Just one step through the heavy wooden door of the fortified stone wall into the Japanese garden style entrance patio, you can immediately feel the weight and commanding grandeur of the imposing structure. A wide, sweeping curved staircase beckons you to enter through a soaring two-story glass-enclosed rotunda, where an iconic Michael Schaible-designed bronze-and-beveled-glass chandelier sets an immediate tone of modern elegance.

The space opens into the heart of the home: a dramatic two-story Great Room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and doors framing the lake. A horseshoe balcony with art deco design iron railings overlooks the space, illuminated by recessed lighting concealed within handcrafted moldings and designer halogen systems on dimmers, while a commanding central fireplace in exotic granite – a sculpture in its own right – anchors the room. An adjacent curved wet bar in matching granite enhances effortless entertaining. Throughout the home, expansive 7 feet wide, 12 feet-tall gallery hallways were designed to showcase a premier art collection, and add a weight and grandeur to the home.

Seamless transitions to the outdoors reveal a generous covered lanai with significant stone columns, opening to a custom solar-heated pool featuring a sculptural waterfall fountain and intricate inlaid tile work. A majestic peacock mural by a renowned Ajijic artist adorns one end, inside of an alcove that that serves as the entrance to the grand one room casita with private bath – that currently serves as a home gymnasium. For ultimate tranquility and privacy, the rear patio features a tall stone waterfall feeding a pond – the perfect backdrop for the outdoor kitchen and bar with refrigerator, sink and over-sized gas grill.

The gourmet chef’s kitchen is a culinary centerpiece, equipped with a high-end 6-burner Dacor range with dual ovens, a separate built in unit with a microwave, convection oven and food warming drawer, and an integrated espresso maker, a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, a separate wine storage unit, and an expansive granite island with bar sink and dual refrigerated drawers. An enormous pantry with rolling preparation cart offers direct access from the two-car garage, and the entire main level is step-less for exceptional accessibility.

An adjacent breakfast nook with floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views sits off to the side which flows seemlessly into a gallery hallway and through to a spacious formal dining room—highlighted by an artisan glass chandelier, Crema Marfil marble buffet, and ceiling to floor windows that also overlook the Japense garden. At the intersection of two major hallways is a stunning seashell-inspired golden glass chandelier created by a Dale Chihuly apprentice. 

The west wing of the first floor contains two palatial ensuite guest rooms, including a south-facing suite with French doors leading onto a private patio that rivals many primary suites. Each features a distinctive floral stained-glass window and a large walk-in closet. A dedicated home office with custom bookcases, a sumptuous half bath, and a spacious laundry room complete the first floor.

Ascend the grand carretera stone staircase in one of the turrets that curves beneath a two-story Palladian window and opens onto a complete private sanctuary of itself. Off to the left is a cozy television lounge with wet bar that opens onto two different and expansive lake-view verandas (one with fireplace and covered seating area). Further around the balcony is a secondary, baronial-sized bedroom configured as a private library with custom cabinetry that opens to an herb and citrus tree garden which includes a potting/storage room with sink.

The end of the horseshoe balcony opens into the monumental primary suite which features a corner fireplace and bespoke alder-wood pieces handcrafted by Tlaquepaque artisans. Two south-facing French doors open to an unusually large private lake view terrace. On the other side, a 20-meter long private gallery leads to his-and-hers ultra-luxurious walk-in closets, and a spa like master bath – finished in the finest polished Rosso Levanto marble from Italy. The showpiece bath includes a massive walk-in shower, deep Jacuzzi tub, dedicated bidet room, and dual vanities.

Thoughtful details abound: handmade Venetian plaster walls, 3 meter-tall curved Parotta wood doors, numerous stained-glass windows, and solar infrastructure (44 panels, heated pool and water systems). Modern conveniences include fiber-optic internet with mesh WiFi, UV/RO water purification, whole-home surge protection, generator readiness, and comprehensive security with cameras and keyless entry. Built with an industrial-grade steel I-beam frame and massively reinforced foundation, the residence has remained perfectly stable for more than 20 years.

With 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, multiple private patios, and over $100,000 in included high-end furniture and curated artwork, this turnkey residence delivers unparalleled value: a world-class lakeside lifestyle at $1,625,000 USD.

El Santuario is a rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind landmark villa of style, strength, and serenity—perfectly positioned for sunrises over the lake and unforgettable sunsets from your private verandas. Contact me for a private showing.