A rare and iconic riverfront home in Cuenca’s historic district on El Barranco is primed and ready for purchase to a sophisticated and serious buyer looking for the "best of the best."

Tucked into one of the most cherished and photographed neighborhoods in all of Cuenca—El Barranco—this fully furnished riverfront home is a unique offering and truly one of a kind.

Situated directly along the lush banks of the Tomebamba River, this exceptional residence is one of the last remaining single-family homes in this privileged location. Timeless, soulful, and filled with character, this is more than a home—it is a living piece of Cuenca’s story.

The home spans 1,632.56 square feet and sits on a 954 square foot lot. It offers an oprn-concept liiving area, a family room, a well-equipped kitchen, an office,  three bedrooms, one full and one half bathroom, and enviable green lawns – a rarity in downtown. A front terrace, and balconies overlooking both the river and the city’s famed La Escalinata steps also bring the outdoors in.

Lovingly restored by an internationally recognized San Francisco architect, the home artfully marries historic charm with tasteful, modern upgrades. Sold fully furnished, it includes an exquisite and eclectic mix of rugs, art, antiques, and curated global treasures that lend the home a warmth and presence rarely found on the market today. You will inherit not just a property, but a lifestyle—turnkey and ready for immediate enjoyment. (The owner will take select, sentimental pieces but the majority of the art and artifacts will stay.)

The location is unmatched— nestled between Cuenca’s atmospheric Old Town and the more modern conveniences, banks, 2 hospitals and a multitude of restaurants found just across the bridge, located steps from your home.. From your doorstep, you’re also a stone’s throw from Parque de la Madre, the Planetarium, and Supermaxi – Cuenca’s largest grocery store chain. Walk up the stairs next to the home, and  you’ll be in the heart of El Centro, with its colonial architecture, an array of fabulous eateries and rooftop restaurants, museums, stores, Mercados and a vibrant culture. Cuenca was named the city with the best quality of life in South America, according to the 2025 Quality of Life Index released by Numbeo. 

Inside a lovely iron gate, the home welcomes you into a eye-catching, open-plan living space that faces the river, offering tranquil views and a sense of peace and privacy. Just off the living area is a second family room with a dramatic arched window framing the river view. This flexible space includes a door leading directly to the front lawn and could easily be transformed into a formal dining room, should you want more entertaining space. 

The kitchen, adjacent to the family room, features granite countertops, a five-burner gas stove, double sinks, a refrigerator, and an oven with a range hood. It also includes a high-rise table, perfect for casual meals or conversing with guests while cooking. A glorious skylit sunroom just off the kitchen offers a second informal dining area and cleverly conceals the washer and dryer behind tasteful cabinetry. All appliances are included in the sales price.

A well-equipped home office lined with bookshelves and cabinetry, as well as a stylish half-bath for guests, completes the main floor. Throughout, you’ll find hardwood floors, exposed beams, brick accents, archways, recessed and art lighting, built-in nooks, hidden storage, and a fireplace—architectural touches that make this home as functional as it is beautiful.

Upstairs a hardwood staircase, you'll find a  a calming and eclectic area with an inviting adobe fireplace and seating. This landing retreat oens onto yet another small balcony—this one facing the river and offering views of the park below.

The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and a delightful atmosphere that invites rest and rejuvenation. A second bedroom with a charming balcony overlooks La Escalinata, while a third space, currently used as an office, could easily be converted into a guest bedroom or 3rd bedroom, with tons of closets already included. A large, light-filled bathroom with a skylight serves the upstairs rooms.

Outside, the property features a gated garage, upper and lower lawn areas, and a secure metal bodega for storage. Discreet white metal window grills offer peace of mind without compromising aesthetics, while a sophisticated security camera system—monitored from abroad—offers an added sense of comfort for absentee owners.

While the home holds deep historic value and pride of place in the city’s collective memory, it is not designated as patrimonial, which means that renovations and changes can be made freely without Municipal oversight. A new garage roof was installed just four years ago, and the home has benefited from thoughtful updates as recently as 2025.

This is an offering for the discerning buyer—someone who seeks not only a well-located and refined residence, but a home with timeless elegance, unmatched location, and a connection to Cuenca’s past that simply can’t be replicated.

The asking price for this rare and iconic riverside home El Barranco is $520,000, negotiable.