Entire home

Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here !

Photo gallery for Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here !

Living Room -  that nice mexican touch
A nice place to enjoy a glass of wine
Living room with guest room in background
Living room with stained glass windows
Living room with 'cupula' ceiling with fan

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Ajijic, Jalisco
  • Church of Ajijic
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Ajijic Malecón
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Monte Coxala Spa
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Guadalajara, Jalisco (GDL-Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here !

[Yes - that's right; Allan Fotheringham, the famous Canadian writer & journalist (magazines, newspapers, and books), stayed here while visiting Ajijic.]

Hola!

Your hosts are The Gutman's who reside in Ajijic.

The Mexican Jewel Home was built only a few years ago and everything is fresh, fresh, fresh!

This charming Mexican Jewel House is located in the most desirable area of Ajijic- Las Salvias area. Walking distance to EVERYTHING!!!

Set into the hills, with a lake view,why not rent your very own one story Mexican style house?

Are you considering retirement? The Mexican Jewel home will give you a true flavor of life in our village. An excellent getaway to a warm climate and a chance to experience the authentic Mexican life -enjoy the morning church bells, smell the fragrant flowers and be peaceful in the hills of Mexico. Some of the best weather in the world is enjoyed by folks from all over the world! This well designed home is located in a very safe and secure area and you can feel comfortable to walk the village streets in the evening.

The Mexican Jewel home has two spacious bedrooms-styled for comfort and charm with dramatic domed ceilings (cupula)in a large living room dining area. The terazza (terrace) provide space for outside dining and the lull of the fountain will make you understand why you are in paradise. Protected from the sun, you can enjoy the terazza all day long and dine out in the evening.

The master bedroom has an American queen size pillow-top bed with built-in spacious closets. We've taken the liberty to have all the rustic furniture hand painted by a well known local artist. This Mexican style room is light, airy and over-sized for your comfort with brick ceiling and tropical fan. The master bathroom is steps away with a Mexican tiled sink, dramatic shower with an actual built-in tiled sitting bench and sky lights to show off the hand painted wall mural.

The second bedroom has French doors to a small terrace, an American sized queen size bed, as well as an elegant rustic desk to set up your laptop - high speed internet access is already set up for you. Just step outside to another half bathroom with stained glass windows, Mexican tiled sink and all the comforts of home.

Mexican arches and nooks allow for a very open and spacious flow in this jewel of a home. Dramatic lighting sets off the hues and colors used on the walls. The Mexican kitchen was designed for easy living - with its array of bright colors and original tiles- has all modern appliances, large pantry, gas oven and stove-top. There is a triple filtered water system as well as bottled water.

All linens and towels are quality fabrics, understanding the needs of spoiling visitors. The TV, with 600 satellite stations from Canada to United States, includes movies,sports and a host of music stations for your listening pleasure.

For your convenience: there is a US washer and US dryer, a storage room for folks with golf clubs and sports equipment.

We've taken the pleasure to supply you with a list of our favorite restaurants, shops, village outdoor market days and full day outings to artistic and historical cities. We enjoy stocking the fridge with a few goodies to get you going the first day you arrive and you can certainly pop down the street for some fill- ins. This home is so well located that many visitors never use their cars. There are a variety of small fruit and vegetable markets 3 streets away, 2 fish markets and a small grocery store. This will give you a chance to stock up on our local produce and enjoy the quality foods.

Only 3 minutes from home,we have our very own baker (Pan). Walk down the cobblestones to the original rustic bakery and buy warm fresh rolls every morning, croissants, sweet rolls (pan dulce) and have an authentic experience with our local baker who speaks English! Once inside this amazing bakery-you can special order: bagels, baguetes whole wheat croissants and cactus bread.

If you are here for affordable plastic surgery, dental work or medical treatments - this home is a perfect place to be peaceful.
With everything on one floor, you can be mobile and enjoy the house.

