There are those for whom life doesn’t get any better, and there are those for whom it doesn’t get any busier. Busier certainly requires an additional level of organization and a handy daybook or PalmPilot.
Open houses have been regular season events so far this year, some of them more heavily attended than others. More popular than ever have been those that allow brokers from several different agencies to feature a region or zone, even as specific as Gringo Gulch or La Cruz. After a car accident put my car into the shop, my range was suddenly limited and I haven’t attended as many as I’d like, but by print time I presume I’ll have my wheels back and I promise to continue to do my best to be there.
Among the open houses I did attend, there were condominiums, million-dollar homes, villas, development properties and apartments covering the area from Gringo Gulch to Conchas Chinas to the South Shore and Nuevo Vallarta to La Cruz to San Pancho. Some of them offered splendid layouts with snacks of every description, while others provided wine and song. Camera in hand, I made my way through crowds and even hit some while the realtor was the only one in attendance.
Beginning from the north, I visited Casa del Cielo in San Pancho, one of those cliff-side homes north of the small, colorful town of Sayulita on Highway 200. The clear day afforded views of the horizon on the Pacific Ocean as surf crashed below on the rocky coastline, the private sandy cove of Twin Beaches accessible via a winding path. The four-bedroom, five-bath home with separate guest cottage, located in the enclave of Five Estates, is offered at $1.7 million USD. See Gary Douglas Ford of PV Realty for information.
Nuevo Vallarta-Flamingos was the scene of two open houses one Thursday. Presented by Luz Elena and Jorge Guillen of Tropicasa, a three-bedroom, three-bath penthouse condo in Playa del Sol Grand with a spectacular view of the bay is partially furnished, ready to move into. In this complex, all the facilities of Playa del Sol Grand are at your fingertips for $599,000 USD. And just down the road in the Quinta del Mar gated community next to the Riu Jalisco, a two-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront condo is listed at $389,000 USD by Mark Donoghue of The Real Estate Group in Bucerías. Personally decorated, with a totally remodeled kitchen made for entertaining, this home offers a view that opens onto a panorama of Banderas Bay, with the city lights on the horizon at night.
On a busy Friday, six homes were opened in Gringo Gulch: Quinta Milenio, Casa Unicornio, Casa Los Sueños, Casa Los Rápidos, Casa Sorpresa and Casa Melodía. Prices range from $335,000 to $695,000 USD in this historical neighborhood. Homes here are not only colorful and personal, but also boast views that integrate the surrounding neighborhood, the mountains to the east, the downtown lights at night and the sea to the west.
Tropicasa announced that the Horizon Condominiums are completely sold out and invited the community to celebrate with them at the luscious pool area. Even the universe joined the celebration, with a fabulous sunset just beyond the point of Cabo Corrientes. (Since then, I’ve noticed that it once again sets on the bay from most vantage points.) Their upcoming project, Avalon, will be ready for unveiling soon. Watch for details.
David Pullen and Silvia Elías of PV Realty opened Villa María Elena in Palo María, just off Garza Blanca, that same night. The lovely, spacious home with three master bedroom suites and three additional bedrooms is priced at $1,250,000 USD and affords an impressive view of the bay, the lush hillside jungle and the city lights at night. This enclave was one of the early developments south of town, built in the characteristic style of a Mexican hillside village with cobblestone streets.
Mariachis at Sierra de Vallarta Tennis Club & Spa accompanied the presentation of the impressive Casa Darinka. Visited by the mayor of Puerto Vallarta, this majestic multi-level home with elevator rises above the entrance to afford views of the mountains, surrounding jungle and the sea. With four bedrooms, five baths, Jacuzzi, fully equipped kitchen and four terraces, the residence promises the deluxe escape you dreamed of at $1,895,000 USD through Venegas Realty.
Sierra del Mar was the site of two showings: Casa Ventanas al Mar and Casa Mar y Selva, both represented by Applegate Realtors. The new homes provide a view of the bay at sunset, while offering gorgeously decorated interiors and windows that bring the outside in. Jacuzzis, pools, patios, balconies and lighting that matches the subtle surroundings offer a comfortable lifestyle from the very day you move in; available from $1,099,000 USD to $1,490,000 USD.
As usual, there are controversies regarding new developments along the coast. In the first of a new series, I am focusing on one of those projects. Many of the developments are reported in the local papers in a somewhat exaggerated or even sensational manner. I promise to give as balanced a viewpoint as possible; my objective as a reporter is to allow each side to present its case, without making a judgment call. Don’t miss my report on the new marina in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
