They recently re-visited after a two year absence and fell in love again with Cafayate and La Estancia.
PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELVES.
Tanya: Bevan and I are Canadians, living in Calgary. Bevan is a physician and I worked as a physiotherapist. We have been married for almost 20 years. We both love food, wine, the outdoors and we have always made travel a priority in our lives. We have been lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer our health care services in several countries, such as Croatia, Ecuador and Cambodia. We both agreed that one day we would like to experience living in a different country.
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT LA ESTANCIA AND CAFAYATE?
Tanya: I surprised Bevan with a trip to Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Bariloche one year. During this trip we learned of the Salta province, and Cafayate through the locals who all asked if we were planning on visiting “Salta, La Linda” (Salta, the Beautiful). It was not on our itinerary and although I enjoyed Argentina, I didn’t think we would be back.
Bevan: On this same trip, we appreciated many outstanding wines from the Calchaqui Valley that never make it to Canada.
Tanya: Several months later we had a trip planned with family that got cancelled at the last minute and we were wondering what to do instead.
Bevan: I had learned more about Salta and Cafayate since our first visit to Argentina, and stumbled across an article about LEC. We had also been exploring options of a home outside of Canada, so I suggested we check it out. We both thought it improbable we would end up with a home there, but were confident it would be an interesting place to explore.
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO BUY AND BUILD IN LA ESTANCIA?
Tanya: The drive from Salta to Cafayate was spectacular and we immediately were taken with the quaint town and the friendly locals.
Bevan: At this initial stage in the development, LEC was a field and a few dirt roads. The only building under construction at the time was the Club House. You really needed to use your imagination to envision the project.
Tanya: Within moments of being on the property and seeing the beautiful mountain views, we skipped the discussion about would/should we buy to what lot to buy! After reviewing the master plan we decided N20 was for us. We decided to build right away!
Bevan: We knew it would have some challenges but expected that would be a part of the adventure.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF CONSTRUCTING A HOME THERE?
Tanya: In general, building was a much more difficult and trying experience than anticipated. Not only were we new to building in a foreign land, but it was also a new venture for the developers. We were one of the first homes started and about the 10th to be finished. It was challenging but also it had some fun and creative moments. I am happy the building process has gone so much smoother for our newer neighbours. We do accept that when you move to another country that you have to accept the pros with the cons.
Bevan: Through it all, we never tired of the views, climate, food and wine!
AFTER A 2 YEAR ABSENCE YOU HAVE RECENTLY REVISITED CAFAYATE AND THE LEC COMMUNITY. WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOUR LAST VISIT?
Tanya: Since our last visit we adopted an anxious puppy. It was hard for us to get away often, and we felt we perhaps needed a new adventure, so we put the house on the market. We continued to travel when we could get good care for our dog and to suffer through our Canadian winters. This fall, Bevan suggested we go back to LEC for a quick holiday.
The first thing we immediately noticed driving up to our house was the number of new homes built and being built. We learned that more people were making LEC their permanent homes. We fully enjoyed meeting the new residents and felt very welcomed.
We enjoyed catching up with the neighbours we knew from before and seeing the friendly staff at LEC. I think the LEC staff is doing a great job - from maintaining all the facilities, keeping everything organized, being helpful and friendly. It was such a positive trip.
Bevan: After being away for a couple of years, we were very impressed to see the positive growth and stability of the community. We enjoyed meeting new neighbours that we are sure will grow into new friendships. The town itself was thriving despite being low season; restaurants were busy and new stores have opened. In every way, it was a very positive experience.
HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY SPEND YOUR DAYS WHEN YOU ARE HERE? WHAT ASPECTS OF LIFE THERE DO YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY?
Tanya: Our days go by extremely quickly. We typically rise with the sun, enjoy our coffee on the terrace looking at the beautiful view, then head out for a walk. We try to squeeze in as much outdoor activity (tennis, golf, walks, bike rides, sipping wine on the terrace!) between the long leisurely meals that are a part of the Argentine culture. Our days are very fluid - going to the market in town for a few items may evolve into a lengthy lunch with friends. Taking care of simple tasks that we would take for granted in Calgary (e.g. changing vehicle’s oil) become satisfying mini adventures as we learn to integrate into town with our “Spanglish”. We generally have family and friends with us to share the experiences.
Bevan: We love the LEC amenities including the world class gym, and of course the near constant sunshine, spectacular views, wine, food, and friends - both Argentine and from across the globe.
ARE THERE THINGS THERE THAT YOU MISS THAT YOU ENJOY IN CALGARY?
Bevan: When we spend an extended amount of time in LEC we miss our friends and family back home. But we have many new friends there too!
Tanya: I miss being able to access every imaginable grocery item every day of the year.
But this slight inconvenience is outweighed by all the positives of being in LEC.
WHAT LED TO YOUR DECISION TO TAKE YOUR HOME OFF THE MARKET ?
Tanya: Selling our home in Calgary and moving full time to Cafayate (with our dog, Bowie, of course!) will allow us to meet our goal of retiring early. Since we so enjoyed our last visit to Cafayate and LEC, we have decided to make that our retirement “base” and spend our days together in a beautiful climate, enjoying outdoor activities.
Bevan: We enjoy Calgary, but have tired of the long winters and my long work days. Being back in Cafayate with the gorgeous climate made us think “what are we waiting for?” So, we have begun the approximate two year process to unwind my practice here in Calgary and will we will then retire in Cafayate!
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If you would like more information on options to participate in living life in such a special place as Cafayate, please contact me. With confidentiality and confidence we can assist you to find the right fit for you to enjoy this wonderful place and invest in the bright future there.
Email: caseyteresita1@gmail.com
Tel: +54 9 11 4145 6640
WhatsApp: +54 9 11 4145 6640
Skype: tcaseyskype or +1 650 206 - 2550
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