Remember – location, location, location! Just a short stroll away and you are at the main plaza with over 40 international restaurants, local artist galleries, shops and the true Mexico, at your feet. Walk the cobblestone streets, get caught in the local sights and sounds of the village, and enjoy what over 7,000 North Americans call home.

We would also like to remind you that we have another home, The Mexican Sunrise House (VRBO #143099),that is close by for families and friends that want to enjoy their visits together, but maintain their privacy and comfort. Just ask for both homes if you are considering multi- family/friend visits to our village.

Maid and gardener services are included once a week as are gas, electric and local phone calls. There are absolutely no hidden charges!

Keywords: House

Property manager

Leo Gutman

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ajijic

Located in Chapala, this holiday home is near theme parks. Monte Coxala Spa and Chula Vista Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Chapala and San Juan Cosala Boardwalk. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Ajijic, Jalisco

What's nearby

  • Church of Ajijic - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Ajijic Malecón - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Laguna Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Chapala Malecon - 7 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Monte Coxala Spa - 9 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Guadalajara, Jalisco (GDL-Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Ajijic Spot - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Alma Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Bruno's Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Cenaduria Memo - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cocina Membrillos - ‬7 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here ! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here !?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here !?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mexican Jewel House ....... Allan Fotheringham Stayed Here ! located?

Situated in Chapala, this holiday home is 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from Church of Ajijic and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Lake Chapala. Ajijic Malecón and Laguna Shopping Centre are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 103 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Stan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Jewel

House was in prime location just as advertised. Owner was extremely helpful for first time visitors. Many helpful hints and suggestions.
Stayed 30 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

My wife and I had a great time. Leo was a very good land-lord. The casita was very clean and well cared for. It was in a location where we could walk to most of our desires.
Stayed 14 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heart of town

Our stay at Mexican Jewel House was a good experience. The location of the property was ideal for exploring Ajijic neighbourhoods. A short walk to everything we needed and wanted to see. Leo was a wonderful host and was readily available to us whenever we needed anything. We feel like we truly experienced the local culture including a wonderful neighbourhood cocktail party.
Stayed 27 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisandra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Ajijic

Leo was a wonderful host. He communicated before our arrival and made the process a breeze. His information book held everything we could have needed to fully enjoy our stay. Our privacy was respected and much appreciated.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Naomi H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming casita in autentico barrio

Leo’s casita is a charming oasis nestled behind a bougainvillea-covered wall just a few blocks from the center of town and the malecón. You’re not in a quiet “gringoland” gated community - be ready for blasts from cohetes (firecrackers or rockets), popular music, car alarms, construction machinery, playing children, and other sounds that fill the neighborhood. If you want a non-touristy experience while staying in a comfortable, safe house, the Mexican Jewel House is perfect!
Stayed 31 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan Q., Burlington, ON, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Name says it All - a Jewel!

We just finished a 6 week stay at the Jewel House. Location is excellent - within 10 minutes walk of central plaza, lots of restaurants, grocery, fruit and fish stores. We did not have problems walking uphill on the cobblestone streets but some with mobility issues might. Our host Leo was always attentive on rare occasions when we needed him to be - we enjoyed the bottle of wine set out on arrival, and the coffee, milk, bread and jam, and eggs in the fridge for our first breakfast. Modern appliances and fully stocked kitchen for cooking. We will return, for sure.
Stayed 42 nights in Feb 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

This was my first visit t...

This was my first visit to Ajijic. The Jewel House was a great place to stay. It is very comfortable and well appointed. The gardens are beautiful. Everything is very clean and well maintained. I loved the location. You can go down the street three doors and shop at the little grocery store for breakfast items--eggs, bacon, milk, bread. The bakery around the corner is great too--just walk down the hallway turn left and you are in the bakery with guys making bread. You pick the bread out of baskets. There are several restaurants close by. We enjoy Ajijic Tango twice during our stay. I would recommend stayihng here.

