Water, water everywhere! Shell House by the Sea (it won’t take you long to discover why this nickname) is ideal for aqua lovers. It’s the closest Loreto Bay village home to the ocean, just three lots from the beach behind the custom homes. Right outside the front door gurgles a circular water fountain, while across the flagstone pathway is the idyllic adult-oriented lap pool with a waterfall feature gracing the pool house wall facing the casa. Best of all is the third-floor viewing tower and its stupendous 360-degree panoramic view of the Sea of Cortez, the islands and the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. The second-floor terrace also offers glimpses of the sea and the Romeo and Juliet balcony off the upstairs master bedroom overlooks the fountains, pool, and sea.
With two masters and a pull-out couch in the living room, this Nueva Chica corner unit sleeps six. Purchased from the original owner in 2011, it has never been rented, although it makes for an ideal vacation property. It comes fully furnished.
The front entranceway, draped by a gorgeous mature fuchsia bougainvillea, opens into an open-air vestibule with a working courtyard fountain (resealed in 2019) and greenery. This is where the laundry with custom shelving and a good-size storage closet are located.
Enter the open-concept kitchen, dining and living room through one of the three sets of double French doors. Exposed wood beams, Mexican finishes, fixtures, and art from around the country add warmth and authenticity to the great room space, as does a large tabletop vase filled with local seashells, the first of several decorating the casa. A six-globe wrought iron chandelier softly illuminates the carved wooden dining table, a colorful silk parrot painting, and corner art stand.
A wide archway frames the fully equipped galley-style kitchen with rustic wooden cross-hatched cabinetry, Mexican tile counters, backsplash and an island, and black appliances including a microwave, electric range, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Take note of the sizeable pantry with custom shelving — a rarity in Loreto Bay homes. Red Mexican Saltillo tiles run throughout the main floor.
The home features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. On the main is the first bedroom, with two beds a double and a queen with soft blue and white bedding —and two wooden wardrobes, one with a television. The ensuite bath has lovely Talavera tile double sinks and a shower, with a clover-shaped window above the toilet and a small exterior garden to bring in light. More shells are showcased in both the bed and bathrooms.
On the second level, accessed by outside stairs, is the large, bright master suite with seaward gazing balcony and king bed, also decorated in powder blue and white against a gold feature wall. A round silver metal mirror with blue Talavera tiles adds an authentic Mexican touch. The blue, white and gold theme continues in the ensuite with a nice-size walk-in closet and double Talavera sinks and tiles framing the huge mirror, bathtub surround and walk-in shower. Large windows above the rectangular soaker tub make it light and cheerful. More shells and a collection of saint candles remind where you are.
Outside, the wonderfully private terrace is shaded by a pergola with custom louvers, under which a table and two chairs allow a quiet tête-à-tête. It is plumbed for a sink and fridge for a future outdoor cook center.
Once you take the stairs to the viewing tower, you’ll never want to leave! Between the pillars supporting the roof are rectangular “open-air picture windows” with the promised jaw-dropping views of Punta Nopolo, Carmen and Coronado Islands, the sea and the mountains. Cheerfully clothed in the colors of the ocean are two built-in bench seats with custom cushions and pillows, two resin easy chairs and two tables. A sunshade can be lowered for more privacy or on hotter days, but don’t miss the sunset. It’s the perfect spot to entertain, but, be warned, your guests will never depart.
This home in the Founders’ neighborhood is ideally located close to the main Paseo with numerous shops and services.
Other casa features include:
- Constructed with insulating Performa walls — cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- TV, VCR, DVD and BLV Internet.
- Custom ventilation in storage room under the stairs.
- Custom shelves in linen closet.
- The second-floor patio was resealed in 2019.
- Custom shelf/rod in master closet.
- Blackout curtains in kitchen and both bedrooms.
- Working sprinkler and automatic drip system.
- A double kayak, paddles and wheels.
- Well-maintained by First Contact Services.
- Price includes double kayak and paddles
- HOA $222.66 USD
- Property taxes $4,463 MX
