Retire in Mexico

International Living Postcards--Saturday Edition

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006

Well, I guess you’re not much of a golfer, dear reader. Last week, I gave you the lowdown on eight golf developments in Latin America. The one you’re most interested in? The only one without a golf course (although it does have a driving range). I’m no golfer, either, so it’s good to know I’m in like-minded company.

I’ve asked Roving Latin America Property Scout Dan Prescher to fully review San Gabriel Villas, the development that most piqued your interest.

You should listen to what he has to say--Dan knows Latin American real estate. He’s lived, traveled, or done business in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Belize. It was Dan who put me onto this opportunity below, in Mexico’s ranching country.

Pre-construction condos and villas are currently available, and prices are less than you'd pay for the same type of development in San Miguel, even though it's only 30 minutes away.

Dan’s full report follows below.

Lief Simon
Real Estate Editor, International Living

---------------------

Retire in Mexico

Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006
Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico

We’ve quit coming up with excuses to visit Dolores Hidalgo (shopping at the new supermarket, picking out more authentic talavera tile for the kitchen, trying traditional and unusual flavors of hand-made ice cream--like avocado, cactus, and tequila--from the vendors on the town square, watching the local vaqueros and their girlfriends promenade on a warm afternoon...)

We simply enjoy the drive. In the 30 minutes it takes to get from San Miguel de Allende to this picturesque little town (the birthplace of Mexican independence), you drive through some of the most beautiful central highland farming and ranching country in Mexico.

We’ve often thought, while taking this drive, "Why isn’t someone developing a residential community close to Dolores? The setting is perfect--Dolores has an authentic, unspoiled Mexican country vibe, but it’s still close to San Miguel and all it has to offer. Somebody should do something out here."

Now, somebody has. Enter San Gabriel Villas.

When completed, this development will be an active-adult planned community on 18 acres along the Laja River, surrounded by horse ranches, well-tended fields, and open range land studded with cactus and mesquite. It reminds me of a combination of the American west and the Italian countryside, cradled in the heart of authentic Mexico. (In fact, the adjacent ranch is owned by an Italian man who sells cheese from his herd of goats, and wine from the vineyards on his property.)

This rural setting is perfect for those who enjoy nature. The developers have designed a holistic community integrated into the local culture and landscape. You’ll be able to walk along paths that follow the river, fish during the rainy season, and swim in the clubhouse pool (with gym and spa facilities). Adjacent land has been purchased for residents to plant and tend gardens.

If you’re a birdwatcher, you will be in your element here. On a recent visit, we saw ducks in the river, and a regal eagle soaring overhead.

Pre-construction condos and villas are available, and prices are less than you’d pay for the same type of development in San Miguel, even though it’s only 30 minutes away. Villas start at $158,000 (for a 1,460-square-foot villa on a 2,788-square-foot lot) and 1,046 square-foot condos start at $111,920. This is phase 1 pricing, and the developer says prices are set to increase with the two subsequent phases.

Because of the gently sloping terrain, every condo and villa will have a magnificent view of the valley (but as we remind you often--buy what you see). Even so, no road, ramp or sidewalk will have more than a 5% grade--the project is being designed in accordance with guidelines from Universal Design Alliance, an institution recommended by AARP (the American Association of Retired People).

Every time we drive by San Gabriel--on our way to Dolores Hidalgo for that delicious ice cream--we see more and more construction taking shape. Planned activities will be offered within the community, including day trips to neighboring towns and other destinations. You won’t be bored here...there is so much to do and see in this culturally rich part of Mexico.

Planned amenities at San Gabriel Villas will include:

* A recreation center with a restaurant and convenience store.

* Two swimming pools surrounded by Mexican gardens and terraces.

* A clubhouse with a game room, a spa, and a gym.

* Tennis courts, and a track for walking or running.

* A driving range for golf enthusiasts.

* Five guest bungalows for visiting friends or relatives.

* A cultural center, with a theater for movies, lectures, meetings, etc.

* A basic medical center.

* A water treatment plant with a recycling facility for green area irrigation.

The setting for San Gabriel Villas doesn’t get much prettier than here in Mexico’s high desert--and having San Miguel de Allende and charming Dolores Hidalgo so close is icing on the cake.

For more information on San Gabriel Villas, click here.

Dan Prescher
Roving Latin America Property Scout, International Living