10/10 Excellent

Amy H., Medford Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent house and host

Host was very gracious and gave us space and privacy while being available if needed. House was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

m.l. S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place.

Lovely home. Comfortable, great neighborhood, close to town, great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Great spot…nice to read, enjoy breakfast , glass or two of wine on the patio. Horses hooves occasionally on the cobblestones. Great to have secured parking. Home is fully equipped, lots of interesting markets nearby. A great accommodation in Ajijic.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valerie K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot in Ajijic

Leo is a great host and our stay at his casita was outstanding. Highly recommend for easily accessible walks to amenities. Lively neighborhood and tranquil patio for morning coffee.
Stayed 21 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Jayne D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Could I retire in Ajijic?

The house was lovely and comfortable. The people in neighborhood and town warm and friendly .
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kandy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Jewel House Ajijic

Leo did a wonderful job greeting and acclimating us to the property. He has thought of everything we could possibly need during our stay. He called to check on us during our stay and make sure we were comfortable. This house is is very nice, clean and safe. I would stay here again and happily recommend it.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable two weeks

The experience of renting this property was smooth and highly favorable. Our host, Leo, is very organized and thoughtful about providing everything we needed for our two-week stay, and he was always available to answer questions and help us manage ourselves in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good location & WIFI

Casa Jewel is aesthetic, comfy, and well equipped. Walking distance to all Ajijic has to offer. Nice patio for morning coffee. Off-street parking for compact car rental was a bonus! Fast, reliable, WIFI so my sister worked remotely with no fuss. Leo is responsive, and friendly. We enjoyed our stay at Casa Jewel.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mariah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ajijic lovely home

Gabby and Leo my hosts were so welcoming and accommodating. The walk to town and the lake is an nice stroll to interesting unique shops. Many choices of wonderful restaurants. In fact you probably won’t bother cooking because it’s inexpensive to eat out.
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location.

Well-stocked small casita with two huge bedrooms. Linens and kitchen supplies more than adequate. High ceilings with MX tile/style throughout. Everything you need to settle in and enjoy walking the area. Adjust to altitude, then Hike up to the chapel on the mountain. Authentic Salvia neighborhood with caring, lovely family atmosphere. 4 adults Enjoyed the place so much!
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

DEIDRE L.

Mexican Jewel House

Beautiful little home! Extraordinarily clean and charming. Very cvlose to plaza and best restaurants.

10/10 Excellent

Gary A.

A great place to stay

This is the second time this year we have stayed at Leo's Jewel House. Leo is a terrific host and very helpful in learning about the Lakeside experience. We had rented a car (S&S car rentals in town) and at Leo's suggestion, we made a day trip to the mountain town of Tapalpa. The drive up and back was one of our very favorite drives during our entire stay. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the colonial town and look forward to returning for a few days. And as we said in our earlier review, this wonderful house is close to everything and is so well appointed Try the ribs at Goshas Restaurant on the Carraterra. You will enjoy your stay at this jewel of a house, as we have done twice. Thank you Leo for hosting us one more time... Gary and Charlene
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Patricia G.

Authentic Mexico

This rental is a very nice and well kept casita. It is located on a street that is right between a working class Mexican neighborhood and an upper middle-class area. This means that you get exposure to the "real Mexican" way of life, with "cajotes" (firecrackers) being fired off at all times of the day or night during times of celebration, trucks driving up and down the street (during the daytime) with loudspeakers blaring, hawking their wares, the local children playing in the street, the local families enjoying a barbecue on Friday evening after work. It is within easy walking distance of the main plaza, the Wednesday market, and many, many fabulous restaurants. If you are willing to do some walking and use the occasional taxi and bus, the location is ideal. No car required. By the way, taking the Chapala-Ajijic bus (9 pesos per person one way, is a must-do to experience the buskers on the bus! The owner, Leo, is a very personable and approachable host. He was very much concerned that we were enjoying our stay and made every effort to ensure that we were made to feel "at home". For us, it was the perfect place. I would recommend this rental to friends.
Stayed 29 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ignacio C.

