"Mansion
de los Sueños" built in the 17th century
by Antonio de Ibarra, for whom the street (Ibarra) was also named. The
home is located a short walk from Patzcuaro's main plaza. The original
classic lines were changed to a neoclassic style in the renovation of
1861. In typical Patzcuaro style the 1st patio
was for the family, the 2nd one was the service area, while the corridor
led to the stable in the rear patio.
The
thick adobe walls stand on solid stone foundations. The roofs are made
out of beams and split cedar. The three balconies that face Ibarra are
made of beautifully carved stone typical of the neoclassic period.
The
neoclassic renovation was done by Domingo Garcia and Dolores Morales
who owned the home which was passed on to Jose Luis Garcia Flores
(their grandson) an his wife Margarita Varela. The Garcia Flores
occupied the home with their two daughters until 1998.
 
Mrs. Priscilla Madsen dreamed for 30 years of buying and restoring such
a home. She bought Ibarra #15 in 1998 and began the 2-year work of restoring
and remodeling. She preserved the most important elements such as the
beam and "tejamanil" ceilings, the exquisite stonework, the
iron fountain and many other architectural details. Priscilla personally
supervised the work, and with the help of the excellent local craftsmen
and builders, she turned the original Ibarra home into a first class hotel
and restaurant.
It
is Priscilla's dream that her guests and friends enjoy the beauty and
tranquility of this very special spot... and her wish that the cuisine
offered by the chefs of both restaurants will please the most discerning
palate.
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