun next to the house's soaking pool. Cactus surrounds the place, and the neighboring village goats and their bells can be heard roaming nearby! The "Rancho El Ancon" is a tiny and welcoming village with a pretty church, tiny store, and group of maybe 20 houses down the dirt road towards the highway. We loved lounging around the house, but also took almost daily trips to either the beach or to La Paz. The positioning of the house between several desirable spots to visit was really nice, despite how remote it felt! So, if you are traveling to Baja del Sur, and are turned off by the resort scene of Cabo, I highly recommend Adriaan's place. It will be a beautiful and unforgettable experience!
Robert
Good, 11 years ago
This is a truly amazing house - beautiful architectural and design details make it a unique place to call home. In addition, the setting is quite epic - incredible views across the desert, to mountains and the ocean. The pictures don't begin to capture how beatiful the stars, sunrises and afternoon light can be. The privacy, isolation and tranquility make it a great retreat to relax and reconnect. Adriaan was very responsive and helpful during our planning. For our arrival Adriaan was out of town, but he had a friend (Rafael) meet us who was incredibly helpful and kind. The only caution I'd offer is that the location is quite remote and a bit wild. To be able to fully relax, you must be ok with the occasional spider, mouse or scorpion and accept that this is part of the reality of living in the midst of a beautiful desert.