Since the death of Deborah Turbeville, her lovely home has found new purpose as The Hotel – Casa No Name that keeps her spirit alive through its sensuous atmosphere.
The lovely Deborah Turbeville (1932-2013). (Photo: Deborah Turbeville)
Just before leaving for San Miguel in July, I heard that Casa No Name, the former home of Deborah Turbeville, had been turned into a hotel. Immediately I went to investigate. Viewing the website was a bit disappointing as the magical feeling that I associated with that house seemed to be lost. Happily, I discovered this not to be true.
At my friends’ suggestion we had to go see The Hotel -Casa No Name. It was just doors away from where we were having dinner. Despite the hotel being closed down to outside guests for the night, we were graciously invited in to have a look around. The Moorish arches associated with Deborah’s house are the first thing you see when entering. The magic is most definitely still present in her home.
The lighting is moody and dramatic evoking Turbeville’s photography.
The wonderful cement countertops in the kitchen glisten in this light. The kitchen is simple – white and grey with beautiful tools and vessels lining the counters.
The hotel only has seven rooms, but the two that I saw were dramatic, comfortable and soothing. One of the bedrooms reveals a secret. While renovating the hotel a tunnel was discovered beneath one of the rooms. At one point in time the home was occupied by a priest. The tunnel provided easy access to the church across the street. It was fully furnished so he likely met with guests down there as well. The tunnel allowed the priest to stay clean from the dirt in the streets. Long ago people used to empty their chamber pots out the window directly onto the street.
This room was in a state of undress.
The room positioned over the tunnel has a glass window preventing access but allowing a peek inside this mysterious secret space.
Casa No Name is a typical SMA home in that ones lives outdoors almost as much as indoors.
Numerous banquettes are tucked in and around for intimate conversations while enjoying a beverage.
The rooftop lounge is inviting, cool, and fun.
As San Miguel is a favorite wedding location for Americans and Mexicans alike, we met some friendly young Mexicans enjoying the rooftop bar after a weekend wedding.
Transforming Casa No Name into a hotel is probably the best outcome for Turberville’s former home. Spending a little time in her creative world is an exciting possibility. I look forward to staying there on my next visit to San Miguel.
This blurry photo makes me think of Turbeville’s singular work in fashion with her hazy mysterious shots.
Previously I have written a little about Turbeville and her magical home, here. To read a lovely tribute to Turbeville by Franca Sozzani see here.
If your home is in need of some magic, Casa V Interiors can help.
