One type of "Reality" TV Experience

I watched one of the recent House Hunters International the other day. Guess what! It was filmed in Merida, Mexico, so I had to watch!! Since I've watched that real estate market for so long, I'm always curious if they'll show one of my favorites. Sure enough, two of my all time favorites were given the chance to shine.

The first one shown was in the more modern area of town, in the outskirts. That area I never did a lot of perusing because I love the colonials; plus, it was on a golf course - no interest. The second one was none other than "The Hidden Street." Always fun to see, and I liked hearing the couple's reaction to this rather eccentric place. Our reactions were similar - it's fun but too spread out. I always told Brian we would have to get walkie talkies to ask each other a question if not in the same room, or to find each other with ease. This couple sells sofas so I thought it was rather funny to take them to this place which has a sunken, cemented in living room furniture! They talked about jackhammering out the seating! It was only selling for 565K so why not jackhammer! Although actually I'd seen the place selling online for a mere 495K earlier in the year.

Lastly, they showed the couple Casa Chablis. Yes, if I had the money this place would be our number one choice. Amazing! As anyone would (if they had that kind of money) they picked this stunning place. But speaking of money, "that kind of money" definitely went up for the show. Too bad this couple hadn't done some earlier homework. Just like the Hidden Street which had gone up in price so had Casa Chablis. On HHI they were selling it for 450K, a bargain for those who had a budget of 500K. However, I had never seen it online for that price. I can't remember the highest I had seen it for but I saw it go as low as 365K. It appears this couple "negotiated" the price down to 439K. Truly a bargain for them but if only they had a little more information behind them. In the end, they are happy and certainly do have a wonderful home. I'm just not in their league so all that money as a gift seems a bit excessive!!

Along the Way - Doors of Merida

Although Merida has almost a million people, it doesn't seem like such a big city. Each neighborhood has it's own little or bigger park with an accompanying church and a flavor of it's own. We've stayed in three different B&B's to get a feel for some of the various areas of the city. We are in the third place now and this part of Merida is quite different than what we've been in previously. It's closer to the central square or Zocalo, busier streets and a greater mixture of building functions, like hotels, auto shops, police station, ruins and houses.

Along the way, we walk by so many glorious facades. Some of them have definitely seen better days, and some are wonderfully restored. I find I'm surprised by nearly every turn of the corner. I don't always have my camera with me so ... not everything is captured for others to see. Below is a small representation of just the doors we pass as we explore this amazing city.

 

 

These doors help in part to convey the variety of the city. It's fascinating and all kinds of worlds lie beyond these doors. I'm intrigued. There is no doubt this city can pull at one's heart. It does mine.

Home and Garden Tour

A realtor in conjunction with the Merida English Language Library (at least that's where we met) does a tour of three renovated homes once a week, during the tourist season. I realize it's an opportunity to try and sell houses but I still wanted to go inside some of these homes! So Brian and I along with 50 to 60 others (tourists!! ;-o ) heard a bit of Merida's history, and then, did a brief walking tour. I know the houses chosen can change but I was hoping to walk the interior of La Calle Escondida - the house which sucked me into Merida's real estate, Spanish colonial architecture, and was a big part of The Process. That was the first house!

Much of this house in not colonial at all, in contrast, parts are whimsical, others thoroughly modern. I'd seen the video, perused the pictures and imagined what the spaces must be like in actuality. The photographer definitely shot the home with a wider wide-angle lens then I have. The spaces seemed even grander and larger in the photos. However, I would never say the rooms were cramped!

1st Courtyard Looking towards the Street

The idea of The Hidden Street or in other words - La Calle Escondida, is a fun one. You first walk into an entry room and then immediately into a courtyard. It is this part which is the "hidden street." The architect used the sides of the courtyard to mimic a Merida street. On one side, the side shown here to the left, are bedrooms, upper and lower. However, they look like actual building facades with balconies. The other side, below, is the wall dividing the homes which he has superimposed different types of facades, some with deterioration and all.

1st Courtyard Looking towards the House and the Rest of the Property

Following are some interior shots. The second courtyard with the pool and outdoor living spaces is probably my favorite area. Although, the master suite isn't bad either!

Interior Sunken Living Room

Pool Coutyard & Master Suite Balcony 

Looking across to Master Suite
from Rooftop Area 

Outdoor Living Area below Master Suite

Last but Not Least - the Master Suite

OK, this is probably enough for one post. Trust me, I have more pictures, but I'm sparing you the full rendition. I'll show you more of the other houses at another time, and maybe some pics of where we are staying. Can you tell I used to be an architect?! Enjoying the architectural/cultural differences.

