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Nestled on the mountain side of Ajijic, La Floresta is the first and largest gated community of prestigious single family homes to be built lakeside. On a corner lot in this congenial mix of Mexican and English-speaking homeowners is your surprisingly affordable vacation villa: Casa Tecolote.
Enter through your own personal gate, and prepare to be enchanted by your lovely garden. Wander from the royal-lemon tree to the avocado tree to the mandarinas (tangerines). Stand captivated by your gentle cantera fountain, or stroll back to the charming St. Francis grotto.
Inside your all-on-one-floor house, both bedrooms have a double bed, full closet, and en suite bathroom with shower. A fully equiped kitchen is essential for longer stays, and you'll be especially pleased with the pass-through window that lets you serve to the patio if you choose. An entertainment center completes the living room ... but with 360 days of sunshine here in Ajijic, you'll do most of your living out of doors.
Wake each morning to the sounds of birds, and sip your coffee on the full covered terrazza, which runs the length of the house. Perhaps you admire the bird of paradise blooming beside your table, or savor the juice from your own orange tree (did I forget to mention the orange tree above?).
You can walk to all the wonderful restaurants, shops, and stores in Ajijic and San Antonio. Perhaps you would rather hire a driver for a day in Tlaquepaque, shopping for crafts amidst the historic Spanish casones. Or how about a day trip to the spa in San Juan Cosala, where you can soak in any one of seven mineral pools; or a horseback ride along the lakeside in Ajijic?
There is no need to worry about the house; your maid Paty comes three days weekly, and she will do your laundry if you like. The gardener Rodrigo and his nephew Chavo take care of the grounds for you. Of course, their wages are included in your rent, as are all utilities (gas, electric, satellite TV, high speed internet, and local phone calls).
You're sure to make friends easily in Ajijic; just stop in the Lake Chapala Society, the official gathering place for newcomers and the ex-pats who have settled here. And when you're invited to join your new acquaintances for dinner, why not treat them to cocktails on your veranda first?
Just don't turn in too early; you might miss the wonderful clear stars shining just for you under the soft southern sky, and the distant sound of a horse heading homeward on a centuries-old cobblestone street.
It is a tough life (sigh), but I know you can force yourself to live it. Welcome to your own little piece of Paradise!
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