World > Latin America

Estancia Villa María

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<p>Sitting on 3,700 acres, the imposing eight-bedroom guesthouse of Villa Maria is a design anomaly for the pampas: English Tudor, inside and out. But guests are welcomed with an authentic asado before they begin exploring the sprawling grounds, on horseback or on foot. Later, a gaucho equestrian demonstration is followed by a dance performance of tangos and milongas in the large dining room. In warm weather, the outdoor pool and tennis courts are also options. Playing on the English influence seen in the public rooms, the bedrooms (eight in the main guesthouse and two in a second building) are filled with 19th-century antiques. The Villa María stands out among the other estancias near Buenos Aires for its polished, gracious, and warm staff, who attend to any empty wineglass quickly. <strong> Getting There</strong> The estancia is 35 miles southwest of Buenos Aires; a private car service can be arranged for $160, round-trip.</p>