Carnaval de Merida and Around Town

We are here in Merida for Carnaval or as it is called in New Orleans - Mardi Gras! We didn't come particularly for this celebration but our winter getaway to revive Brian happens to coincide. I can't say that we've gone to all of the parades, since there are six in all! Nor did I take any pictures - just wanted to enjoy the time. However, one of my fellow bloggers did take pictures so I refer you to him. The Children's Parade you can find here. I understand it is often thought of as the best. Kids are always cute and they are certainly done up. One of the other evening parades can be found here. We don't even consider going to any of the daytime parades as it is WAY too hot!! I don't know how the people in the parade do it - survive even.

Brian and I did do some wondering of the town with cameras in hand. We ended up in one of the neighborhood parks called Santiago. Naturally ice cream was in order! Here are some images from the park and along the way.

Adventure's Roadmap - The Process Part 2

  The picture that started it all!

La Calle Escondida

I mean doesn't that pool and environment look inviting? I figured it was over budget (which it WAY was) but I couldn't resist looking just for fun and pleasure! Although perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself! (To see The Process - Part 1 click here.

That city which is 20K inland from the gulf coast is Merida, Mexico. Would I be bored there? I decided to take a look. OK, I come to find out that it's a city of almost a million people!! Well, there must be something to do there! I did a bit of research but in typical fashion a big part of the initial phase began with a perusal of the real estate. The picture above was a "hook" shot on the first page of a realtor's site under "featured listings." With one click I was whisked away into Spanish Colonial Architecture as I've never experienced. So many of the renovated homes are colorful, joyful and, in my opinion, works of art. I was hooked! (To see more pictures and a description of the home pictured above click here.)

In several previous posts I revealed my near obsession with the colonial architecture of Merida. I scoured a dozen or so different realty sites - for months! I got to know many properties, and they were easily recognizable to me as they appeared on other sites. Some I fell in love with. After so much time the inevitable SOLD sign would appear on some of MY properties! "Oh no!! All the good places will be gone before we get there!" I'm disappointed to see one of my favorites get sold because I just know it would have been perfect for us.

That sounds silly perhaps but this was part of relaxing and just enjoying the process. I've yet to even set foot in Merida and here I was getting disappointed if a special house was sold. So I let go and enjoyed the pictures, video tours and learning more about the city and it's neighborhoods. Of course to actually start looking for a property in another country was the beginning. Then, there was migration for reasons like cost and environment. I changed locales a few times. However, Merida seemed to fit the bill. This must be the place! Or is it? It finally sank in during the phase of seeing "my" houses sold - this was a process, a journey. No decisions have been made, even yet. There's still more to come!

To see past posts with Spanish Colonial Architecture and my fascination with these gems click on the label entitled such. For The Process - part 3 click here.

My HHI choice

I've been up in Washington visiting family. In reaction to that trip I've thought even more about Merida. No, not because of family and getting away!! :) It's all in response to the weather! I have to say we've had some decent weather, especially for WA,  but also some rain and clouds.
I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (what an expression!) about which Merida house I'd pick. They all have their positive points. I'd scratch off #3 even though it already has 2 bedrooms because of the odd configuration. I don't like the idea of walking down the narrow outdoor "hallway" to get to the backyard and future pool. Plus, it appears that the 2nd bedroom is truly separate with no bathroom but in the main house.
With the rest of the choices, it gets more tricky. #4 could possibly be on the top of the list but it's the most money and still needs work - finishing off the kitchen and a wall to make the first bedroom.
#1 is the lowest initial output, the most work to be done, but we'd have more house in the end. There certainly would be unknowns and adventures along the way!
#2 I guess comes out on top. More than livable now with room for potential pool and other bedroom. I'll miss the high wood beamed ceilings but it's still a great choice!
Of course if I were to actually walk through them I could feel totally different! Someday perhaps I'll have the full experience! :)

And the Runner Up Is...

Actually, there is a tie for second place! Both are renovated by the firm Worldstudio International and provide a nice nice mix of traditional and modern designs. They come in a whopping 70 to 75 thousand dollars under Casa Chablis but are smaller to be sure. I have to say there are a number of wonderful properties to be had in Merida if money is not an object. The first is La Cochera. Brian's "beef" with this one is that the kitchen is not adjacent to the main outdoor patio and eating area. But in my mind the kitchen is so great and I can handle just a small eating area (with fountain!) next to the kitchen for my morning coffee!

