A Spanish-colonial mansion that was pillaged by a pirate in the sixteenth century can be rented in Cartegena, Colombia, for $3,250 per night.
“Maison Centro” is the former dwelling of pirate Francis Drake, who upon his arrival to the port city, overtook the home from Pedro Fernandez del Busto, governor of Cartegena from 1574 to 1586.
The historic residence was also one of the first buildings in Cartegena to be built from stone sometime between 1577 and 1585. It’s listed for short-term rent via Oasis, a virtual booking and concierge service that offers temporary stays internationally.
Situated near some of the city’s most historic sites, such as Bolivar Park, Plaza San Pedro, and St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, the charming home consists of seven spacious bedrooms, each with a minibar; a lounge room; two pools, one on the ground floor and one on the roof; as well as an on-site staff available at all hours.
Recently renovated, the interior, designed by French designer and furniture brand Portico France, blends classic French furnishings and globally-sourced décor with traditional Colombian architecture.
Backed by his armed fleet, Drake assaulted Cartagena's Bocagrande peninsula. When his requests were not met by city officials, he and his army proceeded to burn at least two hundred houses in the city. Drake also schemed to destroy the top of the cathedral but was intercepted by authorities, who paid him 107,000 gold shields to leave.
Vibrant, organic details like multicolored marble in the flooring and bathrooms, an emerald and green color scheme in the ceramic tiles of the pools, and a coral wall in the main courtyard retain the sixteenth century charm of the home.
Images courtesy of Oasis
