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Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool

Photo gallery for Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool

View from the balcony
View from the house
Exterior
Pool
Pool on the property

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

View map
Atitlan, Lake Atitlan
  • Place, Central Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Lake Atitlán
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santiago Atitlán
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Quetzaltenango (AAZ-Los Altos)
    ‪159 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool

Villa Eggedal is one of the largest and most luxurious estates around Lake Atitlan. Spectacular is the only word to describe this ten acre walled villa located near the shore in the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. This Mayan village is only accessible by boat, just a ten-minute ride from Panajachel and you’ll arrive to privacy, luxury, spacious comfort, incredible views of the lake, mountains and volcanoes, and immaculately tended gardens and grounds.

Villa Eggedal is located 150 meters from the lake shore, which offers a sandy beach for swimming. A winding, uphill walkway leads to the estate and then through the grounds to the two studio apartments, two houses, and the owners private home with pool. (This property is definitely not suitable to handicapped renters or people with difficulty walking.)
Villa Eggedal is owned by a European aristocrat and art collector, and all the rooms are filled with beautiful antiques, paintings, rugs, sculpture, prints, and Mayan and world textiles.

Casa Wenche is the most secluded of the Eggedal rentals. This two-bedroom home offers the best views on the estate and its simple luxury and idyllic garden surrounding make it the perfect retreat. Living room, dining area and kitchen are all combined in a spacious common room leading out onto a 32 square meter terrace with one of the most stunning vistas on the lake. The fully equipped kitchen and ample dining space make this an ideal setting for a family or group getaway, and art-filled walls and tasteful decoration abound. This well-appointed house measures 118 square meters (1270 sq ft) and offers space for five in total: one bedroom with a double bed and the other with one bunk bed and one single. The ample stone-walled bathroom is located just off the common room. An outdoor terrace and barbecue area flank the entrance to the house and provide yet another opportunity to enjoy the surrounding garden and majestic views.
Small verandas, garden seats, patios, balconies, and shady lawn areas are nestled throughout the estate in a maze of winding garden paths. This is a paradise for birds and bird watchers alike with over 100 species spotted on the property alone. Papayas, avocados, citrus trees and a well-tended vegetable garden with fresh lettuce and herbs are all there for the picking to add some extra flavor to your sunset barbecue.

Staff provides housekeeping twice a week, and services like grocery shopping, laundry service and additional house-cleaning can be arranged for an additional charge.

Two studio apartments and a 4-bedroom home are also available on the estate, and Villa Eggedal can accommodate up to a total 17 people comfortably and privately.


Keywords: Luxury, Lake view, Garden, Bird Watching

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
The pets should sleep outside on the balcony.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
On outside areas only.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Santiago Atitlán

Santiago Atitlán is home to this villa. CHIYA Art Gallery and La Galeria are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Calle del Café and Calle de las Artes. La Calle de los Sombreros and Xunah Kaab Honey Farm are also worth visiting. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and mountain biking nearby.
View more Villas in Santiago AtitlánOpens in a new window
Map
Atitlan, Lake Atitlan

What's nearby

  • Central Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • St. James the Apostle Church - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cojolya Museum - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Lake Atitlán - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Santiago Atitlán - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Quetzaltenango (AAZ-Los Altos) - 152 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chicken Bus - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Sababa - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Tacoyaki Japan Ramen - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Y Café Arte - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Casa Ajáchel - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool?

As of 17 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool on 7 April 2026 start from NZ$239, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Exquisite Home - Volcano & Lake View on 10-Acre Garden Estate with pool located?

Situated in Santiago Atitlán, this villa is within a 5-minute walk of Central Park and Lake Atitlán. St. James the Apostle Church and Cojolya Museum are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benton R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Amazing property, iconic views, home was very cozy!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rena w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property and view

Beautiful view and the grounds are immaculate. Everyone was easy to communicate before and during our stay. There are a LOT of stairs and it's a 15 minute walk to the santa cruz dock. Our last night we found nimajays restaurant in santa cruz and their pizza is sooooo good.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week at Lake Atitlan

My wife, son (10 yrs) and I spent a calm and relaxing week at this beautiful home. The property's landscaping is exceptionally and thoughtfully curated, and well set up for relaxation and quiet contemplation. We all recharged during our week at this lovely property. The onsite caretaker and staff were extremely kind, helpful and available whenever needed. This was a great place to stay for exploring the Lake Atitlan towns.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

You can’t beat the view…

My wife and I spent four days in Atitlan. It is a very special place on this planet. The property is expansive and the house is as described. Water taxis are close and we used private taxis periodically. We visited San Juan, San Pedro, and Pana. Dinners in communities are tough because the water taxis mostly stop at dark, so we ate big lunches in communities, and ate dinner in. All in all, a nice experience. A cool place to visit for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tony M.

