This lavish 4.000 square foot upscale Challuabamba home, just 20 minutes from downtown Cuenca, offers four bedrooms and five baths, an inviting living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen with high-end appliances and granite countertops, a breakfast nook, two TV rooms, an office built for two, an opulent master en suite ground floor bedroom, a wonderful bistro sunroom and three terraces. This enchanting property also boasts a separate outdoor kitchen and entertainment area with spectacular mountain and valley views, and a bonus room currently being used as an art studio, but perfect for a mother-in-law's suite, guest room, or office. The home sits on a 1077.9 sq. meter lot.

A winding, hand-crafted wrought-iron staircase, a beautiful water feature, coffered ceilings, engineered hardwood floors, tile flooring and hand installed Eucalyptus floors, a stained glass skylight, and unique architectural details add to the charm of this one-of-a-kind home, surrounded by manicured lawns, flower and plant beds and trees, and spectacular scenery. 

Located in Challuabamba, a burgeoning bedroom community favored by wealthy Ecuadorians and expats looking for quiet, peaceful living near a major city, this unique home is surrounded both by opulent properties and humble farmhouses providing a welcoming mixture of the old and new. 

A small and safe area, Challuabamba is rapidly expanding its amenities with a new Supermaxi (Cuenca's largest grocery chain) opening soon, a variety of restaurants, cafes, and stores, gas stations, home and garden supply outlets, pharmacies, banks, and everything you need for everyday life. As such, Challuabamba is fast becoming a highly desirable living community and neighborhood, just minutes away from the cultural capital and third largest city in Ecuador.

The stone and wooden home, with a red tile roof, is reached behind an artful security gate, and has a large brick driveway and covered carport. A full security system is also installed. An impressive artisanal wooden door leads you into the home's lovely foyer complete with a lighted stone water feature, and a gorgeous spiral staircase. 

On either side of the entryway are a cozy living room, a formal dining room, and a charming gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, wood and glass cabinetry, tons of storage space, and a separate laundry room and pantry area. All  GE profile appliances are included in the purchase price. At the rear of the downstairs is a TV room and lounge area, a large informal eating area and breakfast nook off the kitchen, and an adorable bistro and enclosed sunroom reminiscent of an Italian outdoor cafe. 

Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors welcome you to a patio and hillside backyard with stairs taking you to a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen that includes a soothing fireplace, a barbecue area, plus table and chairs. The current art studio, with an accompanying bathroom, could easily be turned into a workroom, a secondary guest suite,  a maid's quarter, a game room, or extended to make a larger entertainment area. A floatation tank installed on a concrete pad with a changing booth and shower is located next to the house in the backyard and is perfect for relaxation and healing. 

The large en-suite master bedroom is found on the ground floor with a walk-in closet and a shower with a shower seat. An office space with built-in desks and soft-hinge storage and file drawers with an exquisite custom-designed stained glass art piece is also found on the main floor and is big enough for two people with extra guest seating. This room could also be turned into a guest bedroom or work-out room as well. 

Climbing up the stunning wooden and wrought iron custom winding staircase, you are struck by the huge hand-crafted stained glass skylight. On the landing is a second TV room and the 3 guest bedrooms, one of which is en-suite. One of the bedrooms has been turned into a dedicated, spa-like massage room but could be a yoga studio or meditation area. A second bathroom is located on this floor shared by the 2 other bedrooms. 

This luxurious home is listed at $435000 unfurnished.  All kitchen appliances, custom window coverings, draperies, curtains, and high-end light fixtures are included in the purchase price and select furnishings and paintings may be negotiable.  The washer and dryer not included.