Antigua Guatemala – the historic ‘colonial jewel’ of Central America (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually… and just 15 minutes away, at an altitude of 6,000 feet, is the agricultural pueblo of Parramos where you find a beautiful private, country estate owned by renowned impressionist artist B. M. Johnston and his wife.

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This vast property (8,093 square meter) is just one block from the town’s center plaza. Surrounded by a 7 meter high wall, this estate is a magical retreat with beautiful gardens, a large/lovely home, swimming pool, orchid greenhouse, an artist studio, and much more.

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The 2-story, 4 bedroom/3 bathroom main house includes lots of “Artist Touches” like the hand carved mahogany sliding doors depicting the flora and fauna of the Gardens. The house’s grand foyer is a clock room which also serves as the entrance to the large home’s living space.

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Even from inside the house, the gardens are in full view since much of this elegant home is further enhanced by floor to ceiling windows. Private sitting areas (inside and outside) and ‘tucked away’ terraces and porches all add to the unique warmth and charm of this home.

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A favorite space of the house is the Safari Room guest bedroom with a lion’s face fireplace, library, bath and shower. This room also has a private second floor patio which overlooks the garden. The master bedroom also has a fireplace, as well as a large living room area and a master bed with Mahogany bedposts. Just off the master bedroom is the master bath with fireplace, Jacuzzi bath, bidet and toilet.

The master bedroom also has an outdoor/covered balcony which overlooks the sprawling front garden/lawn and lily pond. The master bedroom floor is done in part with parquet and in part with Italian porcelain. The entire house flooring is Italian porcelain.

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The estate’s gardens include stone covered trails, lush tropical flora, a large variety of trees (avocado, palm, fruit, rubber), a vegetable garden, several water fountains (with sitting and dining areas) and a lily pond.

Just past the pond is the Italian pool with columns and Italian tiles. The back wall of the pool area is decorated in Matisse style murals. The pool itself in a kind of Cockney style and it has a grand piano in the center. The pool is fully automated gas solar heated, the 500-gallon gas tank is connected to heater.

A small bar, seating area and Barbeque border the pool. Scattered throughout the gardens, you will also find coffee plants. From these very plants came the very first coffee introduced to Guatemala.

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The entire property is the work of an artist. It currently houses the artist’s work and also his personal collection of works by other artists. Tours are given to art appreciators, by appointment. Serious home buyers are also invited to tour the property, also by appointment only.

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• NOTES

• 2 Story building

• 4 bedrooms

• 3 bathrooms

• 2 living room areas

• Dining Area

• Kitchen

• Office

• 4 fireplaces

• Laundry Room

• Secure/covered parking for two vehicles

• HUGE garden(s)

• Pool with Entertainment Area

• Barbeque Area

• Several Patios

• Cable TV

• Phone line with Internet

• Orchid Greenhouse

• Lily pond

• Multiple Avocado trees