Worth Every Penny!

My wife and I rented this property for a week and both agree that it was worth every penny. The rooms and decor were great. The grounds and garden amazing. And the customer service all around from Deedle to Ramos and the girls who cleaned the house twice a week was nothing but professional. I would definitely return to this property if I find my self in Santa Cruz again. The view from outside our house of the two volcanoes was picture perfect!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Simply Stunning

My husband, niece and I stayed for 5 enjoyable days. Each morning, we would sip coffee, tea, journal and marvel at the lake and volcano view. After a full day of exploring the lake villages, we had our evening meals on our patio. The estate is well cared for and the flowering plants and flowers are just beautiful. My husband counted 100 steps up to our slice of paradise. The view was worth every one.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianna K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

This house was a dream house for us! There was myself, my husband and our two kids (6 and 8) and we spent 6 nights at this house. It was beautiful and the view NEVER got old. We sat out on the porch and watched the thunder storms roll through and we called it "Guatemalan T.V." The sky changes at every moment and we could have watched it all day and night. The grounds are gorgeous and we had fun exploring. The pool is a little bit of a walk from the house, but it was fine, and we visited it daily. My kids loved it and it was clean and refreshing. Diego, the grounds keeper, was helpful with our bags and getting us water. We hired Manuela to cook some meals for us and she was one of the highlights of our time there. She is kind and skilled and we just adore her. Everyone was so patient with our limited Spanish, but we were able to communicate. We were sad to leave this house and hope to come back soon. Lake Atitlan, Santa Cruz, and this house are so special!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joseph S.

Absolutely wonderful!

All key aspects of the stay were great. This includes the view, the quality of the home, the pre and post service, the cooking and caretaker. You absolutely cannot beat the view - sunrise, sunset and everything in between. The grounds were equally interesting for my son and I to wander through. Claudia (the cook) was very sweet and did an amazing job for breakfast and dinner (we had her pick all the meals). Ramos was a big help with carrying the bags up the hill/steps (please note that it is a bit of a trek from the dock so be prepared) and being sure we had all we needed. As you may already know, boating is the way to get around to the surrounding villages that are great experience. Though there is limited to see/visit/shop in Santa Cruz, it is worth the trek to visit their vocational center to buy some of their wonderful textile work and enjoy lunch (the best purchased lunch we had in Guatemala). It is a wonderful cause too! The Nature Preserve (in Pana) is a must for kids for the waterfall, monkeys and coatis (and zip lining for those not faint of heart). Lastly, Deedle was a big help in planning the trip and her staff at the nearby La Iguana hotel were always kind and helpful when advice or money exchange was desired. DEFINTELY worth the visit and comes highly recommended.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Su B.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in

Lots of pros and cons

Villa Eggedal had a lot of pros and cons. Pros:Gorgeous view and gardens. Sitting on the patio, or the little sitting areas close by were wonderful. That's really the highlight of the place.Cons:I felt like I had to pry information from Deedle about how to get to the villa. Make sure you get off at Xepoj, and not the main Santa Cruz dock or you will have a very long walk with your luggage. We were met by the caretaker, but he did not speak English and was not friendly. The grounds are beautiful, but you really should be given a tour to find your way around.It is a ten minute walk from the villa to town. If you get there in the afternoon and walk in for dinner in the dark it's extremely challenging. Make sure to bring a flashlight. The walk is very local, and fun once you know where you are going.It is a steep walk back up to the villa. If you are at all mobility challenged, this is not the place for you.The pillow cases were torn, and the blankets were too thin, and poor quality. For the price, they should be updated.Overall if I was going to stay in Santa Cruz again I would probably stay here now that I know what it entails. I would probably pick another town though, as Santa Cruz is very small and doesn't have much going on.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

S. Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and beauty

A magnificent stay in a peaceful setting. The pictures do not do justice to the gardens, thoughtful landscaping and flowers, vines and cacti that grace every corner. As a family of four this was the perfect place to retreat to and have a couple quiet days. I could not wait to get up on day 1 just so I could drink my coffee on the amazing covered terrace while watching the sun rise and light up the volcanoes across the lake. During our stay the winds kicked up and the power went out for 24 hours. It barely mattered. There is a gas stove and candles provided, along with all the oil, salt, pepper, coffee and essentials. Dinner and cards by candlelight was so pretty and memorable. Regarding logistics: Manuela did some laundry for us for 50 Q per load, and returned it folded. Getting from GC Airpirt was simple- Deedle the property manager gave us emails and numbers of a reputable company and our driver Santos was safe and friendly. He stopped for the bathroom, snacks, and to take our picture at the mirador. He even took us to the tienda in Pana so we could pick up all our provisions. He made arrangements for a boat to take us to the house. He called Diego to meet us at the dock and help us with our bags. Really affable and warm service that I was not expecting, and which was welcomed after some rough travel days. Altogether wonderful :)
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Paul & Darilyn D.

