a living sanctuary in San Miguel de Allende
Imagine a place where nature, animals, and people exist in perfect harmony.
That’s our vision for Rancho Las Libélulas—a self-sustaining permaculture ranch built on principles of land stewardship, sustainability, and genuine human connection.
Why is the Ranch named in honor of La Libelula (The Dragonfly)? Dragonflies are actually excellent indicators of healthy permaculture systems. The presence of dragonflies would indicate that your permaculture practices are working—your water systems are clean, your native plantings are thriving, and your ecosystem is balanced.
This isn’t just another development. We’re creating a pueblacita—a small village—that will serve as an anchor for our community. A place where the local community is engaged and where the Ranch becomes a working test model to develop a new style of family farming that inspires all both physically and emotionally, is environmentally and financially sound standing strong for generations to come.
seeds of change
Welcome to Rancho Las Libélulas, our friendly permaculture farm where we will explore exciting ways to make farming more sustainable! We’re on a mission to test and develop high-profit organic crops that provide our wonderful local farmer neighbors with fresh alternatives to traditional corn and beans. Our aim is to share this valuable knowledge with everyone in the community, giving them practical options to try on their own fields. By supporting our farmers in discovering more profitable crops, we hope to keep farming alive and thriving for families in our region—protecting this cherished way of life and fostering sustainable businesses for generations to come.
At Rancho Las Libélulas, we blend innovation with tradition to nurture a vibrant agricultural future for all of us!
build thoughtfully ..... build well
We’re developing a comprehensive master plan that can be brought to life in carefully planned phases over several years.
This isn’t about rushing to completion—it’s about doing things right.
The ranch is more than gardens and buildings. We’re creating a sanctuary where people become part of nature’s story. By growing plants and raising animals together, we’re building a place rooted in human caring and goodness.
Our master plan considers every element of the property, from water systems to walking paths. While comprehensive, it’s designed to be flexible, allowing us to execute each phase effectively while remaining economically viable. After each phase, we’ll revisit the plan to ensure it still reflects our values and vision. This is a living plan for a living place.
Old world charm ..... modern sustainability
Picture an old-world Mexican hacienda from years past—that’s the heart of our design. But this isn’t a museum piece. Rancho Las Libélulas is a dynamic, working ranch that’s vibrant and nurturing for everyone who lives and works here.
What you’ll find here:
Traditional single-story buildings crafted from adobe and stucco, topped with classic red tile roofs. Large, covered verandahs open onto courtyards centered around cooling water fountains. Every residential building and gathering space has been positioned to overlook our rainwater catchment lakes and ponds.
Throughout the property, you’ll discover pocket gardens—quiet spaces where you can sit under a tree with a book, have a conversation, or simply be present with nature. Working gardens and fruit orchards aren’t hidden away; they’re woven among the residential structures so you can watch nature grow every single day.
Simple winding pathways connect gardens, lakes, and buildings, all planted with native flowers and plants. We’ve intentionally limited vehicle roadways, encouraging people to slow down, leave their cars, and walk the land. The animal pastures, compost area, solar farm, and working barn are thoughtfully grouped together to minimize their visual and environmental impact.
Where permaculture comes to life
Our landscape design fully embraces permaculture and sustainability, creating a place where humans celebrate the dynamics of natural life rather than dominating it.
Water is central to everything we do. Our catchment lakes and ponds are designed to capture and store significant rainwater. There are two year-round ponds lined with rubber and covered with stone to retain water as long as possible through the dry season. In addition, there are several “dry” ponds that collect rainwater during the rainy season and allow that water to filter down into the earth to rebuild the subterranean aquafer.
While native plants and trees form the foundation of our landscape, we’re introducing food-producing species including mango, avocado, peach, olive, oak, and mulberry trees. Raised beds will yield artichokes, tomatoes, lettuces, berries, and various herbs.
Our greenhouse sits close to the main vegetable gardens, designed for year-round use. Pathways are simple rock pebbles; roadways are cobblestone.
Animals are integrated throughout. Chickens roam for natural pest control (which means a portable coop), while sheep and pigs have alternating grazing areas with covered shelters. The composting area is conveniently located near the animal pastures for efficiency.
Beehives are part of our ecosystem, so our non-vegetable plantings are specifically chosen to attract and nourish pollinators.
The design - Tradition with a twist
Our buildings honor traditional Mexican country hacienda style while incorporating modern sustainable technology.
Classic features include:
- Large verandahs surrounding interior courtyards with water fountains
- Spacious outdoor patios with cooking areas and pools
- Adobe walls covered in stucco with tile roofs
- Saltillo tile floors and exposed rough-hewn ceiling beams
- Multiple windows for natural ventilation and lighting
- Vegetable raised bed gardens right next to each residence
Modern sustainability:
- Buildings positioned for optimal solar exposure or shading
- High-efficiency lighting and appliances
- Solar power with utility backup and battery storage for homes
- High-efficiency satellite internet
- Underground utilities
- Roof catchment water system with cisterns to provide rain water for landscape, toilets, and general washing. Truck delivery for culinary water, with UVC and filtration treatment to provide completely safe drinking and cooking water.
- Grey water systems that recycle household water for agriculture
- Environmentally responsible septic systems
from visions to reality
Our development includes several key components
Residential Living
- A main hacienda with three casitas and an outdoor pool area
- Four standalone home sites for sale to selected third parties that embrace our vision.
- All situated amongst working gardens and the year-round lakes.
Community Spaces
- A central open-air pavilion for yoga and classes
- A covered outdoor kitchen for community gatherings with a large outdoor deck overlooking the ponds.
Working Ranch Facilities
- Covered stables for sheep and pigs
- Portable chicken coops
- Fenced pasture areas
- A greenhouse for year-round growing
- Storage for seeds, dried flowers, and supplies
- A barn for equipment and tools
- A solar farm
Water and Land Systems
- Comprehensive rainwater capture with lakes, ponds, and cisterns
- Drip irrigation networks for water efficiency
- Protection of existing old-growth trees and plants
- Detailed native and food-producing plantings
- Two entrance gates with perimeter fencing enhanced by existing cactus plants
let's create something special
Rancho Las Libélulas is more than a place to live—it’s a lifestyle community where you can reconnect with the Earth by living in harmony with nature’s harvest. It’s an evolving place that celebrates the natural world while building a financially sound, emotionally inspiring legacy.
This is our vision. This is our commitment.
This is Rancho Las Libélulas.
Located in Marroquin de Abajo – fifteen minutes from the center of San Miguel de Allende
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Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Your Guide to San Miguel
Food Scene
Shopping? Sure!
Discover the City!
Wellness & Outdoor Adventure
San Miguel is such a charming place—where taking good care of yourself is just part of the daily routine. It’s a lovely spot that reminds you how wonderful it feels to really embrace life.
The Nuts & Bolts
Discover the fun and fascinating aspects of Mexican culture! We'll help you navigate transportation, healthcare, and even picking up some Spanish along the way.
Moving Here?
Our Journey
We were excited to be around warm, fun-loving folks, in a place that cherishes its history and shows off its lively culture. In San Miguel de Allende, we discovered just that—and even more!
Perfect Weather!