November 18, 2010
By Rob Cromwell
Las Gaviotas Community Views
In the late 1960’s, the Gerson Baker Corporation from Marin
County in Northern California began drawing plans and started
construction on a new development in Baja Norte. The development was
called, Las Gaviotas, located just south of Rosarito Beach.
For many years American tourists crossed the border and drove down
to the Rosarito Beach Hotel to catch the sun and surf along the Pacific
Coastline. As Baja became a destination point – an American developer
decided he, too, would invest in Mexico. His dream was to create a
unique enclave of homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean where Americans
could live and vacation year around.
Las Gaviotas – became a one-of-a-kind development – capturing the
title of ‘The Crown Jewel’ of developments along the Baja Norte Pacific
Coastline. The original vision of San Francisco developer, Al Wilsey,
was having a community of unique homes, washed in white with
traditional Spanish red-tile roofs, highlighting the Mexican Colonial
theme.
Full page advertising was placed in the newspapers surrounding San
Francisco and people began to flock to Baja to see this new
development. Guests were flown from San Francisco to San Diego and
driven across the border. They were housed in some of the first
cottages by the sea. After hearing the sales pitch, many began signing
on the dotted line and became the first owners in Las Gaviotas.
Included in the original development was a fully developed community
with sewers, underground utilities, water filtration plant and
community facilities such as a clubhouse, Olympic size pool, Jacuzzi,
tennis and shuffleboard courts, and sandy beach. Over the years Las
Gaviotas has continued to live up to its reputation as being a
prestigious development.
Las Gaviotas Clubhouse taken from Deitweiler home 1970
During this past decade, the homeowners association has continued to
add additional community amenities such as a community library, mail
and computer room; fully equipped exercise room with saunas; children’s
park and putting green. At the July HOA meeting, members approved an
expenditure of $80,000 for a new tennis court for members and guests.
As Las Gaviotas continues to grow and develop, so has their
homeowner’s association. Community members have continued to be
actively involved in the management of their community; making it the
best operated Homeowner’s Association in Baja Norte.
When it comes to real estate, the old saying is: location, location,
location. When it comes to Baja – and you considering location, a
buyer must first consider Las Gaviotas. It has never been a better
time to purchase a vacation, retirement or rental home in this
community. There are quaint bungalows to million dollar oceanfront
homes.
Las Gaviotas March 1970 Constructing Community Outside Wall
Homes in Las Gaviotas are just steps away from the
Pacific Ocean and only 25 minutes from the International Border. In
fact, most retirees consider this area and community just a suburb of
San Diego. Yes, after 40 years, Las Gaviotas remains a haven for
surfers and Americans alike – a magical community.