January, 2005

Green was her theme, as well as her outfit mojitos were served along with homemade guacamole and cilantro dip, while door prizes were green houseplants. Three levels were shown in this spic-and-span building with parking, a pleasant pool area with a view, as well as impressive views from the balcony of each apartment. Designed by architect Jean-Claude Galibert, known for previous work in Careyes and Mexico City, Montemar offers deluxe simplicity in open spaces.

Prudential picked up the pace the following week with a triple-treat in Nuevo Vallarta. Present at the opening of Hacienda El Manglar on private Isla Capitán, hosted by Antonia Lavender, were the architect and decorator, Gabrielle Weber de Echevarría and her husband, Ivanhoe. Their intriguing combination of Asian-modern with Mexican-traditional won the hearts of attendees. A two-boat landing dock serves the property, located right on the waterway of the marina. Priced at $2,595,000 USD, the luxurious residence features a number of antiques, including a functional historic metal stove with porcelain insets. The entryway pool doubles as a Jacuzzi, while the waterfall provides a pleasant separation from the outside world.

At the Villa Marianne opening, architect Leonardo Lara Eguiluz appeared with Prudential's Regis Gaunet to showcase this modern take on life on the intracoastal waterway. Envisioned with a caracol in mind, the winding curve of a seashell is formed by the semi-circular stairwell leading to the second level, while the pattern is echoed in the stone driveway. Upon entering the tall, bright yellow tower, falling water in the darkened room stimulates a cleansing effect. This captivating project, featured in a national design journal, offers something new and different on the market. Catering was handled by Eric Lenoir of Pastel du Village at this fabulous $1,050,000 property.

Prudential's Christine Chin opened Hacienda La Candelaria, a large rambling family home with a spacious yard in the back. Ideal for children and dogs, the space is very open, with a huge high-ceilinged living room right off the grand dining room and kitchen. The house curves around the backyard, with pillared porches bordering on an ecological reserve. Priced at $1,600.000, the Western-style hacienda offers the opportunity to make your personal impact on this waiting canvas. The very shady yard and entrance creates an oasis of coolness, even on a hot day.

Villa Oasis was featured by Heidi Byrd of Re/Max Bahía. Priced at $850,000 USD, the large pool at the back is the focus of this pleasant property. Steps lead down to a waterway, one of the canals of the intracoastal. The home is furnished throughout the four bedrooms, including a loft and rooftop observatory and sundeck. An open kitchen suggests numerous entertainment possibilities for a busy home life. Surrounded by lush vegetation and a sweeping back lawn, the property waits for the right family.

A triple-play in Gringo Gulch was a hit in an event sponsored jointly by Applegate Realtors, Villa Leonarda and Eventful Moments during the Gourmet Festival. Zac Campbell of EM commented that the party was well attended by locals, as well as agents from the real estate community. He offers full catering services, including kitchen and bar staff, for events anywhere in town. Villa Leonarda moves back into the forefront of entertainment by reminding the public of its history as the place where Hollywood partied. Applegate Realtors offers the property as a rental, not only for parties but also for weeklong retreats or family groups.

An exciting joint venture was announced by Paco Moreno of Century 21 in the representation of Mayan Island's new residential development, Seibal. At a cocktail party at the Grand Mayan, a video presented the plans for this three-stage, three-tower project, which will contain 60 condominiums each. Pre-sale prices are available now, offering special packages that include the services of the entire Mayan Palace complex, with the golf course, gymnasium, spa, restaurants and family areas. To more properly service the north, Century 21 plans to open a new branch office in the area soon.

Forging a connection with local artists, Mark Venegas of Venegas Realty hosted an auction at Bianco restaurant. Paintings and sculptures by a number of artists, including Patrick Denoun, were offered for auction from the private collection of Bianco's Martin Good. In this first of a series, Venegas enlisted the assistance of Galería Córsica's Jean Pierre as a hammer-wielding auctioneer, occasioning the sale of a few more pieces. The money raised went toward the education of local children in a program sponsored by Gente por Educación. The auctions will occur every three weeks. Call Venegas at 222-2111 for further information.