"El Fraile" Ranch House | Heryco
Guanajuatito / Mexico / 2024
Amid the rolling landscapes of San Miguel de Allende, El Fraile Ranch House stands as a bold reinterpretation of rural living—where contemporary design meets the raw beauty of the countryside. Set within an agricultural and equestrian estate, this architectural intervention expands upon an existing country home, transforming it into a refined retreat designed for large-scale gatherings without losing its intimate connection to nature.
The project unfolds through two volumes, linked by a discreet service corridor. The first, a dramatic social pavilion, welcomes guests with a grand entry hall that bridges the main residence and entertainment spaces. At its heart, a sculptural bar with a climate-controlled wine cellar anchors the experience, complemented by a 24-seat dining area, a floating fireplace, game tables, and a secluded patio. A soaring wooden canopy, supported by robust timber columns, shelters the space, while a fully retractable glass façade dissolves boundaries between indoors and out, framing sweeping views of the ranch.
The second volume, clad in locally sourced stone, houses a professional kitchen, a climate-controlled pantry, a service patio, and dedicated event restrooms—ensuring seamless functionality behind the scenes.
Materiality plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere of El Fraile. The interplay of wood, stone, and glass creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity, while soft, ambient lighting infuses the space with warmth and tranquility. Every detail is meticulously curated to enhance the sensory experience, from the tactile richness of natural materials to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.
More than a venue, El Fraile is a statement on contemporary rural architecture—where sophistication and serenity intertwine, redefining the way we gather, celebrate, and connect with the land.
Photography: Ariadna Polo (https://www.ariadnapolo.com/)
Amid the rolling landscapes of San Miguel de Allende, El Fraile Ranch House stands as a bold reinterpretation of rural living—where contemporary design meets the raw beauty of the countryside. Set within an agricultural and equestrian estate, this architectural intervention expands upon an existing country home, transforming it into a refined retreat designed for large-scale gatherings without losing its intimate connection to nature. The project unfolds through two volumes, linked by a...
- Year 2024
- Work finished in 2024
- Status Completed works
- Type Hotel/Resorts / Restaurants / Interior Design
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