location, location, location... Casa J

From almost any view, Casa J is an exceptional house. It seems to fit with the setting. They say location is everything in the real estate business. I would say this is an amazing location. Less than a two hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Just far enough away from the usual tourists.

it's about details at this amazing beach house

Casa J Chachalaka on the Pacific Coast of Mexico is a minimalist contemporary that blends seamlessly with environment, beach, and ocean. Located south of Puerto Vallarta it is the perfect hideaway with unspoiled beaches and few tourists.

I made lifestyle my business

We all have a dream. Some of us achieve that dream, and some experience it through others. And some just continue to dream. In business, dreams become ideas, and ideas become a business. It can start small and grow as we follow our idea, learning along the way and following our passion – if we are fortunate enough to be passionate about what we are doing.  I have been fortunate. Design is something that I realized was my passion a long time ago. All things design. A friend once said to me, when I got up in the morning, the design process began. That passion for design set me on a journey that became a lifestyle.  As I matured, I began to realize and recognize design on many levels. Travel broadened my experience and introduced me to design from different perspectives. I would introduce these ideas in my work. I became a collector of furniture, photography, fashion, and a consumer of anything showcasing good design. Design was my work and design was integrated into my life.

As I began exploring cool places to escape in warmer climates, I was drawn to amazing beaches and developed a user experience checklist. How did the walk on that pristine virgin beach affect me? Did I totally forget everything the moment I took in that breathtaking view? Was I mesmerized by the awesome sunset? Am I appreciating the carefully designed architecture around me? Have I noticed the selected and curated furnishings and décor surrounding me? Am I inspired to do something, to create something? Do I feel like I have experienced something so special, I do not want to tell anyone about it? Am I totally relaxed? Do I want to stay or leave.

If I never wanted to leave, I knew I would return. And I did return frequently to many different places and some extremely special favorites. It is about life. We all need to fuel our inner self with rewards. I realized for me it was ocean, beach, architecture, and, a beautiful setting that had not been overly changed by the hand of man.  This became a part of me, a lifestyle, something that fueled me with enormous energy and creativity. When my tank was low, I knew I could go someplace amazing and fuel up.

As the world shrank and the truly special places were becoming overcrowded, I decided to create a place. A place that drew on all my experiences discovering amazing beaches, and very cool places. A place that embodies lifestyle and involves design and architecture, things that I am passionate about. I have been blessed with having the time it took to plan and create the place I call Chachalaka. A lifestyle experience that soon will be available for those looking for beauty, intimacy, tranquility, and privacy.

life on your own terms... Chachalaka living

The whole idea of life at Chachalaka is about spending time in a very special place... an escape from the ordinary. A little adventure, a little bit remote, close to nature, the ocean and an amazing beach. Just being with yourself, friends or special guests in a private exclusive setting. Add a cool design aesthetic where you would least expect it and that is Chachalaka.

generating power at Casa J

At Chachalaka, we care about things like power and water and our environment. Our installation of twelve 255 watt solar panels at Casa J generates more power than we use. We are a little power station. That is being smart in today's world.

establishing a style at Casa J

The house Casa J is designed, and built. It's architecture stands by itself, so the furnishing and decorating must carefully work in harmony with the bold and minimalist design of the house. A preference for eclectic and interesting things, both contemporary and rustic antique are on our shopping list. It is a process of curating, some things found, some things we design and have made.

the undiscovered costalegre... a paradise

In the state of Jalisco on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, there is a magical place that is waiting to be discovered. It is known as the Costalegre aka the happy coast. The northern part of this coastline is virtually undiscovered. We have found it, and created Chachalaka.

Designing a place where stress just melts away

Transforming a piece of paradise into a place that feels like home is a delicate balance between nature and lifestyle. After a lot of planning and thought, ultimately the land tells you what to do. And, you design something that is as special as the place.

About a one hour drive from the town of El Tuito, south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is an area of pristine, virgin beaches. It is a place that surprised us, as it does all who discover it. It is unexpected. That became the overriding criteria for the design of the house I call Casa J. Create something that is equally as unexpected. The nature part of the plan was obvious, keep things as natural as possible, leave the beautiful trees, and use nature’s resources in the architectural design. The lifestyle part, for me, was to baffle expectations for a house in this undeveloped area by creating a unique high-end house. In contrast with the usual stereotype grand, high-color and tiled homes associated with high-end Mexican coastal living, Casa J is a contemporary, minimalist style, influenced by mid-century modern architecture. It is open in its design and incorporates the setting, and amazing views seamlessly into the design. The house is as visually interesting as the setting without distracting your attention from the ocean, beach, and landscape.

In a place like this you also want to be smart about the environment and your consumption of water, energy, and fuel. A modern house today should be eco-smart. Casa J does not wear a lot of environmental features as a badge - it is just quietly smart. Hot water is from a thermal solar system. Rainwater is captured and used. Our water comes from our own well and water system. Grey water is recycled and used for landscape. Black water is treated in a Biodigestor system. Our fuel is from a single source, propane, fueling our stove, clothes dryer, and a backup generator. A leading technology, multigate micro inverter solar system, ties us to the power grid. We generate more power than we use. The 70 LED lights at Casa J, consume a total of only 315 watts. In addition, the design considers thermal mass, and natural air convection.

A great deal of thought went into making this a house that just quietly does what it is supposed to do. It lets you relax in a creative and visually stimulating environment, and enjoy this amazing paradise that I call Chachalaka.

a passion for design and architecture

Creature comforts are arriving at Chachalaka. My design for a custom sofa completes the architecture of the "great room" area of Casa J. It is totally about lounging and relaxing while being amazed by the views, in this open concept house.

Chachalaka 2014... realizing a dream

Some have said I am living the dream. Building an amazing house in a place that many would call paradise. It has been a journey of almost seven years since first discovering what I think is one of Mexico’s secret places. The journey began with a chance conversation with an old friend in Puerto Vallarta, who told me about the area known as Mayto. The area is one hour down a dirt road from the town of El Tuito, an hour south of Vallarta. Drive time is actually less than two hours now that the dirt road is partially surfaced. You get the idea, this is off the beaten path and that is why it is so special. Imagine a pristine virgin beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Better yet, imagine six acres of oceanfront land on this beach.

That is how it all started. I did not hesitate when I found the parcel of land I call Chachalaka. Purchasing and getting real papers for the land is a story in itself. A very important step, that took almost three years.  The last three plus years, has been spent putting in infrastructure to support my vision for multiple homes on the property, and the design and building of the first house – Casa J.

People are surprised by the caliber of the design and quality of the house. I think many assume that if you are in a rural undeveloped area that you build something funky and rustic. To the contrary, Casa J is a contemporary house influenced by classic architectural modernists, such as Wright, Barragan, and Nuetra. I also, strongly believe any house built today should be eco-smart. Casa J was designed to consider thermal mass, natural air convection, rainwater capture, gray water recycle, thermal hot water, and solar panels for power, with a grid-tie system. High quality Italian tiles are used, made of 75% recycled material. This is modern sophisticated architecture that supports sustainable living.

This is a new idea for developing oceanfront homes on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. I think it makes sense and is the way of the future. As more people discover these virgin areas, controlling density, and requiring eco-smart features, should be part of any plan. This is an amazing area that should require smart thoughtful development. Casa J is a good start, a beach house with style.