If you do manage to get to Xililta to explore the weird and wonderful world of Edward James and his surrealist sculpture garden, then the only place to stay to really soak up the whole atmosphere of his fantasy creations is his former home "Posada El Castillo". With these welcoming footprints leading from the front gate, it is immediately clear that this is not just any run-of-the-mill hotel....
The house has an eccentric and quirky castle feel to it with turrets perched on high, twisting spiral staircases, ornate roof terraces, Modernist architectural details, and Surrealist art work displayed throughout. Here is a mural by Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington (long-term resident of Mexico City)...
The posada is currently owned and run by Gaby, niece of Plutarch Gastelum Esquer who along with his wife shared the house with Edward James for many years, subsequently inheriting it when James died in Italy in 1984. The posada only has 10 or 11 rooms all with a distinctive character such as high vaulted ceilings, lattice arched windows, unusual hexagonal shapes, and many also have fantastic views....
In addition to beautiful rooms, artwork, and views, there are also gorgeous gardens, a pool, and a lounge where guests can relax with an extensive library of books and DVDs, including a fascinating 45 minute documentary all about Edward James and Las Pozas. For more information about his sculpture garden click here... Here is a final shot of the roof terrace to further whet your appetite....
Like all secret hideaways, Xilitla is fairly inaccesible. It is 9 hours by 2nd class bus from Mexico City but the route is indirect through 860 hairpin bends in the magnificent Sierra Gorda mountains. For softies, there might be a more direct route by car via Pachuca....For more glimpses into different places around the world click here for MyWorldTuesday postings....
22 comments:
Incredible place. I would have never heard about it if it were not for you. Thanks.
Really quirky place, but I love it. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful place! It is indeed eccentric.
I like the place's distinct character and its inaccessibility somehow adds to its quirkiness and mystery.
My World is here
Can't wait for those Easter photos. Where you are they do the same Holidays as here only if you looked at them you wouldn't guess it's the same celebration.
looks like a real gem tucked away there.
though i probably would not enjoy a trip on a mexican bus going round and round the mountain curves :)
thanks for sharing.
Ooooooooo! How wonderful! Look at those feet!
I want to go RIGHT NOW, except for the 9-hour bus ride. I would have to find a different way. Helicopter maybe? This is a fantastic post!
Wow, that's a fascinating place. I'd love to visit there. The sculptures below are cool, too. I don't know about 8 hours on a bus, though. I must be one of those softies.
Wonderful place for vacation. Thanks for sharing..
Oh, a wonderful book (or two), that hotel and I'd be set for quite a while!
I would most definitely love to explore that exotic and lovely place! Wow.
Looks like a nice place to stay. Loved the shots, especially the one with foot prints.
SO BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND HAVE A NICE WEEK ;)
A litterally fantastic place that I would dearly like to stay at. Last night we saw a documentary on the gardens. Lovely post.
I loved the bedroom. Beautiful indeed.
Greetings from London.
Just wonderful artsy surreal place. that big feet path was so funny.
wow that looks incredible!! Lucky you, staying in that room!
An amazing place! :)
can't recommend this place more highly for a unique visit....
Oh, this place is great fun!
I guess I could rough it out overnight in a place like that if I HAD to ;)
I keep thinking about taking my wife to spend the night at the nearby Biltmore in Asheville, NC but choke everytime I see the prices!
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