Paradise Found: Julie Tibbs’ Historic San Miguel de Allende Vacation Rentals
Did a yearning for adventure lead OKC’s Julie and Brian Tibbs to purchase a home in San Miguel de Allende, a centuries-old city in Guanajuato, Mexico? Was it an itch for new and artistically fulfilling experiences? Too many episodes of “House Hunters International”? A combination of all of the above?
While Julie Tibbs isn’t sure of the primary motive for buying her San Miguel home and two attached casitas in April of 2022, she quickly discovered that she loved her new, historic hometown. Founded in the 16th century, most of the architecture of San Miguel de Allende dates to the Spanish conquistadors’ arrival in the 1800s.
“This village is a time capsule of cobblestone streets, lined with jewel-tone colonial facades and stone colonnades,” says Tibbs. “[It’s] overshadowed by Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángeli, an immense neo-gothic church of pink stone.” Tibbs explained that the church is the “crown jewel” of the town center, and can be seen from every direction.
San Miguel de Allende
“Everything in San Miguel is from a different era,” comments Tibbs on the various architectural styles in the town. But despite the patchwork of architectural eras, she is determined to keep her property, built in the 1700s, as close to its roots as possible. Equipale furniture, Talavera tile, local embroidery and tropical plants provide her abode with a lush, authentic feel. She worked hard alongside a local crew to restore Casita Abajo (which translates to “little house downstairs”) to its former glory as a picturesque oasis.
“Both Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler have designated San Miguel de Allende as the best city in the world,” according to Tibbs, who quickly points out that this shouldn’t be the sole reason for visiting. “Aside from the accolades, it’s just a storybook place filled with very sweet people.”
While Tibbs’ rentals are just 2.5 blocks from the beating heart of the town center, it’s the people and the culture that make San Miguel Allende a traveler’s dream. •
Travelers seeking a vivid adventure can find Tibbs’ guesthouse and full-size home on Airbnb at airbnb.com/rooms/755752770825599255 and airbnb.com/rooms/756417341741064547. If you’re looking for something closer to home, find more of Tibbs’ other properties at julietibbs.com.
