Today I’d like to share the story of my house in Mexico, an unexpected project that has, in the best way, become a full-time side project.
A few years ago, with two close friends, we bought a piece of land on the coast of Oaxaca, and well…. we had no idea how long, or how hard, the journey would be, but six years later, just a few months ago, Monte Lalala finally came to life.
This house is more than a house; it’s a place to gather and to connect our worlds stretched between continents. For me, Monte Lalala is actually not only a safe haven but also a place that ties together all the threads of my life: craftsmanship, heritage, heirloom cotton, and my love for Mexico. Even though we live in Marseille now, we are a family on the move (even more so over the next ten months). I want my children to know this is our home away from home, a place that will always be waiting for them.
We wanted to create a home that respects its surroundings, using natural materials and working with the environment instead of against it. The house is completely off the grid: rainwater is collected and stored, solar panels on the roof generate electricity, and the architecture itself was designed around natural air flows, allowing the ocean breeze to cool the spaces.
Monte Lalala is made of three concrete structures inspired by Mexican brutalist architecture, anchored by an open-air palapa. Minimalist yet warm, its design is about balance ; clean lines, natural textures, and open spaces that invite both togetherness and contemplation. It’s a design-forward house, but one that lives in harmony with its setting.
Building this home was never easy; even settling on the perfect color for the walls took us six months of searching. More than once we thought of giving up. But the project, born from friendship, carried us through. Whenever one of us felt about ready to give up, a simple visit to the land was enough to bring everything back into focus. I believe it’s the power of Punta Cometa, the sacred rock we overlook from the house. I feel a deep connection to it, no matter how hippy that may sound… Ceremonies are still held there (at sunrise), and the horizon lights up with the most extraordinary colors (at sunset). In the end, every detail of this place is a reminder of perseverance. Believe me, this is a true work of love and patience, qualities you especially need in a country where everything happens ahorita (iykyk).
We recommend the house for children over six, though when I visited with my two kids (then three and six) they absolutely loved it. The surroundings offer endless possibilities: a laguna where crocodiles hide among the mangroves, baby turtles waiting to be released into the ocean, vibrant markets, and Oaxaca City just three hours away. You can try a traditional temazcal ceremony to purify body and soul, or simply let the days unfold by the pool.
If you’d like to experience Monte Lalala, you can find it on Airbnb, or reach out to me directly (by answering this post) so we both skip the fees. I also love helping guests create their best possible stay, from organizing meals with local restaurants to curating local adventures.
I’m putting the final touches on a detailed 5-day itinerary for the Coast of Oaxaca, which will be part of the September issue next week. And if you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, feel free to schedule a call with me. I really love helping families and friends craft itineraries that make the most of their time together.
Hasta pronto and thank you for reading,
—Maud
I’m Maud Lerayer, a textile designer, textile collector, and traveler. After years living between Mexico, New York, and now Marseille, I share stories that weave together culture, design, craftsmanship, and travel through my textile brand Behind the Hill and my newsletter Off the Beaten Path.
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