Casa xido
An alternative kind of paradise.
Living in Mexico has been an fascinating experience. A different culture from the so called West.

Based on the surface, the Catholic religion colours the culture and society but underneath there are a lot of other things going on.  Festivals that have their origins in ancient rites veneered with the official religion, crafts that people still pursue in spite of modern industry. the slow pace that continues to exists in the countryside contrasts with the rushing of traffic and life in the cities.

After spending 12 years in the country I have seen and learned a great deal about what goes on ‘underneath’ the surface which is so much more interesting and cannot be compared to what the casual tourist finds in 2 weeks on the coast.

I had an amazing opportunity to be invited to work on an archeological site as a photographer which enabled me to really meet the people and work in the communities.

The idea of building the house came about purely by a chance meeting with a couple who were building experimental environmentally friendly homes.

 We talked and talked about the concept which was very exciting but at that time I had no intention to build a house - no money!

  However after a trip back to England I realized I could re-mortgage my flat and with that I had funds for house building.
Land was found and plans were drawn up and a house came into existence.

I was absolutely stunned at the location we found. 10 minutes from town but I could have been in another world far, far away and with the organic farm 5 minute walk away. I always thought of it as ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ although the centre is not ‘madding’ except of course, when there are festivals and there are many of them!

It took a great deal of effort to get the house feeling the way I wanted and then developing the skeleton of the land. Originally I had considered cultivating the land but finances did not allow me to do so - I had to concentrate on working externally from the land. I had always thought about the possibility of developing areas for animals like chickens, donkeys,  goats , dogs etc. I got as far as having 2 dogs and a cat.

Had I been a horse rider I could have built a small stable or shaded area there’s ample space– but I’m not the horsey type. Growing edible crops is another option but a lot of work for one person.

I hurt my neck and lower back, so working on land really became out of the question added to lack of financial resources which would have enabled me to hire labour.

I am somewhat saddened to make the decision to sell, but I feel that this is the best way forward for me now.

I have enjoyed the tranquility of the area, the ‘moveable’ lake ( high water in the rainy season and low water levels on the lake in the dry season where one can walk and see ruins, trees etc)  boating is also an option – the is a group who kayak and sail – but no motor boats.

I do hope that whoever chooses to buy this house enjoys it as much as I have.