For nearly seven years, Cristina Borbolla of Prudential Realty and David Leonard of Hacienda Mosaico have worked to provide the "children of the dump" with a weekly meal and other basic needs. They have also built a proper shelter to replace the original meeting spot. A group of local restaurateurs contribute, including Pipi's, El Set and Andale, and when contributions allow groceries are also provided. To celebrate the holidays, Prudential Realty and other major contributors, including the Playa del Sol Group, raised $8,600 USD to purchase gifts for the children of the dump. In addition to school supplies and other basic needs, toys and other fun gifts were included, especially for the children who wrote letters to request specific items. More than 250 children benefited from the fund drive.
Coldwell Banker and other contributors raised money to provide gifts for thousands of children from Cabo Corrientes to San Sebastián del Oeste. In this massive drive, 8,000 gifts were purchased, including over 2,000 footballs, basketballs and volleyballs. Volunteers spent a day in the hot sun at the Marriott CasaMagna with compressors to prepare for the big day. With over 200 volunteers, SUVs and other hardy vehicles went in all directions on January 6, the Day of the Kings. Coordinated by Kelly Trainor, US consular agent, Lita Aguirre of the Marriott and Jerry Lafferty, president of the Navy League, routes were handled by the International Friendship Club, the Marriott CasaMagna, the US Consular Agency, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Vallarta Online and the Navy League.
Local realtor Sherri Narro of Puerto Vallarta Dream Homes received an early morning call from the secretary to Barbara Walters, host of "The View" an ABC daytime show with a 10-million-plus audience. Sherri reacted quickly, as a very short window opened up on the show due to a cancellation. Contacting video photographer Laura Gelezunas of Video Diva Productions, the two spent several days filming some of the loveliest homes in the bay area. At press time, after rushing the cassettes to New York by courier, Sherri was waiting for the January 17 release date. Did you catch it?
Fast-growing La Cruz de Huanacaxtle witnessed a caravan of realtors at the recent open houses sponsored by Prudential Realty and Applegate Realtors. First house on the route, or the last depending on where you're coming from, was the impressive Villa Ocarina, one of the few beachfront properties in this market, selling for $1,850,000 USD by Antonia Lavendar and Alexander Urrutia of Prudential. Architect Alberto Álvarez Valdivia created an amazingly personal statement in this six-bedroom, eight-bath multi-level villa with its own private path to Playa Huanacaxtle. Designed for rental possibilities, special attention to details such as floor treatments, lighting, natural woods and the Infinity pool gives this home a magic aura.
Casa Albatros, located on Pelícanos Beach in Las Gaviotas, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, is the live-in project of architect Karina Gómez and her two children. The open feeling of the downstairs level and the mezzanine bedrooms above allow for family living in close but separate quarters. The next two levels are still under construction, but the view from the master bedroom will be of the sailboat marina and the entire bay beyond. Christine Chin of Prudential represents the 350 sq. meter property, priced at $860,000 USD.
Right up the road on Tiburón in La Cruz is Casa Perla, represented by Tere Kimball, who actually received an offer the evening of the open house. It's no wonder, with the $759,000 USD price on this spectacular turnkey Mediterranean-style four-bedroom home right on the beach. Details such as lush plants, custom Parota cabinetry, boveda ceilings and an automated water system make this a natural for a family, as well as for entertaining.
Two homes in Punta Pelícanos were open. The first, #18, represented by Tere Kimball of Prudential Realty, is a five-bedroom, five-bath home on the sweeping green lawns of the residence compound, with terraces overlooking the beach to the front and common areas to the side. The turnkey is fully furnished in cheerful colors with a modern beach house design, featuring a pleasant reading room as well. Priced at $775,000 USD.
Right across the canal is #1, represented by Miguel Morris of Applegate Realtors. At $785,000 USD, it is one of the original homes designed by one of the owners of Punta Pelícanos. The five-bedroom, five-bath contemporary home creates a very open feeling with extra-high ceilings, as well as a mezzanine, giving the main living area two-floors in height. The front boasts original trees that frame the amazing view of the sailboat marina and the bay beyond.
In Marina Vallarta, movement continues on a number of projects. With plans to complete the entire complex by late February, Villas Fairway recently hosted an open house. Sales are moving briskly, with the two-bedroom family homes facing the greens of the Marina Golf Course the first to go, says agent Margarita Obregón. Stop by to visit the complex, the community center with swimming pool and central play area is nearly complete. For further information, see www.villasfairway.com