The second one is great as well. Architect Henry Ponce did the renovation and the interiors were done by Worldstudio International - killer combination! The front rooms have a wonderful feel and I love the arches. It comes furnished which is a plus but I could really do without the "bumble bee" chairs! There is no video for this one but you can see the listing of this home in the barrio (neighborhood) of La Ermita.

#1 Choice If...

Before I give you my take on the 4 properties, I want to share with you our top favorite place in Merida - if only we could afford it!! :) It's called Casa Chablis by architect Henry Ponce. It seems the perfect solution with the beauty of form and function. I love the indoor/outdoor hallway with the long fountain. The rooftop area for entertaining or just enjoying the evening breezes is amazing, let alone the pool and patio area. There is a separate floor for the master suite which gives privacy. The only small negative is that it doesn't have double sinks for the master bath. i suppose I could live with that! :) I'd love to wander through it for myself!

My Own Version

I'm back with colonials! I thought I'd do a severely adapted version of House Hunters International. My adaptations include 4 choices not 3, I'm not buying now (may never), plus, I've never even been to Merida but have become very intrigued. Even though this vacation / half and half living may never happen I'm trying to pick ones that might half way be realistic. Probably in another post I'll put videos of my 2, over the top, favorites - way out of our league! In the end, we'd like a 2 bedroom and 2 bath place. After all, we want a place for guests!!
So, #1 is a clean slate, the cheapest but more work than any of them. We will be able to put our own personal stamp on it but it would take time. A big benefit of this one is the finished "guesthouse" - some place to sleep while renovating. http://www.mexintl.com/property/003343 It is close to a park and a market, although on the edge of the central area we'd like to be in.
#2 has plans for a second bedroom and a pool, so still work to be done but the rest is finished! http://www.mexintl.com/property/003304 It is closer to the center but it does have what appears to be an auto business across the street.
#3 is closer to the center than #1. The configuration is already a 2/2 so that's a plus. A pool is necessary for all of them. They are equal in that regard. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=268&offered=sale
Lastly #4, there are no plans completed but it still needs another bedroom and bath. What is in place is done nicely. http://meridahomes.com/eng_standard.php?id=332&offered=sale
I like them all and each has positive and negatives. If you want, you can weigh in on the options!

Coffee and Colonials!

Do the two really go together? Sure! They seem to for this girl! :) By the way, when I talk about colonials it's not the typical American colonial architecture, that leaps to my mind, with a symmetrical front, perhaps a couple of columns and 2 stories. Like this...
Actually colonial architecture has a few forms in America but the colonials in Mexico are quite different. The facade is generally very plain and flat which reveals nothing about the layout within. Here is one video of one such colonial. It is on the upper end to be sure but there are more expensive ones too. Thankfully there are less expensive as well! I don't know that this is my favorite but it's VERY nice and gives you a flavor of these houses.

OK, Maybe a Sickness!

My last post was entitled - Just Having Fun. At one point in the intervening days, I read another blog where the woman described herself as "sick in love with these colonial houses. Sick, can't get them out of my mind!" OK, I admit it! I'm close to that!! I can get them out of my mind...for a while! :) I still am just having fun but it's a bit of an addiction! Of course, is it possible to have "a bit" of an addiction?! They certainly are intriguing and when restored - WOW, they're beautiful, inspiring and intoxicating! Naturally not all of them are to my taste but still...

Just having fun!

I'm no longer "international" at least physically! I'm back in CA and enjoying get togethers with people to catch up! I'm glad that this past trip to Mexico doesn't have that usual surreal feeling, you know, like it never happened but was just a dream. I'm not sure why this trip is different than most, maybe because the pace was more relaxing, I'd been there before or what? Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the time and looking forward to the next time, whenever that is.
For the past few months I've been perusing Mexican real estate. Perhaps a vacation home in the future? Of course some lifestyle changes would need to occur to make that happen. In any case... I've loved looking at the old colonials and how people have restored them! It strikes that architectural bone in me of days long ago. I would never want to go back and work as an architect in some firm, besides I'm probably a dinosaur at this point. However, this colonial architecture is new to me and the climate is also different than anything I've ever worked in before. I wish I could see more before and after pictures of the same place. There are places both restored and not yet restored to look at but not usually of the same place! All in all, it's been a blast!
There have been some "overly desirous / covertness" issues to work through with God because I can get too involved or personal about things. That, too, has been good (the working through) so I can just enjoy the process and have fun! Whatever the outcome is or isn't. It's good to have some architectural juices flowing again!