Do you ever wish you could live in an old Spanish style hacienda? Do you wonder how it would feel to sit by a flowing fountain in a courtyard...surrounded by lush tropical plants and a cool breeze? Oh, and can you imagine those courtyard walls are old with broken, cracked plaster and exposed faux finishes bricks?

Are you planning a vacation to Mexico or do you just love to sit and travel by armchair? For a tour through some of the most beautiful inns and haciendas in the world...I have found the book for you.

Mexicasa by Gina Hyams is a huge book full of beautiful photos and wonderful historical information about 21 of the most luxurious getaways in Mexico. I purchased this book because I am a fanatic about Hacienda and Southwest style decorating. This book is an inspirational tour of beautifully decorated lounges, bathrooms and suites. Also every entry has photos of exterior and garden arrangements full of real and faux finishes bricks.

I found myself lost for an entire afternoon with this book. Now I want to plan a vacation to one of these enchanting Mexican hidaways...but which would I choose?

Casa Vieja in Mexico City in the elite district. Casa Vieja (Old House) appears to be in disrepair. The entrance is a covered with broken plaster and exposed rubble brick. It looks like a 2 or 3 hundred year old hacienda. Well...appearances can be deceiving. The front of the building is an illusion. This small apartment building has been converted into a luxurious hotel with 10 suites.

The foyer photo shows Moorish-patterned frescos and all the walls are faux finished in a rich terra cotta color. The furniture choices are amazing and wait until you see the kitchenette photos. The refrigerators are all handpainted with portraits. Every wall in every room...including the ceilings has a faux finish in fantastic color combinations. You have got to see the wrought iron beds. So unusual

Maybe I should choose to go to Casa De Sierra Nevada located 160 miles north of Mexico City.
Photographs show a tranquil interior courtyard and patio dining in the portales over looking the swimming pool. The walls of the courtyard are old crumbled exposed brick and amazing arches. This small little inn appears to be located in a city location, but the outdoor area is large and lush. The photo of the courtyard near the guest rooms gave me an idea to use in my own home.

If you are interested in learning to paint oldfaux exposed bricks style walls in your own home check out this faux finishes bricks site.

Update: New Website! All about Hacienda Style Decorating! Click Here -> Hacienda Style

Have fun with southwest style decorating!