CASA SAN SEBASTIAN CUENCA LOFT: One-of-a-Kind Turnkey Designer Loft Combines Elegance, Sophistication and History

There are homes that capture attention, and there are those that capture the imagination. This one-of-a-kind, 2-bedroom, turnkey designer loft, set within a meticulously restored 120-year-old colonial building on Cuenca’s most renowned avenue – Simon Bolivar -- is a living masterpiece where the past and present exist in perfect harmony.

Located in the heart of El Centro, steps from Parque San Sebastián – a charming area filled with restaurants, outdoor cafes, tiendas, and speciality stores -- and just a short stroll to Parque Calderón, this home offers a privileged opportunity to own a piece of Cuenca’s cultural legacy while indulging in the sophistication of contemporary loft living.

From the moment you enter this exceptional 1,948 sq. ft. (181 sq. meter) loft, you are greeted by soaring 20+ foot ceilings adorned with original wooden beams, creating an expansive and dramatic living space. The historic, century-old hardwood floors add warmth and character, perfectly complemented by sleek, contemporary furnishings. A striking floating staircase leads to the spacious second-floor primary suite, complete with a desk and room for a comfy seating area.

The open-concept living and dining rooms exude sophistication, featuring Italian leather seating, a glass coffee table, a handcrafted wooden dining table and chairs for eight, a stunning dimmable chandelier perfect for intimate gatherings; a beautiful armoire that serves as a bar and place for your glasses, stemware and bar essentials; as well as a hand-made credenza for extra dishes, platters, tablecloths and dining pieces.

A chef’s dream, the spacious kitchen is fully equipped with appliances, including a five-burner gas stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, range hood, and microwave, and an oversized island that invites conversation and culinary creativity, while ensuring the hosts are in the middle of the celebration.

And what a place to entertain. From the comfort of your own 4 Juliette balconies, you’ll have an unrivaled, front-row seat to Cuenca’s legendary Pase del Niño Christmas Eve Parade, an eight-hour spectacle of music, color, and tradition that fills the avenue with joyous revelry … and a party to remember.

The lofted primary suite is an oasis of tranquility, illuminated by a skylight that bathes the space in natural light. A sleek glass and wooden desk overlooks the main floor, while a custom-designed walk-through closet leads to a spa-like ensuite bath, renovated in 2024.

On the first floor, an en-suite guest room offers an equally inviting retreat, complete with a queen-size bed, bespoke furnishings, and a private bath with a skylight over the shower—an architectural touch that fills the space with warmth and light.

A well-appointed social bathroom, also on the first floor, includes a full-size, stackable washer and dryer for extra convenience and ease.

The 4 charming Juliette balconies extend from the living room, and into the guest room and provide the perfect perch for enjoying your morning coffee while watching the lively city come to life. And if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the President’s motorcade or a goat herder walking his goats, selling fresh goat milk on the street below.

Residents also enjoy access to a shared outdoor living room and a rooftop garden, perfect for alfresco dining, sunbathing, or taking in breathtaking sunsets over Cuenca’s iconic red-tiled rooftops and surrounding mountains.

This remarkable home is part of an award-winning restoration by Cuenca’s premier architectural and development firm, ISAM, preserving the integrity of the historic building while incorporating state-of-the-art amenities such as centralized gas, corporate high-speed fiber optic Internet and a secure bodega/storage unit and coat closet inside the apartment ensuring your treaures are safe and sound.

Offered fully furnished, this home includes all furniture, artwork, appliances, window treatments, rugs, bedding, linens, cutlery, and cookware—everything you need to step into a luxurious, hassle-free lifestyle from day one.

Downtown inventory is becoming increasingly hard to find, especially when housed in an original Cuenca colonial home. So, if youu’re looking for a unique, high-end property in a prime El Cento location, this home offers an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of Cuenca’s history while enjoying the ultimate in modern urban living.

The listing price for this one-of-a-kind, 2-bedroom, turnkey designer loft in historic Cuenca is $325,000. The monthly HOA is $235, and includes the Fiber Optic Internet (plus a personal router and Lithium battery), 3-day a week building cleaning and maintenance, an administrator, and insurance on the building. The HOA has only gone up once in 13 years and owners have had just two special assessment costs during that time period thanks to the higher monthly fee.