Granada
Founded in 1524 Granada is known as the Jewel
of the Americas. It is strategically located on Lake Nicaragua and in
the shadow of the Mombacho Cloud Forest National Park.
Unlike other colonial cities in the Western Hemisphere it still remains
untouched from the intrusions of modern architecture or way of life.
Horse drawn carriage act as taxis, and people still sit in front of
their homes in rocking chairs during the evening.
Granada has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations,
and Villa El Martirio, is located in the historic part of Granada
VILLA EL MARTIRIO: a chance to own a piece of history
| Villa El Martirio is a two bedroom colonial home, on a sought after corner location in Granada Nicaragua, one the fastest growing tourism destinations in the Americas. Granada is undergoing a "renaissance" recently. A steady stream of foreigners and ex -patriots have been moving in, buying up the beautiful classic homes, and opening small coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. A few homes have been converted in boutique hotels and upscale B&B's. |
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Once a part of a grand governor's home, Villa
El Martirio is centrally located near Calle Xalteva, Granada's main
promenade and only ½ a block from the historic San Fransisco Convent.
Villa El Martirio has been completely restored and updated with all
the most modern of plumbing, electrical and other finishings. It has
two large bedrooms, an inspiring corner sitting room that opens onto
an elegant open- air ¾ courtyard. It is also been wired with cable television,
Hunter Fans, and two telephone lines.
The home boast ceilings that reach to over thirty feet high and walls over three feet thick which keeps the interior a pleasant temperature both day and night. The entire roof has been reconstructed according to centuries old tradition and with authentic materials including ancient 100 year old tropical mahogany and oak beams, roof tile, and doors.
Restoration of Villa El Martirio
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Begun in 1999, the original project was to remove the roof by hand. As the photos show the roof was dismantled by local artisans and pulled back all the way to the adobe walls. Any beams that showed signs of water damage were removed. They were replaced by other antique beams from other homes that of the same age. Unfortunately if these beautiful old homes are not maintained, especially the roofs, water damage will cause the walls to fall. When this happens many families replace the walls with concrete block and therefore no longer need the beams.
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These ancient beams of oak and mahogany are up to 100 years old and add to the grace of the home. The canes, or cana castilla, as it is known locally, is used to support the hand made tiles. The cane will last for decades if it is cut properly and of the right size. The best cane is found far from the nearest paved road and requires one to visit several farms where farmers adhere to the traditional methods.
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At the same time that the roof was removed, the bathroom was expanded and a shower added. Romex wire imported from the United States. Only the best fixtures and imported tile was used.
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The courtyard was accented with a small fountain and a large open-air kitchen was built with matching tile. A roof made of classic materials protects the kitchen from the sun and the rare shower.
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Fortunately, the seven pairs of giant mahogany interior and exterior doors and their hardware were in excellent shape. Nonetheless the have been stripped and refinished in order to remove paint and blemishes and to bring out the richness of the natural wood.
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The home is currently rented by a retired American executive and his family and provides a steady income. Nonetheless it is available for inspection or occupation upon a reasonable notice. The home is an excellent investment for those looking to get in on the ground floor of this exciting time in Granada.
Homes of this size and location are
going to command a larger and larger price as more people move into
Granada from Costa Rica and elsewhere to support the growing number
of upscale tourists that are coming to Granada. With a limited number
of quality artisans and materials available a project of similar scale
would now take over a year to replicate.
This magnificent colonial home is just $149,000
We also have another unrestored home in one of the best locations in Granada and a property overlooking Laguna de Apoyo.
For more information or to make an appointment
Contact us by E-mail
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a referral of realtor in Nicaragua? We were very happy with
ours. |