Castillo de' Arena (translated means: Sandcastle) is our Dream Beach
Vacation Home. We decorated it as a home, not a daily rental unit. We
purchased only the best and you will benefit from the quality. Each
and every room was decorated with love and care. Each piece hand
selected. All the rooms are floored with beautiful tile. If you are
looking for an UPSCALE retreat, to relax and enjoy, then we
welcome you to our Sandcastle on the beach. Natural, undisturbed
beaches stretch for miles. Rarely will you come across another
person. The pace is slow and your days and nights are totally up to
you. We are constantly adding new things to the house with every
visit. While we wish we could be there full time, we can't and we
decided to share our dream with you.
This luxurious home, with over 6500 square feet, is located on 5
private acres. Included in the 5 acres are 30 meters of private beach
front. The lot is planted with over 100 young, coconut palm trees and
various native vegetation. Many of the coconut trees have begun
producing delicious coconuts. The house is built to American
specifications.
When you arrive to Castillo de' Arena, you will immediately be greeted
by the wonderful beach breezes blowing through the palms and the sound
of the tranquil ocean. Depending on what time you arrive, you will see
and hear different things. You will also get a wonderful first glimpse
of the beach path and the gorgeous blue, green waters of the gulf of
Mexico. You may have seen the wild, bright, pink flamingos that are
across the road from the house. If not, you will have many
opportunities to experience this wonderful, rare moment during your
stay. Then you will walk on the sidewalk that is bordered with pink
and white flowers, to the front entrance.
Open the door and enter the marble foyer and the beginning of the BEST
VACATION OF YOUR LIFE!!!! To your right is the living room, dining
room and kitchen. Also the large sliding glass doors that open off
the living room to the over sized, covered, soapstone patio. If you
go to your left, you will encounter the only downstairs bedroom and
bathroom.
The living room has 2 very comfortable leather coaches and a over
sized leather chair. There is a hand made coffee table, a TV, and a
glass writing desk that sits near the sliding glass doors.
The kitchen is oversized and has All the conveniences of home. There
is an abundance of counter space and cupboard space. Plenty of room
in the kitchen for more than one person without tripping over one
another. The perfect place to try your hand with the local cuisine of
fish and fruits and vegetables. While in the kitchen, you have
beautiful views of the ocean, breathtaking sunsets through the coconut
groves, various Yucatan Audubon recognized birds , and the constant
intoxicating breezes of the ocean.
The large, marble dining room table seats up to 8 people comfortably.
There are very large windows to not obstruct the beautiful outdoor
view while you eat. There are also Roman shades on every window if
you would like a more intimate dinner, or to block the sun during the
bright, sunny days. It overlooks the soapstone terrace, beach, path
to beach, and native plants and of course, the coconut trees. There
is also an island/bar off the kitchen.
The downstairs covered patio has several lounge chairs and 4 different
choices to place a hammock. The view is hard to describe as anything
less than perfect. The beautiful gulf waters, the
vegetation, the various birds (flamingos, humming birds, pelicans,
seagulls, cranes, sandpipers, mocking birds, owls, etc...). Fishing
boats, sail boats, and dolphins will occasionally pass by in the distance.
The downstairs bedroom has a queen sized bed, dresser, hand made
armoire wardrobe, built in nightstands with three drawers each, a
ceiling fan, built in corner cabinet, and a large window that faces
east. Spectacular sunrises can be viewed from this room. If you
prefer, there is a custom made, roll down curtain. The bathroom has a
glass shower with seat, pedestal sink and toilet.
If you are about to go up the stairs, to your right is a small hallway
and door that lead out to the back patio, one room apartment or maids
quarters and laundry facilities.
Up the stairs, when you reach the first landing, you will be head
level with the large window that faces the flamingo reserve. You will
also see the second floor landing to the large sized patio that
comes off the first bedroom on the second floor.
When you reach the second floor, to the immediate right is the first
bedroom. This room faces east and south. Early sunrises and a
constant, uninterrupted view of the flamingo reserve decorate this
room. There is a queen sized bed, built in night stands, built in
corner cabinet, and a mirrored closet. There is also a ceiling fan.
There is an attached bathroom with glass shower with seat, sink,
plenty of storage space, toilet, large mirror and another ceiling fan.
There is a door that leads to the balcony facing the flamingo reserve.
It is over sized and a perfect spot to use binoculars or a high
powered zoom lens on a camera or camcorder to view the flamingos. The
reserve is protected and completely natural. Early in the morning, you
can hear their very distinct communication sounds. There is also a
spiral staircase attached to the balcony that allows you to use the
large flat roof for a more spectacular 360degree, unobstructed view of
the area.
Returning to the hallway, facing the ocean, there are two bedrooms
that are side by side. There is also a hand crafted armoire wardrobe
in the hallway.
The bedroom to your left is the "Master Bedroom". It too has a queen
sized bed, built in nightstands, TV, clock radio, built in dresser
with 6 very large, cedar lined drawers. A large window facing the
ocean and a door that leads to the second balcony. There are many
locations to hang a hammock. The view from this balcony is pristine.
Endless blue skies, unobstructed view of the many colors of the Gulf
of Mexico waters as far as the eye can see. Local fisherman
frequently boat across in front of the house, pelicans soar overhead
and skim the ocean water. We've seen dolphins and many fish jumping.
Sunrises and sunsets are also viewed from this room. The starry night
is inspiring. Since there aren't any city lights, the stars are so
bright and seem so very close. Relaxing in a hammock and looking at
the stars is the perfect way to end the day. You can still hear
the ocean and feel the breeze. When there is a full moon, it is
spectacular to see it bouncing off the ocean waters. Every day comes
complete with a unique sunrise and sunset, never repeating itself.
There is a small, wooden desk that faces the ocean. I have sat there
many times, writing letters, and keeping a journal.
The attached bathroom has a large walk in, glass shower with a bench
seat. It is big enough for two. There are many drawers and cabinet
space. It also houses an enormous walk in closet with mirrored doors.
There is a ceiling fan, sink and toilet. In the closet you will find
an iron, ironing board, and 3 sealed rubber containers that keep the
towels and sheets and extra blankets for the entire house, clean and
smelling freshly washed.
The bedroom to the right is very similar in size and has the same
amenities as the "Master Bedroom". A queen size bed, built in night
stands, a mirrored closet, attached bathroom and a large, sliding glass
door that leads out to the shared balcony with the Master Bedroom, TV,
built in corner cabinet and attached bathroom. There are also a set of
windows that face East, allowing the Sunrise to greet and wake you.
The bathroom has a glass shower with ceiling fan, seat, sink, toilet
and plenty of drawer space.
The apartment/maid's quarter, located on the first floor, facing west,
makes up the 5th bedroom and bathroom. This room is a mini apartment,
with it's own refrigerator, shower and bathroom. This would be a
perfect spot for the family with an older teen that wants their own
space, or for a nanny, or for a hired housekeeper. (Not included in
the rental price.)
