North Baja Sales

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.

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Hacienda Style Ocean Front Home For Sale in Las Gaviotas - Rosarito Real Estate by Kathy Katz

Las Gaviotas #19 Picudas Este – $998,000 USD – . Not only the location is great, right by the water with an amazing ocean view, but the architectural design inspired in a Spanish hacienda and beautiful and spacious garden areas throughout the property makes this home for sale in Las Gaviotas a unique buy for quality buyers. The second bedroom is actually a detached ‘casita’ or guest house complete with kitchen, living room and bathroom.