Todos Santos Fine Homes Weekend Event
Guest Contributor: Deborah Wallendorf
At 10:00am the sun had already warmed up the air in San Jose to 92′. As I drove through the rolling hills on the beautiful new 4 lane tollroad I sensed I was in for something special. As the mega developments along the coast became smaller in my rearview mirror, I knew I wasn’t escaping, rather going to the next “big deal”. I’d been to Todos Santos before but never to “El Otro Lado” or the “Other Side”.
Artists say there is a special energy in Todos, hence the number of galleries with incredible work. I don’t know if art and food have any connection but there are equally good restaurants in town. And then there are the people….all of whom have a story and are characters, whether for real or in their own minds. Todos Santos attracts the likes of millionaires, artists, writers and those who want to blaze their own destinies.
As I arrived at Hacienda Sydney, a 15,000 square foot imposing hacienda on the bocana (opening in the dune) situated on the Pacific, I stepped into the grandeur of the two story foyer complete with a fountain. A pretty blonde escorted me through the 10 bedrooms, four of which are individual casitas flanking the Olympic size pool. An entire quarry was used on the facade this two story estate. With a gym, steam room and yoga studio it leaves you wanting for nothing. Walk out your front gate and you’re on the beach. I look at my watch and see it’s time to move on to the next estate. Did I mention it was a perfect 74′?
Driving to La Pastora Estate left me wondering where I was going as I was now on a dirt road. Driving through the gate and winding down toward the beach I spotted a beautiful Mexican Colonial estate painted in ochre. The estate is located on 18 organic acres, complete with Olympic size pool; 4 bedrooms with en suite baths and a Crow’s nest on the beach. Located on the famous La Pastora surf break I felt like I was in the Caribbean with swaying palms and beautiful mangrove. After a hibiscus margarita and some delectable bites it was time to move on to the third estate.
I’m discovering dirt roads lead to very interesting places. The next estate, Mansion de los Azahares (Orange blossom) is perched high above everyone else with commanding views of the Pacific coastline; Cardon forests; canyons and the majestic Sierra de la Laguna mountains. This exquisite four bedroom estate is something straight off of Mallorca. The color palate; the handmade tiles from mainland Mexico; the handprinted stencils and impeccable attention to detail make this place special. On nearly 40 acres you have the feeling of complete privacy. The only sounds were those of the birds. I enjoyed a dry white wine made by the owners from their own vineyard in Valle de Guadalupe complemented with antipasti.
If you’re looking for the best climate in the world, hands down; beautiful Pacific ocean views and breezes; majestic mountain views and thousands of acres devoted to organic food production then Todos Santos may just be the place for you.