We thought it would be prudent to write a blog post on why our property, Patagonia View Investment Property, is such a special piece of real estate. So, without further ado…here are ten reasons why this is a Bariloche real estate opportunity like no other.

1. All three of our houses will forever and always have unobstructed views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Fossil Island, Isla Victoria, Cerro Bayo and the Chilean Crest.

One of the aspects that we will always treasure about our three years in Bariloche was experiencing and enjoying the ever-changing views that played out beyond our windows. Our house, Vul Hue, was built with vision…aspects of the 270 degree Lakes District vista is appreciated from every room in the house, except for the bathrooms.

It was a common belief shared by us both that we were pretty lucky…we had our own private “Discovery Channel” in our 5 foot by 11 foot living room window. Whether it was the condors flying by, the cotton candy colored sunrises, the rainbow shows or magical Patagonian sunsets, some of our greatest moments were simply spent drinking mate and enjoying one of the best views we have had the pleasure of appreciating first hand.

2. Two of the three houses have an excellent rental history and large profit margin.

In fact, all existing deposits will be credited go to the new owners. Reservations have been showing an increase with each year, with many reservations confirmed extending into 2011. The main house, our house, could easily be converted into a rental, as well. If the new owner chooses, the properties can remain working with our vacation rentals company, Bariloche Vacation Rental, securing an immediate income with no work required.

Our ability to live in this special region in the world was made possible by the income provided from renting out the two guest houses. But there was one other aspect to our property that helped when it came to living abroad…our guest houses offered a superb place for those friends and family that dropped by to experience the splendor of Patagonia. We have never had the option of offering loved ones a great little guest house of their own when they came to visit, and we must say it was a delight and pleasure to welcome them with the views, privacy and comfortable feel that both of our places offer.

3. All three properties are private, with their own separate entrance.

We would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the original developer…he did a great job with the layout of the property.

When we were figuring out what we were going to do for income while living in Bariloche, we discussed many types of businesses that were needed…travel agency with a real-time approach to correspondence, a massage studio, ski guides, adventure tour company, a bed and breakfast lodging facility…in fact there were so many different options for a person with an interest in creating their own business that it was a bit like being a kid in a candy store for social entrepreneurs like us.

But one day, as we were sitting on a big boat filled with hundreds of visitors to the area, we realized that we didn’t necessarily want to be forced into daily contact and hours shared with vacationers. Some time was great, but a bed and breakfast or guide company, we decided, was maybe not exactly what was best for us…we had a lot of different business ideas and wanted to make sure that one would not take away the necessary time needed to create the other business plans that we had.

So we decided on a happy medium…the vacation rental business.

And we came to learn that our property, which was originally chosen because of the spectacular views that will never grow old, was absolutely perfect. Our guests had the pleasure of having us there for questions, but at the same time had their own private haven. And we had ours. We found that our guest’s travels and our lives crossed when need be, but when the cherished moment of feeling like you were in your own treasured paradise was desired, the sanctuary was there, too.

4. Trade up a social class while substantially cutting your cost of living.

What many of our visiting guests quickly realize is how far the Dollar, Euro or Pound goes. We believe there are very few places on earth that offer such a high quality of living for the price as is found here in Argentina,  and specifically Llao Llao.

We came to learn that our section of Bariloche was blessed with several amazing dining options. So many in fact that we decided to write a guide book about the impressive dining, Bariloche Restaurant Guide… who would of known that one of the most beautiful places on the planet would also be accessorized with exceptional cuisine, as well.

One story tied to this, and a memory that we will never forget, was enjoying an entertaining 5-star dinner at Los Timo, an open-door gourmet restaurant located across the street from our property, with some great friends visiting from the States. The atmosphere of the home-transformed-into-cuisine-spectacular is friendly and dining patrons are encouraged to share conversation, if so chosen. Our foursome group ended up making acquaintances with the likes of the internationally-known artist Juan Lascano and his beautiful partner. The evening left us feeling as if we were enjoying the culture of Paris or New York, but with the addition of some of the most intense natural beauty in the world. (Not to mention the Lascanos became friends of ours, and when a surprise encounter left Juan being one of the last from the neighborhood that we were able to give a hug to, tears came to both of our eyes as we realized that connections offered to us by living here are true treasures that we are incredibly grateful for.)

