Close to Valparaiso, on the coast of Chile, lies the magical beach of Isla Negra.⁠ Known for the unique home that the poet Pablo Neruda built by the ocean, Isla Negra had been on my bucket list for years already. In January, I could finally visit this legendary place.

  

 

  

 

 

Pablo Neruda's endless imagination gave this home by the ocean a magic aura, through his playful collections of interesting objects, unique living spaces and unconventional lifestyle.  

Neruda, a known lover of the sea, built the inside of his home to resemble a ship. Think low ceilings, creaking wood floors and narrow hallways.

 

 

 

Isla Negra is home to an intriguing community of writers, artists and artisans.

 

 

 

 

 

When I was descending the rocky road to visit Neruda's home, I started chatting with a Mapuche artisan. He was braiding baskets under a tree, and told me more about this beautiful tradition. ⁠

I couldn’t resist taking some of these handmade treasures home with me.