“ Steps lead out of the pool to an enchantingly tropical corner with cushioned sunbeds against a backdrop of trailing plants…”
Nestled in the centre of Cartagena’s charming historic heart, this magnificent colonial-style house is perfectly positioned to wander the streets of the old town, admire the colourful architecture, and enjoy its multitude of buzzing bars and restaurants. A stay in Casa Manantial with its stunning original features and mix of antiques with lush, tropical decor is like taking a beautifully curated step back in time.
The Design
Built around a traditional central courtyard with shaded seating areas on the ground floor and wooden balustraded and beamed galleries on the upper floor, the layout of this grand house has more than a little magic. An abundance of greenery is a recurrent theme too, not just on the patio but in almost every room, chiming perfectly with the casa’s numerous botanical and zoological artworks.
Furniture is an eclectic selection of old-world colonial-esque pieces, ranging from beautiful, chunky wood to simple rustic tables and wicker chairs, while bold fabrics made by Colombian artisans add splashes of colour and texture. Rustic floor tiles and thick whitewashed walls complement the incredible wooden ceilings and bathrooms feature antique washstands and bold geometric pattern tiling against the deep green of potted palms.
The Details
You will undoubtedly want to take a dip in the gorgeous pool at the back of the courtyard, surrounded by lush foliage and particularly appealing in the morning sunlight. Steps lead out of the pool to an enchantingly tropical corner with cushioned sunbeds against a backdrop of trailing plants and a wrought-iron spiral staircase snaking its way up to a secluded sun terrace. To one side of the courtyard under large arches, is an inviting lounge and dining area.
An enormous master suite is a showstopper of a bedroom, with a spectacular double-height wooden beamed ceiling and suspended fans. This impressively long room straddles the courtyard below, with windows on either side. A handwoven tapestry hangs above the cushion-laden kingsize bed at one end, while a relaxed seating and desk area sits at the other. Just off the bedroom lies a spacious ensuite bathroom with a sunken marble bath and a separate walk-in rainfall shower. To top it all, the house is fully staffed with attentive housekeepers and cooks so you won’t need to lift a finger during your dreamy Cartagena stay.