5. The property offers a steady monthly income.

In these days of uncertain economic times, experts are suggesting that those wanting to protect their future should be converting speculative investments into a hard asset – like premium real estate – especially those that create a reliable income stream. Buying real estate in Patagonia, and elsewhere, is one of the safest and the most lucrative investment opportunities out there. Income producing properties, for example, help create positive cash flow and passive income. By making investments in a strategically located property, one can guarantee oneself of wealth and at the same time, safeguard one’s investment.

And our Bariloche property has, in fact, proven that to us. Another aspect we are incredibly grateful for.

Click here to download the 2009 profit and loss statement.

6. All three properties are fully equipped.

There are a few interesting things to look out for when buying in Argentina that real estate agents don’t let on to newcomers…one being that common things that would be included with a property sale are usually not…for example such important household items as fixed light fixtures, the washing machine, refrigerator, stove, etc. are usually pulled out and left for the new owner to replace. You know, aspects to a property that any buyer would find pretty important.  Well, with our property, the new buyer will skip such a headache as trying to find new light fixtures just so they can move the furniture in.

Click here to download a copy of the inventory list.

7. We will offer unlimited support to the new owner. Additionally, there is a team (operations manager, housekeeper, landscaper, handyman, and accountant) in place to ensure a seamless transition.

Now this point alone is pretty spectacular for the buyer…not only is the property completely ready for the new owner, but there is also a trustworthy, hardworking crew ready and excited to meet the new owner. Take advantage of our research and dedication to create and find the best crew for a smoothly operating vacation rental company that provides high rental rates.

8. All paperwork for the rental units, as well as the property’s title, are in order and ready to be transferred to the new owner.

The buyer will be assured an easy transfer of ownership.

9. Enjoy the fruits of our labor.

We spent the last 3 years pouring our heart into the property. In addition to making sure each home had all the necessities needed for a great living experience, we also made the outdoor environment pleasing as well.

As we mentioned before, there are a few aspects that are different with Argentine real estate transactions. In addition to household items being removed, another act sometimes performed  by the seller is to remove the established outdoor plants, drastically changing the landscaping that was originally advertised. This happened to us and left us with some major work to be done. And now three years later, we can honestly say that we take great pride in the product we created. The tiered gardens, rock pathways and patios, enhancement to the natural species that already graced the land, like 2 happy and healthy Monkey Puzzle trees, as well as restoration of the large grass area big enough to play on, all help in taking advantage of the spectacular eye-candy that lies beyond.

Click here for a list of improvements we have made to the property.

10. The Lakes District has no shortage of water.

In the future, as water becomes a scarce resource, owning property in a zone with assured access to clean drinking water will be vital.

As scary as it sounds, it is a reality that many cities around the world will soon be in a crisis of having minimal access to life’s necessity, water. In fact, Chile is already discussing the dismal future of their access falling below necessity. It is safe to say that this will never happen to those that choose wisely and invest in areas surrounded by water, like Bariloche. Our property is located across the street from Lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest lake in the region, and has three other lakes within a few minute’s drive. In addition to this securing access to the golden fruit of the future, it also allows for some aqua fun, like scuba diving, water skiing and beach time.

Today is our last day in Patagonia. In fact, after we publish this post, the computer is being turned off and off we go.

It was a no-brainer to wake up for sunrise and sit on the couch and watch the show, one last time. We were not disappointed.

a low flying condor passed by to send us his saludos

a beautiful rainbow popped out to wish us luck

there was an unsual amount of bird activity, especially for winter

and the Andes shined white

We want to thank all of you for reading over the past 3 years. ¡Estamos en contacto!

A special quality that I love about the forests around Bariloche, is that the trees are huge. And they talk when the right amount of wind gets them moving.

Here is a clip of some Lengas blowing in the Patagonian wind. If you turn the volume all the way up you can hear them squeak with the push of the wind, sounding very much like a whale. Listen carefully around 25, 30, 53, and 58 seconds, as well as minutes 1:34, 1:37-9.

Although there have been thousands of moments in our five years of living in Argentina that we will fondly remember forever, there are a few that sparkle more than others. Here are our top five experiences, in no particular order…

Participating in a Quinceañera: We had the pleasure of being treated to this experience twice. And no doubt about it, it is something that as a female I will never forget. It was incredibly precious to see the love and admiration that both sets of parents had for their little girl becoming a woman. In both families money was scarce, but both parties were festivals. Literally! Amazing and awe-inspiring…if I ever have a daughter, it is most definitely a party I look forward to throwing.

