A large house with brown brick walls, a yellow accent on the base, and a red tile roof. There are trees and bushes, including banana plants, around the house. In the foreground, an art installation on a concrete pad.

The main home was built in 2000, designed and overseen by María Calleros, whose vision was to create a retirement home and family gathering place that reflected the beauty, intelligence, and efficiencies found in nature. Through thoughtful up-cycling, rainwater harvesting, and a passive solar design, the home was conceived as a living system—one that honors and preserves the land’s natural abundance.

In 2014, María’s son, Julián Calleros, began transforming the family home into an artist residency and rural bed and breakfast, marking the beginning of Anima Casa Rural. What started as a personal project has grown into a collective effort: for the past decade, Anima has been managed and cared for by multiple members of the Calleros family, and it continues to operate as a family-run, land-conscious project.

The evolution of the home and its surrounding outdoor spaces is deeply shaped by permaculture principles. Our work is grounded in the belief that sustainable living comes from cultivating reciprocal relationships—nurturing our soil, protecting our environment, and strengthening our community. Regeneration and stewardship guide every decision we make, from ecological gardening to resource-conscious hospitality.

We embrace the rural character of this valley, including the sounds, rhythms, and daily patterns of the agricultural life around us. Anima is not a secluded escape; it is a living, breathing place where nature, community, and creativity coexist. Here, guests and residents are invited into a space that values simplicity, interconnection, and responsible care for the land.

A Home Inspired by Nature

María Calleros and her faithful companion, Luna.