Elizabeth Taylor And Richard Burton's--- Puerto Vallarta

 By Sharon Stajda,

"After all married people fight." But you could see they loved each other, it was in their eyes".

Theirs was a romance that will long be remembered... I am referring to Liz and Dick, as their fans, and admirers would refer to them. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had a long, and somewhat torrid romance, which ended in divorce, not once but twice.

The minute I found out from a taxi driver that Casa Kimberley was open for tours, I knew I had to climb the hill behind the church, and have a look.

I could feel their presence the moment I walked into the beautiful villa. It is located up the hill, In a section of town called" Gringo Gulch." The home has the most breath taking views of the Bay of Banderas, and the city of Puerto Vallarta.

Casa Kimberley was bought by Richard as a gift to Elizabeth, upon their marriage. The couple had fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta when Richard Burton, accompanied by Elizabeth Taylor, came to shoot a film, "The Night Of The Iguana." Casa Kimberley was actually one of the first homes they shared as a married couple. They lived in Puerto Vallarta for many years.

Now, I am sure some of the tale's that today still circulate of the tempestuous arguments, and Richard being band across the pink bridge, to the pool house have some truth...

But the lovely woman I interviewed in the sun lit kitchen, gave a softer picture of the Burton's life in Puerto Vallarta.

Yes, there are many long lived tale's of the goings on at the Casa Kimberly. I got a somewhat different story from the daughter of the Burton's house keepers. She had grown up at Casa Kimberly, with her mother being the Burton's housekeeper, for the entire time the Burton's lived in Vallarta. After her mothers death, she took the position of watching over the Casa Kimberley, in Ms. Taylor's absence.

She hoped to remain anonymous, and I will respect her request. I felt all she said rang true...

She talked of Liz and Dick bringing a young local boy into their home, who's mother had died tragically. Later to adopt the child as their own...She also spoke of the Burton's founding an orphanage in Puerto Vallarta, "The Elizabeth Taylor Orphanage." She claimed Liz would walk into town with her mother, with a small donkey, to shop for food.

I asked bout the fight's, one hears about? " They were very much in love, married people fight." "You could always see they loved each other, just how they looked at one another."

I asked, did either ever come back after the divorce? She claimed Liz had a couple visits, the last being after Richard's death. "She could not even spend the night. The memories were to painful".

Richard Burton died in 1984. Casa Kimberley was sold by Elizabeth in 1990. Rumor has it that the money from the sale was donated to Aids research.

It is very clear that the people of Puerto Vallarta have great admiration for the Burton's. I have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for many years now, since that interview with the housekeepers daughter. I make it a point to visit Casa Kimberley each time I come to town.

It is know a Bed And Breakfast, but still has daily tours. There is a wonderful gentleman that now guides visitors through the casa. He supplies his guests with wonderful memories of the Burton's time in Puerto Vallarta.

When touring Casa Kimberly, don't be surprised to hear echoes from long past times. A hearty Welch laugh, a soft sigh... After all- this was the home of star crossed lovers, Liz and Dick...