President's House

An iconic house in Barichara

Welcome to Barichara, a picturesque colonial village with cobbled streets, white facades and tiled roofs. To the north of the town, the Casa del Presidente illustrates the region's history with its architecture preserved since the 18th century, declared a National Monument. Formerly the home of the late president Belisario Betancur, the Casa offers the opportunity to discover Barichara in a uniquely authentic atmosphere. Inside the house, 5 tastefully decorated bedrooms showcase local craftsmanship, featuring wooden furniture and natural fabrics in neutral, soothing colours. In the garden, the swimming pool is surrounded by bougainvillea and succulents, offering a tranquil and intimate setting. The Chef at the Casa del Presidente highlights the region's gastronomic richness while supporting small local producers. In the morning, homemade products brighten up the start of the day, whilst at dinner traditional dishes are enjoyed by the light of a fire. To get in tune with Barichara's serene atmosphere, allow yourself to be tempted by a yoga or meditation session, or even a massage on the terrace beneath the property's fruit trees.

STYLE

An old presidential villa with colonial charm

SITUATION

In the charming village of Barichara, in the Santander region, a 4-hour drive from Bucaramanga airport

CAPACITY

5 bedrooms

HIGHLIGHTS

An oasis of tranquillity with a swimming pool, local cuisine and historic charm, the ideal base for exploring Barichara

THE EXPERIENCES

  • Yoga and massage sessions
  • Guided tour of the colonial town of Barichara
  • Walking and cycling tours
  • Visit to a coffee hacienda or a tobacco plantation
  • River rafting
  • Cooking class with a Chef
  • Visits to craft workshops

THE EXTRAORDINARY

The President's House is considered an emblem of Barichara. The reason? This place was home to the former president Belisario Betancur during his final years. Known for his love of culture and art, the president transformed the villa into a bastion of Barichara's fine arts and crafts, a legacy that continues to this day. Betancur also stood out for his commitment to peace in Colombia, whilst being a prolific writer, poet, journalist and intellectual.

ETHICS

Casa del Presidente is committed to generating a positive impact within local communities. The property thus funds social, educational and cultural projects, notably with the aim of preserving traditional Colombian craftsmanship and improving the quality of life of local residents. Stone carving by the Patiamarillos, natives of Barichara, is particularly suffering from the modernisation of its tools, resulting in an increase in respiratory illnesses among the artisans. Casa del Presidente sponsors workshops dedicated to the health and safety of these workers.