Above the Clouds: A private mountain sanctuary with an infinity pool, unrivaled views, spa amenities, two terraces, a guest suite, and endless possibilities

Perched high above the Paute Valley, just one hour from Cuenca and minutes from the charming Andean town of Paute, this extraordinary mountain retreat was designed for those who crave beauty, privacy, and a deeper connection to nature, while offering resort-style amenities rarely found in a private residence.

The journey begins as you wind through the mountains, climbing toward a property that seems suspended between earth and sky. Behind a secure private gate, stone pathways wind through mature trees, flowering gardens, fruit trees, and lush landscaping, creating a sense of arrival that feels more like a resort than a residence. There is even a little viewing pavilion on the way to the house.

Then you see the view.

Layer upon layer of emerald mountains unfold before you. The Paute River winds through the valley below. Clouds drift across distant peaks. Sunrises arrive in brilliant color, and evenings end beneath a canopy of stars.

The setting is simply breathtaking.

The fully furnished four-bedroom home offers approximately 2,200 square feet of beautifully designed living space on nearly 4,800 square meters of land, blending natural stone, handcrafted hardwoods, soaring ceilings, exposed timber beams, and walls of glass that frame the spectacular scenery from nearly every room.

At the heart of the home, an open-concept living and dining area rises beneath dramatic wood-beamed ceilings. River-stone accent walls, custom wood cabinetry, and expansive windows create a space that feels both elegant and grounded in nature. The adjoining kitchen is both beautiful and highly functional, featuring handcrafted wood cabinetry, generous granite work surfaces, quality appliances, abundant storage, and a large peninsula that keeps cooks connected to family, guests, and the spectacular scenery beyond. From here, even preparing breakfast comes with a mountain view.

There is also a dedicated laundry room and storage area.

Yet it is outside where this property truly shines.

A magnificent covered terrace stretches along the front of the home, creating an outdoor living room suspended above the valley. Framed by warm wood ceilings, handcrafted stonework, and endless mountain vistas, it becomes a place where mornings begin slowly and evenings seem to linger long after sunset. Multiple outdoor living areas throughout the property invite you to follow the sun, seek shade, or simply settle into a favorite spot to read a book, sip tea, have a cocktail, or just revel in relaxation.

Above it all, a spectacular rooftop entertainment terrace serves as a private sky lounge, complete with a custom bar, dining spot, and pool table. Protected beneath a glass canopy yet fully immersed in the surrounding landscape, it offers one of the most extraordinary gathering spaces imaginable for entertaining, celebrating, or soaking in the endless, ever-changing mountain views.

On the other side of the house, near the entryway, the infinity-edge pool appears to spill directly into the valley below, creating the illusion of floating above the mountains. Nearby, a private spa retreat features a waterfall-fed jacuzzi, steam sauna, and outdoor shower surrounded by lush greenery and stonework, offering the kind of daily luxury typically reserved for boutique resorts.

Guests will feel equally pampered. A separate guest suite overlooking the pool provides privacy and comfort, making this property ideal for extended family visits, retreats, or hosting friends.

An additional upper, flat section of the property offers an exceptional building site with its own privacy and views, ideal for a future guest house, rental casita, artist studio, or caretaker's residence.

For those who dream of greater self-sufficiency, the grounds offer tremendous possibilities. Mature avocado trees, tree tomatoes, established gardens, and dedicated planting areas provide room to cultivate fresh produce year-round.

Beyond its beauty, the property was thoughtfully designed for comfortable, worry-free living. The property enjoys pure mountain water supplied through a local water association, supplemented by four large water storage tanks — three for irrigation and one for potable, drinking water. A backup generator ensures uninterrupted comfort during power outages. The self-cleaning pool minimizes maintenance, while covered parking, secure access, and thoughtful infrastructure make everyday living remarkably easy.

Meanwhile, the vibrant town of Paute is only ten minutes away, offering restaurants, shopping, banking, healthcare services, and one of the region's most beloved weekly farmers markets.

Whether you're searching for a full-time residence, luxury mountain retreat, wellness property, family compound, or an exceptional escape from city life, this remarkable estate offers something increasingly difficult to find:

Privacy without isolation.

Luxury without pretension.

And views that never stop inspiring.

This private mountain sanctuary, with an infinity pool, unrivaled views, spa amenities, two terraces, and a guest suite, is fully furnished (except for personal items) and offered at $480,000.