Living in a serpent-shaped house in Mexico with its own mineral cave

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Nov 1, 2021

If you were hoping to someday return to Middle-earth, this might be the place you’ve been looking.

A unique Airbnb announcement – located in Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico, 45 minutes from Mexico City – with caves, dragons and secret tunnels immersed in nature is up for grabs at $ 409 per night.

Designed by architect Javier Senosiain, the house is known as El Nido de Quetzalcóatl or simply Quetzalcóatl nest. The snake-shaped condo complex is incredibly unique but still offers travelers a quiet getaway.

The exterior is edged in pearly colors like golden emerald and violet blue to mimic the feathers of Quetzalcóatl – known as a serpent-feathered deity in ancient Mesoamerican culture.

It was completed in 2007 after six years of construction. Spanning over 16,000 square feet, the entire resort sits on over 80,000 square feet of land and check-in can be done yourself with a keypad.

The resort features internal arches, warm, earthy, semi-curved walls, and various windows with views of the garden.

Airbnb

The main structure is the body of Quetzalcóatl, with a malleable body in iridescent colored ferrocement; golden emerald that combines with a deep purple blue, like the feathers of the quetzal. — The main structure is the body of Quetzalcóatl, with a malleable body in iridescent colored ferrocement and golden emerald that combines with a deep purple blue, like the feathers of the quetzal.

The creation of this space was a construction challenge due to the irregular land of 5,000 square meters in which it is located, but over time it has been possible to create a residential complex of 10 apartments, surrounded by gardens. , mirrors of water and an oak forest. — Creating this space was a construction challenge due to the 5,000 square meter irregular terrain in which it sits. However, over time it was possible to create a residential complex of 10 apartments, surrounded by gardens, mirrors and an oak forest.

El Nido de Quetzalcóatl is an architectural project by architect Javier Senosiain. — El Nido de Quetzalcóatl is a project by architect Javier Senosiain.

At the landing of the staircase is a suspension bridge which connects the last three houses. — At the landing of the staircase, there is a suspension bridge which connects the last three houses.

A residence has four bedrooms, five beds and four bathrooms.

And it seems that almost everyone who stayed left was happy.

“We had a great time… the place is a gem on the outskirts of Mexico City. Any fan of architecture or someone who appreciates people who take [sic] their time building with love, care and respect for the environment will certainly appreciate staying here, ”wrote a guest.

“A once in a lifetime experience. You don’t want to miss it, ”said another in a review.

The cosmic serpent mediates between heaven and earth and is 21 feet tall by 28 feet wide. — The cosmic serpent mediates heaven and earth and is 21 feet tall by 28 feet wide.

Set as a retreat, the residence includes a mineral cave to explore, several botanical gardens, and lakes that surround the property.

“It’s a perfect place for small groups on retreat, to write, meditate, do yoga, walk, rest,” the list reads. “Bread, fruit and coffee included.”

the water rejected by the houses goes to the treatment plant available to the complex, after being treated, it is also sent to the water mirror, for the irrigation of all green spaces. — The water discharged by the houses goes to the treatment plant which the complex has on site. After being treated, it is also sent to the water mirror for the irrigation of all green spaces.

Access to the apartments is by the back of the serpent, by a long corridor one goes down to the first three houses and by a staircase to the other seven. — Access to the apartments is via the back of the snake. By a long corridor, one goes down towards the first three houses and a staircase towards the seven others.

The complex houses 10 apartments in total, with all residences located in the back of the serpent with three apartments upstairs and seven downstairs.

The water discharged from the apartments goes through a treatment plant where it is then “used for the irrigation of all green spaces”, according to a press release.