About Casa Raab
A Family Home in Oaxaca
In the mid-1960s, Bob and Betty Raab left the United States in search of adventure and found it in San Pablo Etla. They fell in love with a beautiful piece of land in the foothills of the mountains and began building what would become Casa Raab, starting with the Casa Grande and adding to the property slowly over the years. What began as an adventurous new chapter became the family’s home and a lasting connection to Oaxaca, its people, culture, and traditions.
A House with a History
Built in a refined Zapotec style, the Casa Grande is a beautiful example of traditional Oaxacan architecture, with adobe walls, hand-hewn beams, brick and tile floors, locally made tile, and high ceilings beneath traditional carrizo. When Tony and Rebecca Raab took over at the turn of the millennium, they lovingly restored the home and filled it with regional folk art, textiles, Talavera, and furniture, and cultivated the gardens to become an extension of the house itself. For more than 25 years, Tony and Rebecca have welcomed guests to Casa Raab as a bed and breakfast, sharing not simply a place to stay, but a home that has been lived in, cared for, and shaped by the landscapes and communities around it.
Mezcal, Music & Four-Legged Residents
Today, a new generation of Raabs — Zack Walker (Tony and Rebecca's nephew) and his wife, Alie Walker as well as Nicole Walker (Tony and Rebecca's niece) and her husband Tom Gordon — partner with Rebecca to ensure Casa Raab continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The property grows several varieties of agave and has produced small-batch artisanal mezcal for decades, and music, good food, friends, and the occasional Bodega Boys gathering remain part of life here. It is also home to an animal rescue, with four-legged friends becoming an unmistakable part of the Casa Raab experience. In many ways, that is what makes Casa Raab special: it is not simply a vacation rental or a hotel, but a living family home with a long history, an ongoing creative spirit, and plenty of life happening around it.
"Casa Raab was the perfect spot for our family to relax and to enjoy nature. The hosts, Rebecca and Anthony, are fabulous people who were welcoming, fun to be around, and extremely helpful.
Our 5-year-old daughter has already requested that we visit again for her next birthday. She especially loved playing with the puppies at the on-site animal rescue while my husband and I enjoyed the tour and tasting at Casa Raab’s own palenque
Each day, we joined in on a morning walk around the 40 acre property - the views were breathtaking. And the pool and fireplaces provide the perfect ambiance - no matter the season or weather. Absolutely recommend booking at Casa Raab!"
Margot R.
Stayed in La Casita • July 2020
"Casa Raab is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever been in. The house (and indeed, the whole operation down there) is so much more than a vacation rental. The true charm of the property has to be seen to be believed… despite the many photos and the very thorough and accurate description on their listing.
The house was built by Anthony’s family 50 years ago and represents a deep and ongoing labor of love: of nature, the local community and culture. From the many beautiful architectural details to the amazing collection of art – each room was more enchanting than the last – I would be hard pressed to say which part of the property I enjoyed best. Perhaps it was the opportunity to stroll amongst the agave in hills surrounding the house at sunset. Or maybe it was sipping some of Casa Raab’s phenomenal mescal by the fire in the great room at night. Then again, breakfast around that magnificent table with friends was pretty great, too.
Anthony and Rebecca treated us daily to some extraordinary act of generosity and/or consideration, which left us all feeling we had not just rented a house, but had been lucky enough to stay with some really fabulous friends. We were there over the early part of Christmas and each day brought some new seasonal display of art and light or candles. It was truly magical.
The house is immaculately kept by a group of ladies who also can make you breakfast and some killer dinners: mole, rellenos, etc. I highly recommend taking advantage of this. It should be noted that in addition to their involvement and support of many aspects of the local community and wildlife habitat, Casa Raab provides employment for a great number of people. I will personally add my vote for hiring Lupe for all driving you might ever require down there. He is one of the smartest, nicest and most fun people I have ever known, definitely was the sixth member of our party! Next time we won’t bother renting a car, but just call him.
My only regret is that we did not stay longer. Thank you Rebecca and Tony, we cannot wait to come back."
Cassy
Stayed in Casa Grande • December 2015
Kind Words from Guests
"A wonderful experience, a return trip to Casa Raab did not disappoint! The lovely forty acre "oasis" above San Pablo Etla with stunning views and lush plantings.
Tony and Rebecca are wonderful hosts and can provide great drivers for trips into the capital or to the surrounding craft villages.
The daily breakfast is delicious and substantial, and any food preferences are easily accommodated. Each room is decorated with a theme with a vast collection of Oaxacan art and the overall establishment is lovely.
Had fun "hanging " with the puppies from Rebecca's rescue and hiking the trails- another return trip is a must!"
Diane D.
Stayed in the Grande Suite • June 2022
"Spent a week at Casa Raab and it was one of the most beautiful, enjoyable vacations of my life.
We stayed in the main house and the rooms were incredibly comfortable, the food was amazing, and the opportunity to play with all the rescue dogs was an experience I will never forgot. The property is absolutely beautiful and the walking trails so fun to go on with the pack.
I highly recommend this for families, as well as all ages. We travelled with a 25, 35, 41, and 72 year old and all have the most amazing time.
Tony and Rebecca are incredible hosts, kind, funny, and open their home to you. Plan to go back as soon as possible!!!"
Caitlin F.
Stayed in Casa Grande • July 2022