Fearless Women, Champions Of Change: Barbara Edell Poole

By Carolina de la Cajiga

A holiday disaster, a dare, and a woman with vision…

In the sun-drenched heart of San Miguel de Allende, Barbara Edell Poole—known as Barbe or her playful alias, Madam Turca—found her calling in an unexpected place: a famous former bordello, first known as Casa de La Turca.

Her story is a charming testament to serendipity, resilience, and saying ‘yes’ to adventure.

Barbe recounts, “It began in 1994, with a family holiday and a plumbing disaster that went comically awry, leading to a challenge from Mom: $1,000 to any child who could learn Spanish! For me, a California native, it was a tantalizing dare. A painting buddy suggested San Miguel, praising its art, Spanish classes, and charm.” Unknown to Barbe at the time, her brush with this Mexican town to master Spanish on a shoestring budget became the stepping stone to the place that would become home.

In the mid-90s, San Miguel was a quieter, sleepier place. Local ladies wore traditional aprons, cowboys tied horses at cantinas, and a handful of taxis and burros navigated the narrow, cobblestoned streets.

“I returned to California, but México's pull remained. Years later, a chance encounter led an acquaintance to hand me keys to her ‘se vende’ home in San Miguel. It was an act of fate that led to finding my piece of San Miguel de Allende history, renamed it Casa de la Noche—my guesthouse and art gallery, nestled within the storied walls of the old bordello.”

Today, Barbe's life is a blend of art and hospitality. Mornings begin with greeting guests over breakfast. “I’m the host who notices an empty coffee cup and a story waiting to be heard, often playing concierge, problem-solver, and confidante before noon,” says Barbe with a wink. Between managing her inn and handling business, Barbe carves out time for duplicate bridge, a passion she learned in San Miguel. Evenings wind down with wine, reflecting on the day's small dramas and connections.

Her journey hasn't been without tests. “Adapting to life in México as a single woman in ‘business’ brought culture shock and a steep learning curve. Yet, I meet challenges with curiosity and grit. Unexpectedly, with Barbe’s interest in the arts, Casa de la Noche has morphed into a vibrant community retreat for creatives—hosting painters, poets, writers, yoga, and music, which is why it earns such profound local support.”

Her purpose has deepened over the years, inspired by the history of the women who once worked there. Barbe now honors their memory by supporting educational opportunities for girls. When faced with choices, she uses this mission to hang in there with a simple mantra: "I can do it!" She laughs, "And sometimes, I admit, I’m just making it up as I go."

What makes Barbe unique is her ability to find delight in the everyday. The original plan—to learn Spanish and paint—blossomed into a life rich with purpose and connection. “I discovered that joy is not in a checklist of accomplishments, but in the relationships I’ve forged along the way.” Winking, Barbe says, “At 80, I still feel the same passion for renovations, art, and social causes that I had at 20. Casa de La Noche has been my happy vehicle to make a difference in town. While being the final decision-maker is a demanding role, the rewards have been immeasurable.”

“My dream now is to find a collaborator allowing me to balance my projects with escapades beyond San Miguel. Until that right one appears, I remain deeply grateful for the energy to keep building, serving, and contributing to the magic of this town.”

With a playful grin, Barbe quips, "I never did make an exit plan!" With that wonderfully open spirit, Madame Turca remains a beloved fixture, a living testament to the magic of embracing the unexpected.