Location: Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Jalisco, Mexican Riviera, Mexico (North Shore of Lake Chapala Close to Guadalajara)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 5)
THIS HOUSE is my permanent home, so is well furnished and equipped. It is a 2 story house, about 18 years old, with 2 large double bedrooms, both with full bathrooms en suite (full of Mexican tiles). The decoration is largely traditional, with a bright, colourful Mexican flavor.
THE GROUND FLOOR has a large dining room with gas fireplace and open plan kitchen. The dining room table can extend to seat 10, but we mostly eat at a glass top table (seats 4 to 6) on the terrace (porch), where most of the day to day living takes place. The guest suite has a double bed and a single bed and the adjoining bathroom also has a door to the terrace. This floor is handicapped accessible.
THE UPPER FLOOR consists of the master bedroom suite with king-sized bed, and a cozy sitting room with a wood burning fireplace and television. This opens onto a side patio with a staircase up onto the roof, which has a spectacular view over the village to both the lake and the mountains. Most rooms have ceiling fans but neither central heating nor air conditioning is needed.
There is a large courtyard (with high secure walls) full of palms, bougainvillea, other tropical plants, and my extensive orchid collection. There is a single car garage.
PRIME LOCATION: The house is on a quiet residential street, right in the village of Ajijic, 3 blocks from the plaza and 2 blocks from the lake. It is within an easy walking distance to local shopping, many restaurants, places of interest, and frequent buses. The neighbors are a mixture of both locals and foreigners and you will find them friendly and helpful.
AJIJIC (pronounced Ah-hee-heek) is a lovely old village, nestled into the mountains with cobbled streets and a central plaza on Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest fresh water lake. It is only half an hour to the Guadalajara international airport. When the Conquistadores arrived in Ajijic in the 1600s, it was already an established settlement, which they colonized. They built 2 churches that stand today, although with many repairs and changes acquired over the years.
It is on Mexico’s Central Plateau at 5,000 feet with the best climate in the world, as stated by the International Living Magazine. It usually rains only from mid-June to early October, and mostly at night. Everything becomes very green and lush and this is many people’s favorite time of the year.
Over the years, the north shore of Lake Chapala has developed into a haven for artists and retirees from all over the world, especially USA, Canada and UK. Although Spanish is the official language, English will do in most cases.
This is a vibrant community with a very active social life, and the cost of living is relatively low. There are professional and amateur concerts and theater, and churches of various denominations all in English. Restaurants abound and are very affordable. Medical and dental care is excellent and the cost is reasonable.
The city of GUADALAJARA, a beautiful old colonial city, is only an hour’s drive away and offers world class cultural events, restaurants and shopping. It is also a major hub for the first class, long distance buses, so exploring Mexico from here is easy. These buses are extremely comfortable and affordable, and it is about a 4 hour drive to the Pacific coast.
MEXICO is a wonderful country with warm, friendly people, in spite of the bad press it keeps getting, and I feel totally safe living here. There are flowers, brilliant colors and music everywhere. History is very much alive, and you can enjoy visiting fascinating archaeological sites, pyramids, beautiful old colonial cities, and rural craft markets.
Many of the old cultures are alive and well, even after several thousand of years, and native costume is still worn in many rural areas. The tourists seldom get further than the thousands of spectacular beaches and all-inclusive resorts, but to see the real Mexico you have to come up into the mountains where the cities are, and ordinary Mexicans live and work. The climate is much more pleasant here, than in the high humidity of the coast, and the cost of everything is less.
A rental in Ajijic offers a wonderful chance to live in the real Mexico with all the conveniences of a vibrant international community of experienced travelers.
Come and have an adventure - renting is the easy way to do it!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Garage
- Gas Fireplace
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: Canadian Star Choice
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided: The Kitchen is Well Equipped for Cooking.
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: New Webber Grill Attached to the House Gas.
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony: Off the Master Bedroom.
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Lake View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: I Would Prefer No Kids Under 10 Years.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US $)
US $: $800-$1000/month
Based on number of renters and length of stay.
This is below the market value for my house because I have 2 cats to
look after.
Payment by cheque or electronic transfer to my bank in Canada.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1998
My husband and I both grew up in Scotland and emigrated to Canada in 1967 with our 4 kids. He was a doctor and I sold Real Estate. We retired to Ajijic 10 years ago and it was one of the best decisions that we ever made. After my husband died, I decided to continue to live here. I always go to Canada for July and August to visit my family, which is why I rent the house at this time. I have 2 cats that need to be taken care of, so it is important that renters like cats. I am offering the house at a reduced rent for this service.
Why the Owner Chose Ajijic
The weather is perfect year round, the cost of living is very affordable and the local people are friendly and helpful. After a lifetime of being a doctor, my husband really enjoyed being able to design a new life filled with all the things we love - golf, walking, growing orchids, lots of excellent restaurants, a variety of cultural events, and interesting friends from all over the world. It is only 30 minutes from the Guadalajara International Airport, so very easy to reach by taxi.
The Unique Benefits of this House
THE HOUSE, my permanent home, is well built and full of light and air. It is surrounded by a high wall with a patio full of flowers. It is in an prime location, close to many excellent restaurants, the Lakeshore, village shops and buses. The neighbors are all delightful and would be friendly and helpful to renters. I have reduced the rent because I have 2 friendly cats who need to be fed while the renters are there. Should you be away for a few days, the maid will come in and feed them. The rent includes my maid 3 mornings a week and the cost of utilities.
Property Photos
- Courtyard from the terrace - Ajijic Home Lake View Vacation Home Near Shopping and Restaurants
- Sitting area on the terrace (porch) - Ajijic Home Lake View Vacation Home Near Shopping and Restaurants
- Dining room - Ajijic Home Lake View Vacation Home Near Shopping and Restaurants
- Stairs
- Sitting room (upstairs)
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #240826
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This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - October 07, 2009