Family Chavez stayed in Jowel House.

At our arrival Leo was there to greet us and explained all amenities of the house in detail. Jewel House was super clean and everything in good working condition. We had been in Ajijic several times and use to drive in town a lot. The location of the house is with in walking distance to everything. We did not had to use our car at all. The home is in a quiet area of town. Leo and Gaby his wife are a very nice people, I would say the best people I met so far. They are kind, open minded and educated which make us feel comfortable all the time. Leo has an instructions manual in the house, it explains all the things you need to know in the hose and how to move around town. We had a great time in Ajijic and love our stay in the Jewel House. My son who is six year old ask us to stay in the house to live for ever. There are more good things to say about our stay that would make this review too long. I will rent the Jewel House again in my next visit to Ajijic. I'm grateful for all the help and information Leo provided and that in time will help us in our relocation from the states to Ajijic.

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Great base for the best vacation ever!

The Jewel house is a charming place. Nicely decorated in Mexican style. Very comfortable. Well furbished and squeaky clean. The pictures & UTube videos don't do it justice. Very well located within easy walking distance to everything you will want or need to do. You would be foolish to rent a car. Located in the traditional village portion of Ajijic - narrow cobble stone streets, small family stores, wonderful bakery, cowboys ride the streets on their horses, roosters crow, fish monger shouts his wares. All the Mexicans were very nice & tolerant of my nonexistent Spanish. I never felt threatened or unsafe, even walking at night. Leo is the perfect host. He meets you on arrival and gives a very good orientation to the property, then butts out. He is never intrusive, but always available and helpful. I think he is just a naturally friendly guy who seems to be well liked by everyone in the neighborhood. The Jewel House immediately feels like home, and makes the perfect base for the perfect vacation.

10/10 Excellent

Gary A.

A Jewel of a House

We recently stayed at the Mexican Jewel House in Ajijic. The host, Leo, was more than accommodating. He met us on arrival and welcomed us to this charming place. We walked in and the house instantly felt like home, from it's amazingly appointed kitchen to the nice beds and wonderful porch where we had breakfast every morning. It's an easy walk to town and the many restaurants that are available. Leo has an amazing book which points to everything and explains everything that you will need for your stay. It was a great help in orienting where we were and where we needed to go. We enjoyed our walks on the Malecon, a welcome break from the rainy Pacific Northwest. The short walk to the bakery each morning for fresh bread was a special treat. In short, this was one of the nicest VRBOs that we have stayed at. We simply can's say enough good things about this stay. Thanks Leo for taking the time to talk with us about life at Lakeside. We will be back, perhaps even to find a place of our own.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Roger G.

Beautiful property!

We enjoyed our two week stay at the Mexican Jewel House, despite the cooler weather. Leo keeps the property very well maintained, with gardeners and housekeeping staff around on a regular basis. The hillside location in a residential area was a cozy retreat from the busy main street, and only a 10 to 15 minute walk to the malecon. Almost daily we would hear a horse and rider go by on the street, and often a horse or two would be tethered at the corner. The kids playing in the street and the neighbours were friendly, as were all of the people we met. Leo provided detailed information for his guests on places to go and things to do. Ajijic was an interesting town with plenty of shops, churches, restaurants and opportunities for people watching, especially during the weekend on the malecon. I would love to go back.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brenda G.

A Jewel Indeed

Recently stayed with Leo and Gabby at their Jewel House. Absolutely perfect in every way. Our host were so kind and helpful. The architecture and interiors are first class. So easy to walk every where and felt perfectly safe. Thanks so much for an excellent vacation stay.
Stayed 20 nights in Jan 2018

About the host

Hosted by Leo Gutman

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

Languages:

English, Spanish