Walking up the drive of St. Paul’s Church sets the scene for a rare treat – the Rectory has been the home of The Reverend Canon George Woodward III for over 5 years

It is filled with truly ancient family antiques, a myriad of fabulous rugs from Turkey, Persia (Iran) and Afghanistan, as well as many art pieces by local artists.

Walk alongside the parish hall into the rear garden and then continue to your right to the gate on the far side.

The first terrace you see has an outdoor kitchen with a grill for outdoor dining. The circular brick patterns of the terrace hide several cisterns which collect rain from the roof, which is then filtered to provide drinking and cooking water for the home.

Entering into the dining room, you begin to see the colorful rugs, decorative platters and tiles from Canon Woodward’s years serving the church in Turkey.

Family heirlooms fill the living room. There is a tri-corner cupboard built in 1858 for his great great grandfather at a cost of “18 bushels of wheat.”

Beside the fireplace is a framed tabernacle door that dates from the 13th century. Draped over the sofa backs are camel bags used in the Far Eastern countries years ago for transport on camel back.

The rugs in this room and the adjacent 3 story entry hall are varieties of Hereke, Afghan Bukara, Caucasian, Yagebedir and Persian rugs. Some are made with wool & silk , while others are fabricated from cotton & silk.

The guest bedroom on the main floor is welcoming and cozy. There is a signed Dali on one wall and a six piece collection of outdoor scenes on another.

The stairs to the upper landing have a pastel drawing by local artist, Rob Vince. At the top, you will be greeted by a colorful statuette by Tolar Cranston. A depicted train was painted by Ranieri. The second bedroom has a Hereke rug anchoring the beds.

The master bedroom has an impressive Persian rug on the floor and a large Ranieri cityscape painting.

For one’s quiet morning cup of coffee or tea, there is an outdoor terrace where one may enjoy the morning sun opening off the bedroom. 

Climbing to the third and highest level, you’ll see another large Ranieri cityscape with a silhouette of Eva Peron.

The colorfully patterned rug hanging in the stairwell is a rare “Sine” flat-weave Persian.

Gaining the upper terrace, you look out to the Centro section of town with views of Guadiana on the other side.

“ It is behind the walls you see how we live”

This now-pristine house was a wreck only last year. The owners have gutted it and along with interior designer Kathy Leutzinger have turned it into a jewel box.

Every detail has been thoroughly executed. The work of a local decorative artist is featured; visitors will know they are in for a special treat when they see the front exterior foyer painted with pinecones and fronds!

The light-filled living room has Doric columns and arched iron doors facing a patio and fountain. Draperies and formal side-chairs are of a silk ecot weave. The feeling is both comfortable and elegant.

Niches with beautiful artifacts surround the fireplace. The cozy dining room has hand-painted walls and a bóveda (domed brick) ceiling.

A beautiful collection of pottery is displayed in the back-lit kitchen cupboard. The cook’s kitchen is white, bright and fresh.

Back to the talented painter, who contributed a gold-stenciled accent wall in the master. The master shower has full slabs of “fletched” granite positioned in the shape of a heart.

Look at the guest room chest with hand carved saints and angels! The chest was brought in through the patio window by crane!

There is a 360 degree view from the rooftop. Enjoy!

“ It is behind the walls you see how we live”