Our Story…
Dear visitors,
Welcome to the story of Casa de los Sueños. It began with three Colombian siblings: Mercedes, Marta, and Horacio. Mercedes stayed in Colombia, married, raised a family, and purchased this beautiful property in 1987. Marta and Horacio moved to the United States for their studies, where they also married and raised families, but remained connected to Colombia. Now retired, they frequently visit, maintaining their bond with the land and family. Without Marta and Horacio, this project wouldn't exist - they were instrumental in realizing the dream that is Casa de los Sueños.
This is where I come in. My name is Liliana, and I’m Marta’s daughter. I was born in Washington D.C. and raised in northern Virginia, but my Colombian roots have always run deep. I spent many childhood summers in Colombia, visiting family, savoring delicious meals, and enduring writing and grammar lessons that, in hindsight, I’m thankful for. Those summers, though, were more than just visits—they were a way for me to unconsciously connect to the land and culture of my ancestors.
Over the past six years, my work has frequently brought me to Colombia, where I’ve led pro bono teams supporting nonprofits in Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali, and Medellín. No matter where my work takes me, the strongest pull is always to visit my maternal family in Cartago. You know that comforting feeling of “ahhh I’m home” after a long trip? That’s the exact feeling I get every time I land at El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, followed by the short flight to Matecaña Pereira Airport. That “I’m home” feeling is never stronger than when I’m back at this farm, where my childhood memories are rooted.
I remember road trips through the lush Quindío region, staying at this farm, and riding horses with my sisters and cousins. This farm has been a constant in my family’s story since I was four, a place where four generations have gathered and made countless memories. I can still picture my grandmother watching the birds and admiring the flowers.
For me, Casa de los Sueños is more than just land; it’s an opportunity to preserve and continue my family’s legacy in Colombia, where my ancestors have lived for over 500 years. It’s a chance to create something lasting for my daughters, deepening their connection to this beautiful country and their heritage.
Through this project, we aim to offer an unforgettable vacation experience, inviting Colombians and visitors worldwide to share in the magic of this land. We are committed to investing in the local community, supporting our family and the local economy by growing plantains and cacao. A percentage of our profits will fund the local elementary school and assist its students (read more on our ‘Philanthropy’ page).
Our motto, "dream until you reach the sky," reminds us that by dreaming big, we can achieve great heights. We hope you’ll visit Casa de los Sueños, be inspired to dream, and create your own family memories in these magical hills.
Con amor por esta tierrita,
Liliana
Who We Are…
Liliana works and lives in Washington D.C. with her family and is the primary owner. She drove the development and design of the project.
Horacio is retired and lives in Virginia and an investor. He is Marta’s brother and Liliana’s Uncle.
Marta is retired and lives in Washington D.C. with her family and is an investor. She is Liliana’s mother.
Juan David is the Property Manager and Owner of the plantains and cacao grown on the farm, which are exported abroad. He is…you guessed it… also family.
The Casa
Liliana & Juan David,1987
(The little ones)
No one knows the exact age of the original house, but it is estimated to be around 80 years old. Liliana's father, born in Bogota in 1938, remembers the house from the late 1950s when he was stationed with the Colombian army in the area, although it was smaller before the 2024 renovations.
The house was constructed incrementally, using the hill to guide the floor levels for the downstairs rooms, which were about two feet higher before renovations. To gain ceiling height and level the first floor, the downstairs common areas were lowered. Upstairs, structurally unsound walls, bathrooms, the wrap-around balcony, and the bat-infested roof were demolished.
Before starting the project, Liliana envisioned the completed house and worked with a local engineer to create plans and a video render. Seeing her vision come to life has been an incredible experience.
The project has been a labor of love, involving countless hours of searching for inspiration, tiles, light fixtures, furniture, and more. Every feature and decoration was chosen to connect the house to its surroundings, honor its age, and provide a luxurious feel for future generations.
We hope you enjoy everything about it!
The Farm
Behind the name of Casa de los Sueños was established to help others, especially family. Juan David, a relative with 17 years of agricultural experience, was given the opportunity to manage this property. After soil analysis, it was determined that plantains and cacao would thrive here.
In February 2024, Juan David ordered 2,000 plantain trees, which were planted in April and will start producing in March 2025. The plantains will be harvested and processed into patacones and then exported by one of Juan David’s childhood friends, and owner, of AgriCol del Pacifico to the United States.
The earliest known cacao plantation in Colombia, was established in 1622. Today, Colombia is the 10th largest producer of cocao in the world, exporting the product to more than 70 countries and has won many awards. In August, Juan David ordered 1,000 of the award-winning trees, which arrived in early 2025 for planting. The trees will take three years to produce its first harvest, which he hopes to sell locally or for export.
Juan David aims to grow his agricultural business while maintaining a vision of helping others by creating jobs and providing training in farming.
Juan David with his initial 2,000 plantain trees and 1,000 cacao trees. Over the next few years, the plan is to continue planting on the hillsides behind the house.