THIS HOME HAS IT ALL

This home is truly a beautiful vacation rental and we feel very lucky to have stayed here. The magnificent grounds , rock walkways, outside seating areas, landscaping, could not be improved upon---- they are beautiful, relaxing, with many varieties of trees and flowers that we had never seen before. We were allowed to roam freely in this delightful garden space and we felt very privileged. We rented both the apartments and the Wenche House, as our entire family came, including two 5 year old boys, and two 7 year old girls. They were in heaven, felt like they owned the place, and yet knew it would come to an end so they enjoyed each minute to the maximum. This house has had much thought put into it to make it totally complete in every way, right down to the littlest detail. It is decorated beautifully and is very comfortable. The front porch overlooking the lake and volcanoes is so glorious that all we really wanted to do is stay home and sit there and look at the view. Because we had the small children, and did not want to go to restaurants at night, we asked Manuella to cook each dinner. She did a wonderful job and we highly recon end her. Ramos, the caretaker, could not have been more gracious and helpful. He checked on on us daily making sure our littlest needs were complete. We took our whole family along the rock walkway that leads from this home all the way to the little village of Santa Cruz for dinner one night also. La Iguana Hotel has a meal each night that everyone eating has the same planned meal, family style, so our grandchildren were sitting there eating next to people from all over the world...It was outstanding and quite a learning experience. As you can tell, we had a wonderful vacation at this vacation rental and do recommend it highly.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Priceless view

Just what we were looking for in terms of a quiet relaxing weekend with a view of the lake that never got old. Surrounding grounds were gorgeous.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Flowers and birds!

We loved the property and were happy to be away from the noise of Atitlan’s larger towns. Casa Eric #2 was perfect for us and the bed and shower were the best so far in 4 weeks of traveling. The gardens are so beautiful and bring your binoculars: I added a dozen birds to my life list!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaclene P.

There needs to be more stars for this place.

I have traveled around the world and never have I come across a property so special. Acres and acres of gardens and views of the lake so beautiful you feel like Alice when she went through the looking glass. My husband and I kept saying “this can’t be real.” It’s like waking up in a dream. The property manager Deedle made everything easy for us (let her set up your transportation, I made the huge mistake of getting an uber there and it was so much easier and cheaper leaving when we used her boat and car service). The owner Erick was around the property and made us feel like we were home the moment we got to the property to when we left. His warmth and hospitality made an incredible place even more incredible. We had almost all of our meals prepared by Emanuella who is an amazing person as well as cook. When she found out my husband loves bacon she went to the market and made sure to have it for him every morning. She was such a warm person to be around and you’ll want her to cook for you as once you get to the property you are never going to want to leave! We very much look forward to returning many more times and our families can’t wait to join us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

️Judith T.

The property is exquisite, gated with magnificent gardens and lovely little nooks to rest,read,relax

Villa Eggedal is an easy walk to both the Lake and Santa Cruz. There are many steps on the property, not for the faint of heart or those with mobility issues . Also , not particularly suitable for babies or young children. The studio Apartment that we stayed in was small but charming, good beds and a well supplied kitchen . However, the very best part was the lovely outdoor terrace complete with comfortable ‘ Muskoka ‘ chairs, with cushions in vibrant Guatemalan covers , a loveseat, plants from one end to the other and a table that seats 4-6 for morning breakfasts. The view from this terrace never ceased to inspire us for the entire month of our stay . We were perched at eye level looking into the trees which made bird watching delightful. The Lake views , the volcanoes and the sunsets never ceased to amaze... Walking the property, sitting with coffee on the terrace, reading in the hammocks, and swimming in the pool were some of our favourite moments. Also of interest, are the varieties of tropical flowers, the cactus garden and the fruit producing trees, with many banana palms, citrus and avocado trees. While were there the gardeners were planting papaya trees . The staff were all lovely, friendly and helpful . We managed quite well together, though we do not speak Spanish, with smiles, gestures , the odd word or two and the deepest gratitude for their commitment to the nature of their work . We thank Diego, for being there at the dock to meet our boat and help us carry our luggage and again on our departure . He was there promptly to fix the shower and whenever we saw him on the grounds , he always asked if everything was ‘muy bien ‘. Manuela and Michaela kept our studio fresh and clean with bi-weekly cleanings . The gardeners worked from early morning watering and tending the plants. There is an over all feeling that those who work at Villa Eggedal and indeed the owner , Erick, are happy and share a deep sense of pride and commitment to the property and their guests . Villa Eggedal and the hospitable community of Santa Cruz itself are already calling us to return.
Stayed 31 nights in Jan 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Beautiful property

