Villa La Sirena - Where Boho Meets Traditional Hacienda Architecture

A Gringo Twist on a 400-Year-Old Building Style

The stunning Villa La Sirena in Boca de Tomatlan was built just over 20 years ago, yet it carries an architectural lineage that dates back nearly 400 years. The design pays homage to traditional Spanish Hacienda architecture, originally constructed with adobe, stucco, and wood. Over time, these elements have evolved into brick or concrete block walls with a textured stucco finish.

At Villa La Sirena, red brick walls, stucco exteriors, and iconic red tile roofs blend seamlessly with arched doorways, windows, and exposed wooden beams, both inside and out. Just as the old haciendas were renowned for their lush greenery and vibrant flowers, the villa also embodies this natural charm, reflecting the spirit of authentic Mexico.

Preserving Traditional Hacienda Style in Boca de Tomatlan

The owners of Villa La Sirena (Jerry & Britt, father-daughter duo) wanted to honor the traditional architecture that feels right at home in the quaint fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan. Modern box-shaped buildings may suit urban spaces, but they don’t capture the warmth and history of this coastal village.

One notable update was replacing outdated concrete bedside tables and tile headboards with airy floating Parota wood tables and custom-designed headboards. Jerry envisioned the design, while Enrique Torres - now the villa’s trusted craftsman - carefully fabricated the details. Enrique, admired for his craftsmanship and community spirit, even volunteered his time to help renovate the local elementary school.

Brittany brightened the exterior with a warm, colorful palette accented by tones of blue and green, giving the villa a refreshed yet timeless look. Read the complete renovation journey here.

The Beauty of Parota Wood in Villa Design

One of the interior’s key inspirations was the use of locally sourced Parota wood, a material that perfectly complements the villa’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Parota lumber, sourced from the mountains east of El Tuito, became the foundation for much of the custom furniture. Enrique crafted outdoor seating, shutters, headboards, and bathroom vanities - all from this richly grained wood.

Parota is celebrated for its durability, resistance to decay, and natural oils that repel insects. Beyond practicality, it carries cultural significance: the Huichol people of the Sierra Madre mountains regard it as a sacred tree. Today, its dramatic grain patterns and wide trunks are prized in upscale Mexican restaurants and luxury homes. At Villa La Sirena, Parota pairs beautifully with Talavera-style bathroom sinks and other regional design touches.

Other woods like pine and Primavera were also incorporated, adding texture and contrast to the villa’s handcrafted furniture.

Equipale Chairs - A Touch of Authentic Mexican Heritage

To deepen the connection to Hacienda heritage, Villa La Sirena features Equipale chairs sourced directly from Zacoalco de Torres, a town south of Guadalajara with a tradition dating back to pre-Hispanic times.

It’s said that Moctezuma, the last Aztec ruler, had his Equipale chair delivered from Zacoalco de Torres.

Today, more than 300 families in the town still craft these iconic chairs and furniture pieces in small family workshops. A factory town without a factory, Zacoalco is really a series of workshops of various sizes. While several are located on the main approach to town, the majority are located in the “Barrio de Las Cebollas”, the Onion Quarter, across the railroad tracks. Some families have made Equipale designs here for over 150 years.

The typical workshops are a clutter of raw wood, piles of cane, and leather/pigskin hides. Family members are busy with separate stages of manufacture. They can construct chairs, sofas, loveseats, tables, bars, stools, bookcases, or any kind of furniture.

Traditionally, Equipale furniture is made with frames tied using ixtle, a natural fiber from the maguey cactus. Artisans also use reeds, pigskin leather, and select woods, often harvested during the full moon for longer-lasting strength. Though modern substitutes sometimes replace the original fibers, the tradition remains strong.

Equipale chairs are not only lightweight, durable, and versatile, but they also embody Mexican craftsmanship that blends seamlessly into Villa La Sirena’s Boho-Hacienda style.

Boho Accents and Mexican Decor

Beyond the warmth of wood and craftsmanship, the villa embraces Boho-inspired decor with colorful throws, woven wall hangings, pottery, and eclectic accents. These details create a balance of tradition and free-spirited design.

Original artworks, including abstract canvases and eclectic wall hangings, add a vibrant personality to each apartment.

A wood block wall hanging and a gold leaf skull, along with couch pillows with colorful accent colors, join one of the indoor plants that help clean the air. 

Enjoy the careful detail of a fish tale on one of the cow skull hangings.  Custom murals, like this view of Majahuitas beach, were made to lessen the dishwashing tasks.

Every apartment is unique. A collection of pre-Columbian figurines from Colima alongside some prints and a canvas piece with a bikini-clad beach gal; certainly, a Boho mix for sure.

Experience Villa La Sirena - A Slice of Real Mexico

Villa La Sirena isn’t just a place to stay, it’s an experience. From its Boho-meets-Hacienda architecture and handcrafted Parota wood furniture to its authentic Equipale chairs and colorful accents, the villa reflects the soul of Boca de Tomatlan. Here, you’ll find luxury accommodations tucked inside a funky fishing village - a perfect blend of old-world charm, Mexican artistry, and modern comfort.

Some excerpts from a 2003 Equipale article in Mexconnect by Wendy Devlin are used with her permission.

The best way to understand the care and detail in Villa La Sirena’s design is to experience it yourself. Come stay with us, and enjoy a true slice of real Mexico.

BOOK 4 GET 7 DAYS OFFER FOR NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Available till the end of November. Sign up for the Newsletter now!

👉 Subscribe today at villalasirena.net  and email us at jerrycederstrom@gmail.com to claim your Christmas/New Year plans escape for your special days or occasion.

🌊Fewer crowds. Bigger savings. Total relaxation. Book your Boca stay and adventure now!