What I Learned About Homes from San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende has a magic that’s hard to describe until you’ve walked its cobblestone streets, admired its colorful facades, and stepped into some of its most remarkable homes. On my recent anniversary trip, I had the chance not only to enjoy the city but also to meet a couple who have built two extraordinary homes there. What I learned about building, design, and lifestyle in San Miguel has stayed with me—and offers some interesting lessons for how we view homes here in Sonoma County.

Building Costs: A Fraction of Sonoma County

One of the first things that struck me is the dramatic difference in building costs. In San Miguel, the cost per square foot to build is a fraction of what we see here in Sonoma County. That means homeowners can often afford to be more creative and expansive in their design choices.

Here at home, rising material and labor costs make building or remodeling a much bigger financial decision. It was eye-opening to see what’s possible when construction doesn’t carry the same price tag.

Local vs. Exotic Materials

Another fascinating contrast lies in materials. In San Miguel, if you source locally—stone, wood, clay, and other natural elements—the costs remain surprisingly low. These materials not only reflect the culture and landscape but also keep projects affordable.

However, once you begin importing exotic elements, such as marble from Europe or specialty fixtures, the costs climb quickly. This is very similar to what we see in Sonoma County: staying true to local materials can create timeless, authentic homes that blend beautifully with the surroundings.

Exotic Style & Outdoor Living

The design style I experienced in San Miguel was bold, exotic, and focused heavily on outdoor living. Views are emphasized at every turn, and courtyards and terraces often serve as the true heart of the home. While Sonoma County homes certainly celebrate indoor-outdoor flow, it struck me how much more central this concept is in San Miguel.

Labor and Timeline Differences

Another key difference is labor. Domestic support—housekeeping, maintenance, and even construction crews—is much more affordable in San Miguel than in Sonoma County. This not only impacts daily living but also makes building and maintaining a home far less daunting.

And while we often expect long timelines and permitting hurdles here, construction in San Miguel tends to move faster. Projects that might take years in Sonoma County can often be completed in a fraction of the time there.

Lessons for Sonoma County

Travel always opens my eyes to new ways of thinking about home. From San Miguel, I brought home a deeper appreciation for:

• The beauty (and cost-effectiveness) of using local materials

• Designing homes that celebrate outdoor living

• The value of flexibility and speed in the building process

Here in Sonoma County, while our building costs and labor challenges are very different, the inspiration from places like San Miguel reminds me that great design is always about lifestyle first. At the end of the day, whether in wine country or Mexico’s high desert, the best homes are those that make daily life feel beautiful, effortless, and connected to their surroundings.