Stunning property and beautiful home with a great view. We have stayed here 5-6 times. It is always where we return when visiting the lake. We love coming back. Ramos, the caretaker, is a wonderful man. Deedle, the manager, is easy to work with.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

carol b.

Wonderful trip!

We stayed at this amazing location for 8 days over Christmas. It did not feel long enough. This is an incredible property with amazing gardens and views to die for. The caretaker of this property Ramos is very helpful and we are grateful for his delivery of water each day. We loved our meals at the Iguana Perdida which is right off the dock and run by Deedle and Dave the managers of the property. We hope to be back to visit again soon.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Christy G.

Beautiful, secluded location to enjoy Lake Atitlan

We spent 5 days at Casa Wenche and would definitely return. The grounds are breathtaking, with impressive landscaping and endless views of the lake and volcanoes. This property is away from the hustle and traffic of Panajachel but easily accessible by boat. The house is well appointed and will be best enjoyed by the physically fit who are able to navigate the many stairs that connect the home to the village and dock. You also need to be able to board and disembark small boats easily. Casa Wenche is quiet and peaceful, with access to expansive grounds and a nice pool. The caretaker, Ramos, was always available (he lives on the property) and attentive. We also met the welcoming owner, Erik, as he was in town at the main house while we were there. Short boat rides will connect guests with other Atitlan lakeside villages worthy of exploration. A scenic trail connects to a few nearby villages as well. Bring your own groceries from Panajachel and pack light for minimum hardship in traveling by boat. There are some small restaurants within walking distance, too. Casa Wenche is a great value and a rejuvenating place to be. We recommend staying for several days to get the most out of it. Our only wishes for an even better stay would be for a stand-up fan in case of hot days and some screens on the interior windows to help keep the bugs out.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Doesn't get more Beautiful

I stayed here for a month in October as part of an extended stay working in the community of Santa Cruz. The land, its views, and everything about the property is almost unreal in its beauty. Sunrises on the porch never got old, and neither did the sunsets. The grounds took me days to explore fully, and I still don't think I saw the whole property. There are banana trees, lime trees, avocado trees, other fruits I couldn't even identify, patios, coy ponds, gazebos, hummingbirds, endless beautiful flowers...it just goes on and on. And Ramos, the caretaker of the property, is so sweet and receptive to anything you may need. It should really be a no brainer to stay here. The value for what you get is unparalleled. All I can say is, enjoy!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property, stunning views, excellent service, great value

I spent a week at Casa Wenche in Villa Eggedal with my husband and 2 teenage children and recommend it highly. It is in a beautiful location with stunning views of lake Atitlan and the volcanoes. The house is very tastefully decorated with much nicer and higher quality furniture, pictures etc than most holiday rentals. The layout Is really good with 2 good sized bedrooms, a large open plan kitchen/ living area and a gorgeous covered terrace with comfy chairs and a dining table overlooking the gardens and lake beyond. There is also a lovely terrace in the garden. The caretaker Ramos was incredibly helpful meeting my husband and daughter who arrived late at night at the private dock and helping them with their luggage. He was constantly replenishing the water for us and checking if we needed anything. Deedle was extremely efficient in making the reservation and gave us great advice about arranging our trip. She arranged a brilliant cook for us, Manuela, who cooked breakfast and dinner for us every day with her friend Michaela. Manuela asked us what we wanted to eat then bought the food and cook it brilliantly. Her guacamole was the best I have ever tasted ! The gardens of Villa Eggedal are magical and it is only 5 minutes away from the dock where there are several nice hotels you can get food and drink from and also 5 minutes walk up the hill to the town where there is a lovely restaurant open for lunch run by students who have been taught how to cook by an excellent charity project. I stayed in several other places around Lake Atitlan and think Santa Cruz is the most beautiful. There are also regular public boats to visit their places around the lake. This rental exceeded my expectations and is even more beautiful than the photographs. I would highly recommend it
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Scott K.

Stay Here!

