Looking for a rental

[donblanco]

We're coming into town Feb. 9-14 with a friend. We're looking for a 2-br rental, not sure what the friend wants. We have several preferences, but not sure what part of town would be better for this:

* decent view, pretty important
* no car, so parking is non-issue
* Within a mile of bigger stores (groceries, etc.)
* Within a couple of blocks of tienditas
* Prefer not to be blasted by any of the new high-powered speakers blaring banda until 4AM
* Not worried about church bells or cohetes
* Prefer good window exposure to the east/south (more concerned about warmth in winter than heat in summer)

My first thought was down in the bowl, as we're familiar with that area from our previous visits, but I'm not sure what I would *need* down there on a daily basis. Except maybe restaurants. But then we're vegan, and I've only seen a couple of vegan/vegetarian restaurants so far. So maybe halfway up the hill, facing east?

As far as actually finding/viewing apartamentos, the online Chopper is less than helpful. Is the print version better? Also, what other sources are there locally? (bulletin boards, etc.)

Thanks in advance - hope to make a Sunday brunch while we are there.

Glenn and Bryn

[James Doran]

Glenn and Bryn:

We might have just the place you are looking for. I searched the town for a year and finally found this place and we bought it a few months ago. It is in what I think to be a perfect location. Google maps has it as Callejon San Isidro 14 but the address is really San Isidro 13. The blue house.

It is a five minute walk down to the Baratillo and Central Jardin, about 15 minutes to the Hildago Mercado and the Sorriana Mega Store and Tienda del Sol, both very large stores with everything. There are several tiendita's close by and "Verdura Avenida" near the Baratillo. Everything is within 5 to 15 minutes walking distance. We have figured out some of the buses, too. For instance, if you have a big load of groceries the Calzada Guadalupe takes you up the hill to a few blocks from our home for 8 pesos. (If you are 60 years old, the insen rate cuts it in half.)

We live in the lower apartment and the upper apartment is available to rent. It has one very large and nice master bedroom and two smaller bedrooms that are not small. We have converted one of the smaller bedrooms into the sala, living room. There is a spacious bathroom with a good shower and its own gas water heater. A washing machine is available and a clothesline for drying.
There is a good sized kitchen with stove and refrigerator and plenty of shelves and drawers. There is also a little terrace off the kitchen with a view towards the city.

The place has very nice light. It is on the east side of the bowl, below the Panoramica, but high enough up the hill to be away from the noise of El Centro. We are in a family neighborhood and people park on the street, so it is considered very safe. All the neighbors are friendly. There is a little dog that yaps at people on the street sometimes but nothing that disturbs the peace and quiet of living here. The home has very good windows and ventilation with ceiling fans. It is a bright and cheery apartment. The place was remodeled a few years ago so the electrical, plumbing and gas all work very well.

One of the best features of the property is the back yard garden. It is completely private and very nice with orange trees, bougainvilleas, and a giant cactus, etc. The front yard, entry, also has a very nice garden of trees and variety of plants. It is sort of a natural setting in the center of the city.

We live in the lower apartment. The upper apartment is the one for rent. It has it's own independent entrance. the property is very secure with good fencing and a good gate. I like the upper apartment because it has a better view and ambiance about it. However, we are in the lower apartment, at least for the foreseeable future. Our plan is to stay here until April and then go back to Washington State for the spring and summer and come back again in November.

The apartment will rent for $600.00 USD. It is fully furnished. That price includes the water and sewer, garbage and electricity. You will have to pay for the gas. That's about it.

It is difficult to send pictures through this website. If you give me your email address I will be happy to send you photos. You will like it.

You will also like Guanajuato very much. It is a jewel.

James
(360) 393-9506
jim@doranlegal.com