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From WinterTexans.com
It's hard not to brag about Villa La Casita; an early 1900's villa which has the ambiance of an Old World Spanish hacienda with all the conveniences of the 21st century.
This hidden coastal treasure provides an intimate and refreshing retreat in one of the most beautiful cities on the Texas coast. It's perfect for celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday with that very special someone.
The former home-turned-B&B even lends itself to small weddings, vow renewals and special occasions celebrated among an intimate circle of friends and relatives. Lush tropical gardens on the rear patio and side party lawn provide the perfect setting for ceremonies of all types.
One intimate evening in this tastefully refurbished home and you'll wake up feeling you have spent the evening in some far away, exotic destination like Spain or Mexico.
From the moment you walk through the wooden front door the Villa disarms you with it's charm. The decor is predominantly Southwestern in taste and color. The bright reds, yellows and dark woods mix tastefully to create a rich warmth to the large traditional stucco white walls of the Villa. Much of the furniture is authentic antique Mexican, and even the rugs and tapestries used to contrast the clean, white walls are authentic Indian weavings and wonderful pieces of traditional folk art.
The Innkeeper and owner, Donna, welcomes guests with such warmth that you will immediately feel as though you were old friends. It's clear that her passion for Villa La Casita runs deep and much of her heart and soul has been put into the place. In concert with a number of her artistic friends, the B&B is uniquely complimented with a distinct flavor uncommon in Texas B&B's. From the rich and pleasant aroma of the interior to the walled patio in the rear, one could almost believe they were in a lodge somewhere in Santa Fe or Taos. You'll appreciate both the fine artwork and the attractive furnishings of this Villa by the Bay.
One of the most striking features of the lodging is it's windows, or portillos , traditional arch-shaped windows which you'll find in every room, each with a breathtaking view of the beautiful and rare tropical gardens.
There is one small window in particular, at the height of the living room wall facing the front of the house, that allows a small ray of light each morning to filter in and perfectly highlight an art piece hanging over the fireplace. It's this kind of detail, whether planned or by accident that gives hidden charm to this romantic lodge, and offers a touch of illusive mystery just beyond the senses.
After entering through the front door guests are greeted by a cacophony of beautiful sights and sounds and rich aromas, every detail you can imagine designed to heighten your senses of pleasure. Romantic Latin rhythms are playing, the air smells warm and earthy and delightful. Come hungry because awaiting is a culinary delight. You'll discover an array of fine cheeses, veggies, fruit, fine deli meats and a chilled wine carefully laid out for you to begin your romantic adventure. As a bonus, the leftovers make a great breakfast omelet the morning after. And don't leave out Donna's secret recipe herb sauce in the fridge for use in the omelet. It is fantastic!
You'll find plenty of room in this B&B. There are three bedrooms: a master bedroom, the guest bedroom and a loft bedroom. Each has it's own style and each decorated with antique furniture with a country flair. It is an elegant country style and there is much to admire in the handpicked accents and antique linens and hand sewn quilts, and the many subtle lighting accents. The lighting throughout the entire Villa is, in fact, one of the highlights at night -- perfect, subdued and alluringly romantic.
The bedrooms have beautiful wood floors that add to that Old World charm. From the master bedroom you can hear the faint trickle of the patio fountain as it lulls you to sleep.
While the loft bedroom lends itself more as an artist's getaway than a bedroom, it is fun to climb the spiral stairs and look down into the living room from a special overlook. Or open the rear door that opens on a small balcony overlooking the pristine patio gardens and fountain below. Here you could imagine drafting a great novel or painting, a fine portrait from within this small, beautiful and well appointed room.
It is hard to tell where you'll want to spend most of your time because the inside of the Villa is so beautiful that it's tempting to never leave it's enchanting ambiance. However, the secluded patio and outdoor areas will have you looking for excuses to venture outside.
It is in the patio area where you feel as though you have been transported to Old World Spain or Mexico. It is an intimate space filled with rare and exotic tropical plants that feel as though they have been there longer than the Villa itself. It is the kind of place where conversations flow easily over a glass of wine or a nice cup of coffee in the morning, or to dine by candlelight.
Be sure to venture into the side lawn where there is another outdoor sitting area. The aromas of ripe figs fill the air in summer as you sit under the shade a large fig tree. The lawn is so big and lush that you'll be tempted to run and play barefoot like a child. Go ahead, no one is looking! It is in this beautifully manicured side lawn you can imagine a delightful garden party, a small wedding or special celebration complete with beautiful tents and live music.
As you explore the overly large lot in this plush old neighborhood you'll discover yet another sitting area at the end of the drive way filled with more tropical vegetation. If you're lucky, the fruit hanging from one of two papaya trees will be ripe enough to pick for your morning breakfast, proving it's a rare B&B where you can enjoy one of several secluded gardens.
The prime location of Villa La Casita is also a dream you'll enjoy. Located just one block off of Ocean Drive, you can take a nice easy stroll to Cole Park and enjoy many community concerts and activities on the bay front. Or you can just come and watch a beautiful sunset and the sailboats returning to port each evening.
Many of Corpus Christi's main attractions are just minutes from the Villa. There are downtown beaches and the Marina, art museums, the USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, Harbor Playhouse, and dozens of great restaurants. One of the top windsurfing destinations is within 1/2 mile of the Villa. Kayaking, sailing, rollerblading, bicycling, walking, running, and picnicking are all favorite activities along Shoreline Drive.
The problem may be that you will enjoy your stay at Villa La Casita so well you'll be reluctant to leave the intimate seclusion of your romantic hovel.
A real treat is the fireplace in the central living area, the perfect winter night companion to that cold bottle of wine. The bear skin rug is not provided.
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