Casa Catalina

Casa Catalina is a gracious historical villa from the golden age of Hollywood in Puerto Vallarta.
Located in Gringo Gulch just down the street from Casa Kimberly, the former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Casa Catalina was built in the same era by renowned architect Freddy Romero and has been referred to as the ‘jewel of Gringo Gulch’.
Romero built a number of homes in the area between 1953 and 1969, developing what is known as the “Vallarta style” of architecture.
Characteristics of Romero’s signature style of architecture can be seen throughout Casa Catalina. Painted bricks, interior adobe walls, doorways with bamboo and the open style which allows for maximum breezes that flow through from the jungle valley, the river and the ocean. And of course, his signature glass bottle in the wall of the room that is now the primary bedroom en suite.
Director John Huston lived for lengthy periods in Casa Catalina and entertained his Hollywood friends here. If these walls could talk.
This emblematic home has been carefully restored and modernized in a sympathetic way that ensures that the original style and details are preserved.
Entering through the carved front doors to the entry level, this level has a library, sitting room, and two bedroom suites with signature Romero doors made from bamboo. These suites share an enormous terrace, sitting among the treetops with views to the pool deck below.
Heading upstairs on the ramp, passing by the signature holes in brickwork that not only provide Casa Catalina with an air of mystery and privacy from the outside, but they also allow cooling breezes through the home.
The main level includes an entertainer’s kitchen with custom parota cabinetry, all KitchenAid appliances, and a butler’s pantry featuring a 150-bottle wine fridge.
We move then to a fabulous 3 meter long bar adjacent to a groovy conversation area, and a huge terrace with living and dining.
From the terrace, enjoy spectacular views - from Los Arcos to the Cuale River to the jungle valley. At night the sparkling lights of the city are breathtaking, and a special treat in the winter are the whales in Banderas Bay.
The primary bedroom retreat now fully updated was used by John Huston during his stays in Casa Catalina and features Freddy Romero’s signature of authenticity: a glass bottle built into the ensuite wall.
Downstairs are two more bedroom suites with gorgeous views of the garden and pool deck, and new bathrooms featuring handmade Mexican tile. There’s a full second kitchen and bar area, with loads of natural light that allows for easy catering to the pool deck and snacks for the fully equipped theater room, with seating for 6 and vintage movie posters found in the home during the renovation.
The pool level has a mature jungle-style garden, and features a palapa, cabana dining, outdoor kitchen, along with an oversized heated and cooled salt water pool. There is also an outdoor shower and bathroom.
Casa Catalina also has a double garage - a rarity in Gringo Gulch. The property features a rare opportunity in Gringo Gulch for future expansion with an adjoining vacant lot with access from Emilio Caranza. Perfect for recreational activities or additional construction to add to Casa Catalinas capacity as a truly one of a kind villa in the heart of Puerto Vallarta