Meeting the Scorpions: I am still not sure how it happened, but getting to see the Scorpions in a private concert for around 50 people at the Hotel Llao Llao ranks up there as one of those true “rockstar” experiences. That we were able to shake the hands of Klaus, Rudolf and Mattias and get quick hugs was out of this world. Amazing really!

Rudolf and I

Skiing in the Big Andes: for us there are a few places that rank up there with the big, big Andes…the Chugach Mountain of Alaska and the Alps of Europe. These giant peaks that are blessed with long descents of sustained, steep pitches is just what us soul skiing adrenaline junkies yearn for.

Marine Life in Puerto Madryn: our trip to Puerto Madryn was something that was so incredibly special that I sometimes think back upon it and wonder if it really happened. The up-close-and-personal time that we had with 50-foot southern right whales, 100-strong-plus colonies of elephant seals, and the chats with grey-tailed foxes, guanacos, armadillos and other lovely creatures was breathtaking. Thanks to the animals for letting us hang out in their world for a little bit.

Road trips: definitely one of our favorite aspects of living here was having the time to do car trips and see this amazingly large country. Having the ability to stop when and where we wanted allowed us to see so many different special spots that would have been passed up if we had been locked down to a bus route. One moment that I will never forget was getting to walk with Bergen around the 1,000 year old Quilmes ruins in northern Argentina. I would have to guess by the look on the park rangers faces when they gave us permission, as well as the snorts from the llamas when they saw us walking around that Bergen was one of the few doggies to get to see the ancient landscape.

True, this is only a snippet of our experiences here, but I cherish each one so very, very much. ¡Muchisimas gracias Argentina!

As you may know, or not, Jamie and I moved to Argentina five years ago, moving to Bariloche two years into living abroad. Being mountain lovers and outdoor adventurists, we first came to Bariloche on a four month sabbatical from the intense and draining San Rafael, Mendoza summer heat. We decided that we would use our time to do two things:

1. study the real estate market

2. play in the outdoors as much as possible

It is safe to say we went at both with fury…

We got to know the city of 150,000. Buying a book of Bariloche maps, we drove around all of the different barrios, getting to know each one…which ones we liked, which ones were definitely out of consideration. We found which ones had the sun, which ones stayed cold. We listened to the chatter of many different real estate agents (and found many to be a bit on the self-serving end). And then we took the information that resonated with us and did our own homework. Listing after listing, there was one property that kept shining bright at us but our realtor that we were working with to see properties didn’t want to show it to us.

When it came to playing outdoors, we enjoyed ourselves as if we were youngsters once again…goofy grins of appreciation sitting on our faces as we took in the extensive lush and healthy forests and lakes of the Parque Nacional de Nahuel Huapi…slack jaws of wonderment as condors flew close enough for us to hear the wind rustling their feathers…sunsets that lasted the length of a well-chilled homemade beer made by the brewery down the road.

We fell in love with Bariloche quick.

this picture was taken during the sabbatical and by chance my hair is pointing at the location of our future Patagonian home

As time went on one thing became more and more clear…there was one area in Bariloche that kept us coming back for more…the Llao Llao area.

And, coincidentally, or not, our investigative work came to show us that Llao Llao was exactly where the property that kept calling out to us in the listings was located. It was only a month into our four months of Bariloche detail when we found the property that would end up being our future home, but we both knew in our hearts that we had found something very, very special.

Now three years later, we are selling our beautiful property and gearing up for the next adventure.

I am so very grateful to have wandered upon this wonderful place on my sendero of life. Thanks Bariloche!

We are happy to announce that our Bariloche Restaurant Guide is now free to download.

Please go to our Bariloche Vacation Rental main page, and page to the bottom, click on the link to download.

¡Buen Provecho!

Lago Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Lopez and Cerro Capilla

One of our favorite parts of Living in Patagonia in winter is being able to see the sunrise without having to wake up too early.

This morning we were fortunate enough to be treated to this gem.

Amancer en Cerro Bayo

After several days of precipitation, the clouds quickly parted this afternoon.

We took a nice stroll down to the beach across the street for sunset this evening.

Here are a few photos…

Cerro Capilla

Cerro Millaqueo and Cerro Tres Picos

Cuyin Manzano