A rare opportunity to acquire one of Ajijic’s most celebrated landmark properties, magnificently restored and reimagined as an extraordinary private estate. There is simply nothing else like The Moon Estate—a residence where art, architecture, history and gracious living come together in a setting that could never be duplicated.
Originally
Price JUST REDUCED from $3,349,000 USD!
A rare opportunity to acquire one of Ajijic’s most celebrated landmark properties, magnificently restored and reimagined as an extraordinary private estate. There is simply nothing else like The Moon Estate—a residence where art, architecture, history and gracious living come together in a setting that could never be duplicated.
Originally the estate of famed sculptor and artist Billy Moon, the property reflects the imagination and creative spirit of the man whose name it carries. It later became home to the renowned Billy Moon Restaurant, remembered as one of Ajijic’s most distinctive dining destinations. Today, the estate offers a rare chance to become the next steward of a property woven into the artistic and cultural history of the village.
The location is exceptional. Situated just one block from Lake Chapala and close to Ajijic’s restaurants, galleries, shops and vibrant downtown, the estate places the best of village life within easy reach. Yet its position near the quieter outer edge of the downtown area offers an important advantage: convenient proximity without being surrounded by the constant activity and noise of the village center. Here, you can enjoy morning walks by the lake, meet friends for dinner and experience Ajijic’s colorful cultural life, then return to the privacy and tranquility of your own secluded retreat.
Spectacular formal entrance gates create an unforgettable sense of arrival. Beyond them, The Moon Estate unfolds amid lush tropical gardens, mature vegetation, graceful fountains and a series of private courtyards that invite exploration. The grounds feel wonderfully removed from the outside world, with intimate pathways, shaded sitting areas and unexpected architectural details revealing themselves throughout the property.
The estate encompasses a gracious main residence and two grand private villas, offering a total of eight beautifully appointed bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms. This remarkable arrangement provides both connection and independence, allowing family members and guests to gather comfortably while maintaining their own private accommodations. It is ideally suited for multigenerational living, extended visits, an artist’s retreat or an owner who simply wants the luxury of abundant space.
Three secluded interior courtyards bring light, greenery and fresh air into the heart of the estate, while two inviting swimming pools offer separate settings for relaxation and entertaining. Expansive living areas are balanced by intimate garden rooms and peaceful corners, creating an atmosphere that is impressive without feeling impersonal. The estate can accommodate a grand celebration just as naturally as a quiet afternoon with a book beside the fountain.
The former restaurant and gallery—once home to the celebrated Billy Moon Restaurant—is among the property’s most extraordinary spaces. Rich in character and history, it offers exciting possibilities as an art gallery, private dining room, creative studio or dramatic setting for elegant gatherings and special events. Few private properties offer such a distinctive venue within their own walls, particularly one with an established place in Ajijic’s collective memory.
From the upper terrace, sweeping views extend across Lake Chapala toward the Sierra Madre Mountains. The panorama provides a magnificent backdrop for sunset cocktails, candlelit dinners or quiet mornings watching the light change over the lake and surrounding hills.
The architectural importance of The Moon Estate has been recognized in Behind the Walls by Alison Pickering. The property is featured across ten pages in the acclaimed photographic book celebrating Ajijic’s remarkable homes, hidden courtyards and architectural heritage—an exceptional distinction that underscores the estate’s significance.
This is not a conventional luxury home, nor is it a property that could be reproduced through new construction. Its scale, provenance, artistry, gardens and collection of interconnected living and entertaining spaces have evolved over time, giving it a depth and soul that cannot be manufactured.
Rich in history, beauty and possibility, The Moon Estate is more than a residence. It is an irreplaceable piece of Ajijic’s cultural landscape—ideally suited as an exceptional private compound, multigenerational retreat, creative sanctuary or distinctive hospitality and special-event venue. For the discerning buyer searching for privacy, character, convenience and genuine architectural individuality, The Moon Estate represents an opportunity unlike any other in the Lake Chapala area.