Meet the Owners Series: Sandy and Jim Redmond (Casa Compadres)

Can you please tell us your name and a little bit about yourselves?

We are Sandy and Jim Redmond (owners of Casa Compadres in Sayulita). We spend about 6 months in Sayulita and the rest in the Seattle area, where we live on our boat and cruise in Washington and British Columbia.

What is it about Sayulita that made you want to buy a vacation rental here?

We came with our children to Sayulita via the riverbed from Punta Mita with a tour guide and had a beer on the beach at Costenos. This was in about 1995. We immediately thought this was a great spot to visit. We continued to visit Sayulita over the following years when we stayed at our timeshare at the Sheraton Buganvillias in Puerto Vallarta. 

How long after your first visit to Sayulita did you purchase your house/lot?

After 11 years of visiting and staying for a week or a few days, we were moving to New York and made a trip down specifically to look for a future retirement home and rental. We found Casa Compadres, which was only about a year old, and not yet listed for sale. Ian and Kerry Hodge had built it, and we contacted them in Portland, and closed in October of 2006.

Did you build or remodel your home? If so, please tell us one of the classic "you won't believe this" stories?

We have been remodeling parts of our home over the past 8 years. We retired 2 years ago and completed our last remodel to make it our home. Other than decorating and a few small changes we are living in our home and enjoying our life in Sayulita. Our best “can’t believe it,” was after we installed a pressure pump “bomba” on the house. Sandy was in the kitchen when water started coming through a column and running on the floor. After opening the concrete, we found a rag wrapped around a copper pipe that had been punctured by a nail and with the pressure pump, this just was not sufficient. Pretty funny, but only one of many experiences.

How long have you owned your home in Sayulita?

Since 2006.

Will you share with us some of the changes you have seen around town?

On our first visit to stay, we came from the airport and did not have any cash and realized there were no ATM’s in town. Luckily, we were able to use our credit cards that were driven into town the next morning to process. The roads were dirt, no cobblestone except on the main street, and there were lots of dogs on the beach. With SayulitAnimals, we have seen a huge change in the population and the health of the animals. The town is much busier now and there are a lot of great restaurants in town.

What in particular made you decide on this house rather than other listings available at the time?

We wanted something with three suites and a large open concept living room with a nice yard. Most of the other listings were either very broken up into small rooms, had A LOT of stairs, and were not close to town. We really wanted to be on the North side, close in, and a view of the ocean.

How would you describe the neighborhood your vacation rental is in?

Casa Compadres is on the North end of town where it is quieter than downtown (except when the festival is in the ball field). We have great neighbors and we all went in together to cobblestone our street. It is a short distance to the beach and the plaza. Our guests don’t need a rental car and we have street parking if they rent a car.

Who is the most interesting guest you have hosted at your home? 

Our Christmas renters when we purchased continued to rent from us for five years, they gave us a lot of ideas on opening up the large windows in the living room to enjoy the birds and the backyard. They were a family of four who we would love to have return.

What are your favorite things to recommend your guests do while in Sayulita?

Going on Ally Cat to enjoy the water, swim, great food, and we love the family feel of the trip. Take hikes or zip lines. Take beach chairs to the ocean for sunset with wine or cocktails and enjoy the beach and the turtle release at Campamento Tortuguero when it is turtle season.

What do you feel sets your house apart from other vacation rentals in Sayulita?

We have an open concept living room and dining room with a gourmet kitchen for either the guest or a chef to cook up a great meal. Our margarita deck on the top floor has an expansive view of the town, Monkey Mountain, and the ocean. It is a fabulous place to barbeque, have a drink, and enjoy the sunset. It is also the best place for coffee in the morning. We recently built a new pool that is heated with solar water and has a nice shallow end for the kids.

What advice do you have for someone searching for a home/land in Sayulita?

First, rent and stay in Sayulita to make sure the town fits your lifestyle. We spent time in Vallarta, and south and north, before we confirmed we wanted to live here. Come to Sayulita to search and buy a place. Don’t come on vacation, be focused on looking, and really understand what you are looking for in location and size of lot. Do your research on realtors, talk to them, ask around, and also talk with architects if you are building. The people living in Sayulita are a great resource, so utilize them! Once you’re here, get involved with volunteering, there are so many opportunities for you to find something you have a passion for.

SaveSave