My family of five stayed here for just over a month. We have three children, ages 6, 8, and 10. I cannot imagine a better property on the lake to bring a family. The beauty of the lake, combined with the amazing garden, is almost too much to take in. We felt like we needed more than a month to explore all of the areas of the property, and we seemed to discover something new each day. The view and the gardens are absolutely stunning - the pictures do not do justice. The house itself is very nice and comfortable. We ate our meals and spent most of our 'indoor' time on the large front porch. There is also a very nice covered seating area right outside the front door, great for reading or having a meal. Ramos, the caretaker, is a wonderful man and he took great care of us. He checked in every day to make sure we had enough water and would bring us fresh bananas and avocados from the garden whenever we asked. Manuela and Michaela cleaned the house and washed and folded our laundry twice a week (only $2.50 a load). Deedle, the property manager, was very easy to work with and was always very responsive. We are honored to have gotten to know these wonderful people. Stay here! You won't regret it. PS: Have Deedle set up Spanish lessons with Victoria. She is a wonderful teacher and an amazing young lady!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

BUHkX7P4hnjSr3srayNqK7Q3fW3B2DN8QGgYkpmKvFebRIoNedHU1rf6H+9jmsfzuC+he8qli9eV1pqTAQ6TQk4Ly8VzLky78cWj B.

Sublime view from a magnificent house

Casa Wenche is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. The photos really don't do it full justice. We stayed for a week in Feb 2012 and it is the most attractive, excellently-equipped holiday house we have ever rented. Amazing value for money, with a view of the lake that is priceless, and amazing gardens. It's a steep walk up to the house from the dock, but well worth it when you see what's at the top. The house itself has a wonderful open kitchen/living area, which leads out onto a glass-fronted balcony with the most sublime view of the lake you could wish for. We sat there for hours at a time. It is beautifully furnished and packed with artwork and artefacts. The beds have great mattresses, the shower is fabulous, the cupboards are stuffed with everything you could possibly need – it seems no expense has been spared to turn this into a beautiful home, and not just a standard rental property. The house and gardens both have endless places to sit in the sun or shade, from where you can gaze at the flowers, bird and butterflies, or at the view. The caretaker, Ramos, is an absolute gem. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The managers Deedle and Dave (who also run the Iguana Perdida, at Santa Cruz's boat dock) were also extremely helpful, as was the owner of the house, Erik. While we were there we got decent wi-fi from a place in the garden, and they were planning to organise it so that the signal would reach the house. To stay at Casa Wenche you have to make the effort to get all your stuff and provisions onto the boat at Panajachel and then up to the house, but it is worth it. You'll never want to leave anyway.
Archival

8/10 Good

Alejandro E., Guatemala city

Amazing sunsets, great house!

Beautiful house with different spots to rest, to have a meal...this house has the best views of lake Atitlan and the volcanoes... The place is really well taken care of with wonderful gardens and pathways....we saw the most amazing sunsets and the house is completly thought to make you enjoy and contemplate. Ramos, the landlord was of great help to us...we loved our stay and hope to come back soon!!!
Archival

8/10 Good

Donna B.

Lovely home, stunning views, beautiful gardens

We had a wonderful time at Casa Wenche....the house is beautiful, clean and well equipped. Hummingbirds galore with lovely gardens. Spent lots of time on the veranda looking at the stunning views of the lake and volcanos. Kayaked and visited other villages on the lake. It is a steep climb up lots of steps to get to the house but worth the climb. Ramos the groundskeeper was very helpful and considerate.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Garden of Eden

Villa Eggedal is an enchantingly beautiful place. It is inspired both in terms of its layout and the way in which it is carefully and diligently tended. This is a place to stay if you are looking for peace and tranquility and a haven in which to momentarily forget the worries of the world. Artists, writers, nature lovers such as bird watchers...you will be in your element. Don't bother coming here if you are a party reveller...you are definitely in the wrong space !

About the host

Hosted by Deedle Ratcliffe

Host profile image
Villa Eggedal is owned by an aristocratic Norwegian art collector who visits for a few months every year. After first visiting the lake in 1980 he vowed to return one day. Since breaking ground in the 90's, the homes, gardens and decoration of this villa have been his labor of love.

Why they chose this property

Looking for a place to live part of each year in paradise, and the sheer beauty of Lake Atitlan is unparalleled. As for climate, the Guatemalan highlands are known as the 'land of the eternal Spring' and the chirping birds, flourishing gardens and warm breeze are a welcome change from cold winters and city traffic.

What makes this property unique

Although you're staying in a luxurious villa, you're by no means removed from local culture. A five minute walk to local restaurants, two minutes from a swim in the lake, and a 10 minute boat ride to the local market mean that privacy doesn't have to mean isolation.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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