Tradition and Creativity: The Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe in Oaxaca
Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca's Tlacolula Valley, the Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe stands as a stunning tribute to the region’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Once a working farm under the Dominican order, this 18th-century hacienda has been transformed into a creative sanctuary for designer Raul Cabra (Instagram @rcbraoax), who is also the owner and creative director of La Embajada shop, and writer Michael Sledge. Their extensive renovation is a celebration of craftsmanship and community that breathes new life into local traditions.
Located in the enchanting town of San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, the Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe is surrounded by archaeological wonders and vibrant artisan communities. From the ancient ruins of Mitla to the iconic tree of El Tule, the landscape is a canvas of stories waiting to be told. “For many generations, the Hacienda was held by the Dominican order as a working farm, producing corn, tomatoes and beans, until it passed into private hands in the 19th century,” says Michael Sledge. “Today, the hacienda has been remodelled using traditional techniques but with a contemporary eye, gaining new life as a cultural, academic, and culinary meeting ground.”
Raul and Michael’s journey began in 2007, when they purchased the crumbling property with a vision to restore it with utmost care and respect for its history. Every detail of the renovation has been executed by hand, honouring traditional techniques that preserve the building's integrity.
The hacienda’s thick stone walls, which have endured the tests of time, have been lovingly preserved through methods like cal apagada, an ancient technique from the indigenous Zapotec culture. This waterproofing method not only protects the structure but also connects it to the very essence of Oaxaca's architectural heritage.
Raul’s design philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for natural materials and local craftsmanship. The interiors, crafted with the help of Misael Lavariega and Ileana Luciano, are a symphony of textures and hues: red clay floors, white lime-washed walls, and rusted metal accents come together to create a serene atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. “We were deliberate in introducing modern comforts in a seamless manner that respected the architectural integrity of the house,” he shares.
More than just a residence, the hacienda is a vibrant hub for creativity and community engagement. Through their initiative, Oax-i-fornia (Instagram @oaxifornia), Raul and Michael invite design students and local artisans to collaborate in workshops that challenge preconceived notions of culture and craftsmanship. “Artisans maintain ownership of the objects that arise out of the Oax-i-fornia collaborations,” Raul explains. “We aim not only to provide material benefits but also to equip local people with tools to continue working on their own and to create their own entrepreneurial spaces.”
Raul and Michael’s commitment to immersing themselves in the local culture is evident in every aspect of their project. “It was about eight years of living in the most rustic environments for me to understand what needed to be done,” Raul recalls. This deep engagement with Oaxaca has allowed them to create a space that resonates with the region's spirit - a living homage to its traditions.
The hacienda's layout, designed in collaboration with Claudi López Morales for the patio master plan and Enrique Lastra for historical restoration, is thoughtfully crafted, featuring four bedrooms, a library, a converted chapel showroom, and lush outdoor spaces, including a garden and chicken coop. Each element is meticulously crafted to harmonize with the breathtaking landscape, blending history with modern life.
The blend of past and present continues to inspire. As the location flourishes as both a home and a communal space, it stands as a beacon of hope and creativity in Oaxaca, celebrating the region's storied past while paving the way for an exciting future. This remarkable hacienda not only preserves history but also ignites the imagination, inviting all who enter to partake in its rich narrative.
House Information
House: Ex-hacienda Guadalupe Website | Instagram @exhaciendaguadalupeoax
Photos: Pepe Molina (Instagram @pepemolinafoto)
Interior Design: Raul Cabra (Instagram @rcbraoax), co-founder of Oax-i-fornia (Instagram @oaxifornia) and owner and creative director of La Embajada shop (Instagram @laembajada.shop)
Interior Architecture: Misael Lavariega and Ileana Luciano
Patio Master Plan: Claudina López Morales
Historical Restoration: Enrique Lastra