Apartment with pool on huge estate

Villa Eggedal is situated on the North shore of Lake Atitlan in the peaceful village of Santa Cruz. Ten acres of beautifully manicured gardens with pool overlook the lake and its surrounding volcanoes. The gardens make this a bird-watcher's paradise. The views are amazing but it does involve walking up numerous steps. If you are arriving after dark, please make sure to bring a torch with you. Villa Eggedal is one of the largest and most luxurious estates around Lake Atitlan. Spectacular is the only word to describe this ten-acre walled villa located near the shore in the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. This Mayan village is only accessible by boat, just a ten-minute ride from Panajachel, and you’ll immediately feel the tranquility that this provides. Arrive to privacy, luxury, spacious comfort, incredible views of the lake, mountains and volcanoes, and immaculately tended gardens and grounds. Villa Eggedal is located 150 meters from the lake shore, which offers a sandy beach for swimming. A winding, uphill walkway leads to the estate and then through the grounds to the two studio apartments, two houses, and the owners private home. (This property is definitely not suitable to handicapped renters or people with difficulty walking.) The surrounding gardens and peaceful setting make this a bird watcher's paradise, with over 130 species spotted in the area. Villa Eggedal is owned by a European aristocrat and art collector, and all the rooms are filled with beautiful antiques, paintings, rugs, sculpture, prints, and Mayan and world textiles. The estate has a friendly caretaker and two lovely local girls who clean twice a week. Local bars and restaurants are a ten-minute walk away and there are lots of activities around the area to fill your days, including kayaks, swimming, bird-watching, hiking, village tours and local markets. Alternatively, you can sit back, put your feet up, and read a book! If you would like help in organizing a shuttle to the lake from within Guatemala please let me know. A private shuttle from the airport to Panajachel (Pana) usually cost around $100 for 2 people. Once arriving you'll need to take a 20-minute boat ride from Pana to Santa Cruz. I can organize a private boat for $20 which is convenient upon arrival with bags and supplies. It is a good idea to have bought provisions in Pana beforehand as there are only a couple of simple shops in the village selling eggs and washing powder and that is about it. The nearest dock to the property is called Xepoj (shay-pok). When you first arrive it is a good idea to go to this dock since you will have luggage and provisions. Diego the caretaker can meet you at the dock and help you with your bags to the house. There are footpaths all around the village of Santa Cruz and there are a couple of restaurant/bars between 10 and 20 minute walk from the property. Every Saturday morning there is a little community market held at nearby hotel La Iguana Perdida where you can buy lovely local fresh produce and baked goods. There are public boats every 20-30 minutes from Panajachel serving Santa Cruz and the other villages along the north shore of the lake. The first one starts at around 6am and the last one leaves at 7.30pm. The public boat to and from Panajachel costs 10Q per person. It is easy to catch boats to other places on the lake and there is information folder in the house with the details of the costs involved. The only way to arrive to Santa Cruz is by boat. If you arrive by car you can easily leave it parked in a secure car park in Panajachel called Cayucos Marino for 50Q a night. If you want any meals cooked during your stay there are local women who can cook for you. Do ask and I can arrange it for you.