Held at the centrally located Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, the day-long event was attended by hundreds of real estate agents, brokers, experts from various fields and interested members of the public. Elsewhere in this magazine, publisher John Youden reviews the conference, its results and the feedback. Due to my vacation, I was only able to attend the morning sessions.
Vacation, anyone? Seriously, time taken away from your daily routine will give you a kick-start, a fresh perspective and an infusion of energy. On our Jeep trip, we visited Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, Talpa and Mascota, all located in the mountains and very different than our coastal city. It stands to reason that getting to know your country, whether of adoption or origin, will broaden your perspectives. Remember that clients often compare the characteristics of Puerto Vallarta with other destinations in Mexico.
Poolside with jazz, beer, margaritas and fabulous tacos was the place to be one Saturday afternoon in March at Rancho Dora. An interesting complex in Punta de Mita, just east of the construction zone for the new road from Sayulita, Rancho Dora is an oasis off the dusty road, apparent from the moment you enter through the double lane of trees. The magnificent three-hectare (just under 750 acres) property contains two villas, each with its own Infinity pool, and nine separate rentable bungalows. Priced under $4 million USD, it’s ready to sell as is, while several additional sites with incredible views are prepared for further development. Check with G3MEX Group for further details.
Combining real estate and art, Victoria Pratt of Punta Esmeralda and Atmarán of Gallery Ao invited the public to the inauguration of a model villa in the Punta Esmeralda complex just beyond Bucerías. The show, featuring both paintings and sculptures by Mexican artists, seemed to be created for the gracious indoor/outdoor space of three-bedroom, three-bath Villa Moras. Offered completely furnished for a low $920,000 USD, the property can be viewed by contacting Victoria or stopping by Punta Esmeralda.
Speaking of moras, or blackberries, developer Ricardo Clouthier advised me that Las Moras, featured on last month’s cover, is not located in Aralias as I indicated. In fact, they are creating a new colonia, to be called Las Moras, which will allow the area greater autonomy in making decisions that affect its residents. Gilberto Maytorena Castro also reported that the second phase is already in pre-construction sales, while the completion of the first phase is slated for February 2007.
An afternoon of cocktails was on the bill for the open house at Hacienda del Mar in exclusive Sierra del Mar on the South Shore. Represented by Sherri Narro of Puerto Vallarta Dream Homes, the custom-built home reflects the utmost taste in décor, including the spectacular pool area with a view of the bay. The asking price is $1,450,000 USD on this fully furnished gem of a house with hacienda-style entrance, vaulted ceilings, master suite and three guest suites, as well as servant’s work area and a two-car garage.
In the quiet residential area of Gaviotas, Ernesto Martínez Curiel of Venegas Realty showed four-bedroom, five-bath Residencia Gaviotas, built on a large lot of 6,618 square feet. The home features an unusual heated indoor pool, just the thing for aqua therapy plus a large exercise room, while office space opens possibilities for an at-home business, with additional space at the rear of the lot for expansion. A large patio allows entertaining, with an outdoor kitchen under the delicious shade of a large tree, which stands guard over the property.
A marathon open house in Marina Vallarta had me and numerous agents running in circles. Featured by Prudential California Realty, seven homes were open for viewing, while several other realties piggybacked on the same date. A late start prevented me from making the complete tour, but I’ll mention a couple of notable properties I saw.
In double-gated Isla Iguana, don’t miss the two dockside villas offered by Prudential’s Claudia Gallegos. Check out Villa Muelle Grande and Villa dos Muelles, for sale together with slips or separately with Discovery Catamaran and Discovery Fishing, both moored outside and readily available for viewing. Price on the 32-foot fishing boat with Cummings engine is $220,000 USD, while the 62-foot Colebroke Catamaran is $600,000, and the villas go for $865,000 and $275,000 USD respectively. Get the entire package at a discount.
Spectacular Casa los Wikis is located right on the Marina Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the more elegant homes I’ve seen in the Marina. Lighting is integrated into the design, which is ultra-modern with comfortable earth tones and delicious curved walls. The back of the house seems to offer the golf course as a continuation of the pool area and garden. Since the open house, the price has been reduced to $1,889,000 USD. This one will go quickly, so stop by to see it now.
A favorite of mine, Casa La Marina, is back on the market, with a fully furnished second floor. The upstairs master suite apartment is fitted with a separate entrance and full kitchen, allowing for rental options, while the downstairs remains intact. Shown by Jolene Geil of Timothy Fuller & Associates, this three-bedroom, four-bath contemporary home opens up to a large downstairs living area for entertaining, with a gem-like pool area right on the golf course.
