The Crew - Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

It took a long time to get Hector on-board due to his other obligations.  He's proving himself every day.

 

From left to right - Braulio, Ruben, Hector Vargas ("el Jefe"), Egardo, Angel 

Great work ethic.  Very dedicated.  Highly recommended.
Hector is a 2nd generation builder (30 years experience) and his built Rincon's finest homes.

Dave Stiles, Project Manager:
Dave's the best!  He's been on the island for 24 years. Originally from Jersey (we still like him despite his heritage).  A Master Carpenter by profession, making surfboards is his passion - "Enchanted Island Surfboards".  His two sons, Dave Jr. and Jake have inherited their Dad's love for waves and it's a real treat to watch them tear it up.  Dave is also the local rep for Anderson Doors and Windows.  Hey Dave, you having fun yet? 

Trip to Mexico for Ideas and Materials

Over the course of many months while sourcing various materials for the house, I came across a Mexican tile supplier located in Austin, Texas - Clay Imports Artesanal (http://www.clayimports.com/).  What a great find!  Clay Imports offers authentic Talavera (hand-painted) tiles, sinks and accessories in addition to Saltillo floor tiles.  They work in partnership with a family in Dolores, Mexico located in the Guanajuato region.

View of Guanajuato        

At the suggestion of the owner of Clay Imports, in September 2009, Shannon and I took a trip to Dolores to tour their factory and to visit some of the nearby towns (San Miguel Allende and Guanajuato - "World Heritage" city) known for their exquisite Talavera work and absolutely incredible 16th/17th C Spanish architecture.  We met up with Nick Barriero from Clay Imports who travelled 16 hours from Austin to meet with us and guide us around.  He does the trip several times a month. We were also introduced to the owners of their factory, Hugo and Angelina.  They are the real deal.  Great people!

Cobblestone street in San Miguel Allende                                                    Our hotel room in San Miguel

Nick - after a few shots of unbelievable Tequila

                                                           Shannon and her really old friend

Clay Drying Pits

Light Fixture for the Dining Room

Tile Factory

Each tile is hand-painted

What is really cool, Clay Imports will let you customize the colors for any of their tile patterms.  So we've each come up with our own scheme.  Here are some examples. 

         

Ground Breaking Ceremony

March 25, 2009 - christened with a six-pack of Medalla's. The Price 4 + Doug and Marika were on-hand to celebrate.