Casa Escuela
Casa Escuela is considered one of the most extraordinary homes in Yucatán. Initially designed as a private residence for a local family in Merida, the house was converted to a co-ed school in 1965. The school closed its doors in 2011, and after its purchase in 2018 by its current owners, Casa Escuela was transformed into a 5-bedroom retreat for artists and design enthusiasts.
The Design
The restoration of Casa Escuela, a 4-year project led by architect Ezequiel Farca and designer Mónica Calderón, prioritized preservation while incorporating contemporary interventions. Casa Escuela is a blend of old and new, celebrating the richness of Mayan culture through historically significant materials.
Each room pays homage to the traditions of the past while honoring the traditions of those who came before. For instance, an old well beneath the house was transformed into a spa inspired by the region's cenotes. Additionally, traditional Merida celosias were reimagined with a contemporary design.
For the restorers, Casa Escuela's special nature lies in the intricate details and architectural elements that make it a unique project. It was conceived as a space to share the region's culture with the world and showcase Latin American artwork. When the property isn’t occupied, it serves as an artist residency, gallery, and community learning hub.
Read about Casa Escuela in Architectural Digest and Design Boom.
The Space
The home offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. The first floor features a master suite with a king-size bed and a double queen room, offering immediate access to the pool. Upstairs is a king-size suite with a private balcony and 2 further bedrooms with queen-size beds. Casa Escuela also has a private projection room that can be turned into an extra bedroom on request.
Guests enter via a landscaped courtyard and patio that connect each space. To the left is a spacious living room, while to the right is the dining room, attached to a bar and stunning kitchen equipped with a wood-fired pizza oven and traditional clay plate for tortilla-making. Beneath the courtyard is the cenote-inspired spa with a steam room and shower.
Daily breakfast is included, and an in-house chef can prepare additional meals upon request. A house manager ensures guests have everything they need during their stay, including recommendations on activities, experiences, and restaurants. Casa Escuela partners with local hacienda owners, private cenotes, and private archaeological sites, offering a fully curated, unique Yucatecan experience.
The Neighborhood
Casa Escuela is located in the center of Mérida, the Yucatecan capital. Dubbed the “White City” for its elegant colonial buildings, the city’s eclectic architectural heritage is a particular highlight. A prime example is Paseo de Montejo, an attempt by Mérida’s 19th-century city planners to create a wide, mansion-flanked boulevard similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Mérida's culinary scene is one of the best to discover pre-Colombian cuisine. From upscale restaurants to bustling street food stalls, visitors can savor traditional dishes like cochinita pibil, panuchos, and refreshing sopa de lima. Our top pick for foodies is new spot Ku’uk, which serves suckling pig Yucateco-style. For a budget-friendly option, check out El Apapacho, an all-female-run Oaxacan-Yucateca fusion restaurant with a tree-lined patio.
Mérida is easily accessible via its international airport, with connections to major cities throughout the US and Mexico. The airport is a 20-30 minute drive from the city center, easily reached by taxi or shuttle bus. Once in Mérida, the city is conveniently walkable, so you can explore its charming streets and cultural treasures at your leisure.
