Construction was completed on Casa Irene in November 2010 with the end goal of creating a traditional Mexican vacation retreat with all the conveniences of home. Although home decorating is always a work in progress, we reached our goal in February and have furnished the casa with everything necessary for a relaxed and welcoming stay in Yelapa.

The bedroom is oversized with a comfortable queen size bed, linens, pillows and blankets. There are end tables, reading lamps, and mosquito net. There is a roomy built-in closet, private entrance to the bathroom, door to the covered patio and a large double door in front with wake up views of the river and tree-covered hillsides.

The spacious great room includes a fully furnished kitchen, a living area with a comfortable twin size bed and built in bench which also provides a locked storage unit for your valuables. Ceiling fans and cross-ventilation help to cool the casa especially during the hotter summer months (June to September).

The kitchen has a four-burner gas stove and refrigerator / freezer. The Mexican-tiled counter is fully stocked with the basic dishes, pots and pans needed to prepare a meal, a small favorite snack, and/or mixed drinks! An excellent recipe for your margaritas hangs on the wall.

There is a coffee maker, blender, juicer, and large bottled water dispenser. Do bring coffee if you can’t do without it. There is an authentic Mexican table and chairs in the kitchen next to a large window with wonderful views of the Sierra Madre foothills.

The large double doors create an “indoor-outdoor” living area flanked by a giant Tescalama tree surrounded with native garden plants and flowering vines.

The tiled three-piece bathroom has private entrances from both the bedroom and the greatroom. The hot shower is stocked with shampoo, conditioner and soap.