Home In Mexico For Sale

This unique house, with its boveda domed entry patio, is approximately 17 years old. The hand carved cantera stone fireplace in the study is fashioned after one at Biltmore House. There are other hand carved custom cantera pieces throughout the house. The fireplace, cupola, and main kitchen are adorned with original artwork by local artist Miguel Angel. You will also find dramatic lighting on dimmers throughout the house to create the right mood for any occasion. The owners have lived in it, and extensively remodeled it, over the past ten years. The original construction was 1,867 sq. ft. with a front and back yard. They have added 1,693 sq. ft. of construction for a total of 3,560 sq. ft. of livable space. It is solid masonry and steel construction and built to last a lifetime. The house does not have a basement. There are no cracks and the foundation has stood the test of time, it is solid. This is far superior to some of the newer homes being built in the area atop trucked in fill to afford a view of the lake.

The house is completely furnished, from dinnerware to linens to handmade custom furniture pieces, antiques, and commissioned works of art by Enrique Velazquez, Victor Romero, and Javier Ramos. Also included: all appliances, microwaves, stainless gas grill, bar fridge, computer work station with PC and printer, office equipment, treadmill, surveillance system, TV, satellite receiver, surround sound system, equalizer, dual tape deck, CD player, turntable, and DVD/VCR player/copier. There is also a library with hundreds of books. With the exception of a few items the house is being sold as pictured. The house is very secure. Besides the main entry door to the patio, there are two inner security doors. The same is true for the rear of the house. You will find this assuring if you travel frequently or will be considering this a second residence. Since the owners enjoy wok cooking and baking, the rear kitchen, which also conveniently services the upper mirador, is equipped with a commercial restaurant exhaust system which quickly disperses cooking odors. The house is air conditioned but, due to our outstanding climate, rarely used except for a few nights in May at bedtime. There is little exterior maintenance since there is no yard or garden to tend and mow. Weekly watering of potted plants is all that is required. The property is looked after by a very competent housekeeper who is there five days a week.

The house is located in Mirasol, a small and quiet residential area just off the carretera (main road), which is very desirable and has a homeowners association. There are two gated entries with private security guards on duty at night. The streets are 33’ wide and made of concrete pavers, whereas most streets in the Lakeside area are narrow and made of cobblestone. It is just two minutes away from the major shopping areas of Lakeside. Super Lake Marketplace caters to the expat community and is unique to Mexico with its large selection of imported foods. Wal-Mart Supercenter is also close by as well as other supermarkets to be found in the area. Centro Laguna, a large shopping complex with many stylish stores and casino is nearing completion and will open soon directly across the carretera from Wal-Mart. The Lakeside area abounds with unique shops and restaurants. There is also a multi cinema which shows first run movies in English. It is just thirty minutes to the international airport and forty-five minutes to Guadalajara Centro, the city of eternal spring, Mexico’s second largest city. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area includes seven other adjacent municipalities and had a population of 4,095,715 in 2008.

Although the lake is visible from the mirador, or by going out onto the roof which affords a better view, we do not consider it a lake view house. Our definition of lake view is unobstructed and panoramic.

There is no mortgage on the property. When purchased ten years ago all property sales were for full cash. In the past few years it has become possible to buy through a mortgage broker for those wishing to do so. Cash purchase is still the preferred manner for expats.

The Lake Chapala Northwest shore region is a major destination for thousands of sunbirds, snowbirds, and retirees. You will find the largest concentration of expats living here than any other place in the world. Many come here to escape the high cost of living, the freezing winters, and the sweltering summers found north of the border. You will also find a large community of Europeans living here as well. According to National Geographic this region is second only to Kenya in having the worlds best climate. English is widely spoken here.