Meet the Owners Series: John and Susan Dagen (Casa Susana)

Will you please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself?

We are John and Susan Dagen, the owners of Casa Susana. We are fairly long time residents of Sayulita and also live in St Paul, Minnesota, near our families in the summer months. We enjoy fresh sea air, exercise, and sunshine!

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

Coming from a cold Wisconsin climate, it was a great escape. With the added bonus of a vibrant culture and beautiful tropical scenery, it seemed the right thing to do.

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

About six months.

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

We built on a very solid existing foundation. What? Cash only? Ouch!

How long have you owned your home in Sayulita?

Going on 15 years.

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

Sayulita truly was a quiet village back in those days. In the summer months, no sightings of gringos or vacationers.

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

We decided to build to get what we want. Existing casas back then were not plentiful.

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

The north end is a very sought after neighborhood. Quiet, tranquil, an easy walk to the sea, and a short walk to town, YET, far enough away to escape the party if need be. There’s also a lot of green space and room to breathe. 

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

There have been so many wonderful folks. We recently hosted the HGTV “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” film crew -- all 20 of them. They did an interview with the property hunters on our upper level terrace overlooking the sea. The drone flew over Casa Susana right when they were stating that beachfront homes can exceed a very high figure, which made us feel good. Season 13 “Hooked on Sayulita.”

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

Walks along the ocean, Friday Mercado del Pueblo, fishing/sight-seeing tours, and all the many fabulous restaurants.

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

Because Casa Susana sits on a ridge between two arroyos (rivers), it offers abundant green space. On the first tier of the hill, it is an easy walk up and down, yet gets you into incredible views and breezes. The lower level and upper level are totally private from one another. One can rent the entire casa, budget-conscious upper level, or the lower level. Huge wraparound terraces and a uniquely large open design sets our casa apart from most. 

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

If you plan to rent out your casa, vacationers are looking for a view of the ocean. 

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