We're not too into extravagant living spaces but we decided to splurge this once. Our last stop (in San Miguel de Allende), was our first of the trip and we weren't sure how much to budget for living expenses. So we shot low and got a tiny, cheap, drafty, somewhat rundown studio. So after more than three months there (and after I started getting a little contractor income), we decided to upgrade for our 6 weeks in Oaxaca. What we found is an amazing spot called La Calera. It's an old lime factory that has recently been converted to a half dozen urban lofts plus some really amazing arts and communal spaces. It is hands-down the most beautiful spot either of us have lived.
Erin and Monet work from our outdoor "cubicle." At night, hidden strips of LEDs illuminate this into a beautiful spot for dinner and a drink.
One of several outdoor communal tables. Throughout the complex, they've repurposed old machinery into furniture, like this table.
The factory site was vacant for 20 years and it took nearly a decade to clean the accumulated layers of garbage, overgrowth, and ruin. But now, the owners have a stunning property with beautiful touches around every corner.
We even have a library(!!)
Looking up in the main building of the cavernous old factory. The space is now open for community events, art exhibitions, and performances.
Much of the old machinery is still in place, making the space really visually interesting. There is also a large on-site staff of artists, metal-workers and carpenters who are continuously making new sculptures and features.
Good place to get some thinking done.
An old bed of dried flowers hanging from the ceiling. Because, why not?
Our house is the former administrative office for the factory. It's a beautifully-restored art-deco space that uses a lot of original factory components (such as the old-machinery-turned-coffee-table).
Yep. We've gone full yuppie. Just too bad it's only for 6 weeks!
A queen size bed! In San Miguel, our bed was about half this size. And the mattress felt as though it were stuffed with overcooked spaghetti. This is more like it!
Lilly pond on our front doorstep. Winter in Mexico is hard.