Time for a new life and house update, click here if you would like to see the Guatemala archives.
The works are mostly finished in the new room, and it couldn’t be soon enough that the workers vacate and let us enjoy the peace and quiet of the beach. They have been there non-stop since March, and even if we have been away for over a month during that time, going back to the noise, dust and constant solicitation is getting old.
But the results are worth it! We put in extra effort for the past couple of weeks as Airbnb guests had rented the full house and we needed the room to be ready for us to move there. It is still uncertain if we will keep our old room, which is bigger but under the roof terrace where everyone gathers and eats, or move to this smaller, newer one for good, and have our own little lounge away from the crowd.
This is the room, seen from our current building, we would be really separated from it all:
It has a roof on top, to arrange a panoramic terrace like the other one,
There used to be two big trees dangerously bending over the new room, so the guys went up there to cut branch by branch
which was super impressive as they were barefoot and climbing like monkeys, with no protection
and in a matter of a couple of hours, the view was clear again!
Here are a few features from the room: those red bricks have holes with mosquito nets so they can let the air pass
and you find them all above the bed too
There is an AC unit as well so the room isn’t fully sealed for AC, which shouldn’t be needed more than a month per year.
On the right when you get in there is a little desk with a view to inspire your favorite blogger
All the “furniture” is concrete to avoid having to clean underneath and becoming a nest for nasty critters.
The bathroom is big with a nice walk-in closet and a big mirror
The top is made from polished stones from the lake, and the shower has a big electric shower head like the other room
The bathroom floor is also made of polished stones.
And the toilet is next to the closet, with a window to the lake.
The ceiling is cement which was poured over some traditional mats that we removed once it dried so it kept the shape
And this is the view from the bed, which is a tainted window with a mosquito net
I will spare you the story of the guy who came to install it, a week later than agreed, and did a pretty poor job, then asked to be paid, so I said “sure, I waited for week for you to come, so you’ll wait for a week for your money”. Only after did I realize that he installed a door lock with super weird keys, and gave us only two copies that no store in town would duplicate, so I had to go back to his shop, ask where he bought the door lock, he wouldn’t say, then called his “provider” who said it is imported from the States, and in the end, if I lose those two keys I’ll have to change it completely.
Never get angry until the job is done AND tested…
Outside there will be a little patio space with a bench and table as well as a flower bed and power plugs to put a coffee maker or an ipod dock.
I know, it is a bit strict but once you throw a few pillows on top it should look nice. And it needs a concrete floor still, so you can just wash the whole thing with a hose. Again, we went for practical.
And this is the whole building viewed from the beach. The plan is to grow some flowers to give it more privacy if swimmers come back up to the guest house.
We built high as the lake is still rising and it is just the beginning of the rain season! The deck is already almost in the water and we will need to think about raising it a couple of meters for next season, or we would lose the wood.
The beach received the extra earth from excavating the hole of the new room, but the lake rising eats it slowly which calls for a new contention wall as well.
It will become the hen and turkey house, as they have been sleeping at the back of the guest house, but the rooster is very loud for the guests!
Our little ducks have been reproducing like bunnies lately, which is awesome. The ladies went to lay at a nearby land, we were worried at first that neighbors would hunt them but after a while they appeared with 9-10 little ducks each, so we have about 30 babies now! I tried to imitate Chinese restaurants sweet and sour duck with one of the big ones recently and it was a hit, so we’ll be eating the adults males, just leaving one and the females.
And Napoleon the Little Great Dane loves to run after them and make them rush to the water which is pretty funny to watch. He has severe mommy issues and separation anxiety, which I am entirely responsible for, but apart from having to follow me every single step I make, he is a really sweet dog. Guests love him and when we go for a walk people can’t believe he walks right by me without a leash. I tried to find pictures in the same position to compare his size:
He used to be on my lap all the time now I can barely hug him. Same for the sofa, he fit all and tail on it now he occupies the whole space.
I let you imagine how he eats… and poops!
I don’t realize how fast he grows because I see him every day, but people who haven’t seen him in a while are saying stuff like “I know it is the same dog because it is the same color but otherwise I wouldn’t believe it!”.
On the land development, works are going strong as well, although we are mostly doing cosmetic work at the moment. Four guys with machetes are getting rid of weeds and clearing the roads,
and the well will be dug next week. We also are building an entrance gate on the Easter part of the land
Stay tuned for the next update!
Great house! I like the ambiance of the house, there are trees, ducks, and beach. Perfect place to live, what can you ask for?. I wish I could have a place exactly like that. Looking forward to your updates!
Thanks Jayson! I will let you know when it’s up for sale haha!
I really don’t know how you do it all. The place looks incredible!
Cheap labor, that’s how lol. Those guys are like ants, they come, work, work, work, go home, still have the energy to play football, they are really impressive.
It will be so awesome when the construction is over. To think, in the past two years you have built so many things on your land!
Thank goodness for the lack of construction permits around here 🙂
It looks like it is coming together nicely, Pauline. I love all the stones you use. Your place will be a huge hit! And I can’t believe how big Napoleon has gotten! He looks like a great companion for you and the ducks. LOL!
He ate a few chicks a few days ago, I think it started as play and ended up as a meal… now I have to make sure everyone stays safe!
I remember when you first started all of this Pauline and look at the amount of progress! You have a beautiful piece of the earth to call home.
Thank you Kassandra, it is quite beautiful around here.
That house looks so beautiful. The views must be breathtaking. That must be quite a life! It looks like you still have some more construction to do but I am sure it will look great when its done.
Yes the views are beautiful, I love to see the water from bed, it looks like a cruise.
That’s awesome. Congrats on the changes. Better get that dock up!
Jay
Yep, I think it’s time!
The place is looking pretty good. I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. Maybe I’ll rent it out from you 🙂
Let me know! The two main units are ready now.
Wow that new room looks great! I’m still so impressed at how you’ve developed all the land and really made something out of nothing.
Thanks! It is nice to see it come into place.
Glad to hear all is well, Pauline. The new room looks great and it’s good news the house is rented. As to Napoleon, he looks like a lovely dog. Our ten month old border collie (Suzy the Dog) follow us everywhere as well (mainly John but the rest of us as well). Dogs are such good company, I find.
I love dogs too, they are super friendly. At least the ones I’ve dealt with!
Pauline, what a beautiful room. I love seeing how it’s all coming along!
Thank you Tammy!
I love to see the evolution of this fantastic project! Keep us updated!
Oh, I bet that was hard traveling back to the guys shop to ask about the keys! I would’ve been all sorts of nervous!
Napoleon is huge! He really grew into those feet! 🙂
haha yeah, not my finest moment!
My husband is from Guatemala and he wants us to move down there, we have 3 babies. I’m not sure about living there.