CRATE Ideas

Curated Coastal Living

Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

CASE STUDY: Transforming an Iconic Mexican Hacienda

CASE STUDY: Transforming an Iconic Mexican Hacienda

When the Forever Home You Imagine Does Not Exist, You Create It

What happens when your vision of a forever home in paradise simply is not available on the market? You create it.

That is exactly what these Washington-based investors set out to do when they wanted a residence in Mexico with room for gardening, cooking, entertaining, cherished guests and furry friends—all within walking distance of the energy, culture and conveniences of Puerto Vallarta.

Working with luxury real estate advisor Alecia Masters of Haus of Masters and Hogar Realty, these experienced entrepreneurs launched a highly specific search. The opportunity they ultimately discovered was a traditional Mexican hacienda in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s historic Zona Romántica.

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

CASE STUDY: From SoCal to Mexico, a Vintage Surf Serenade

When seasoned real estate investors from Southern California sought their next legacy property, their compass pointed directly to the Bay of Banderas. The world-class surf break of La Lancha in Punta de Mita, Mexico, with its mangrove-framed coastline and uncrowded waves, became the natural choice.

They turned to the design team from CRATE Interiors to bring their vision of a family legacy property in paradise to life.

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

✨ Why Savvy Second-Home Buyers Now Expect a Fully Furnished Arrival

As featured recently in Mansion Global, top real estate stagers and interior designers are seeing a major shift: today’s luxury homebuyers (especially in coastal markets and resort destinations) want homes that are move-in ready and beautifully furnished on arrival, right from day one.

And it makes perfect sense. When you’re investing in a vacation home or toptier rental property in elite (and often far-flung) destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita or Punta Mita, you’re not looking to spend your afternoons tracking delivery trucks or coordinating contractors.


Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

CASE STUDY: From Coastal Waters to Beachfront Living

How a Texas investor transformed two oceanfront condos into luxury vacation rentals in the Bay of Banderas.

When you already own a home on the coast, your expectations for a beachfront property are sky-high. That was certainly the case for a seasoned real estate entrepreneur from Texas, who recently turned his sights toward Puerto Vallarta’s premier coastline. Working with MexHome senior realtor Matt Ouelette, he came with a clear vision: high-floor units with panoramic ocean views, a specific paint palette, and a layout ready for premium vacation rental income.

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

Does it come with a warranty? Aftercare is everything!

Does it come with a warranty? Aftercare is everything! Why the Real Work Begins After the Big Reveal: Luxury Home Ownership’s Secret to Lasting Satisfaction.

In popular coastal and resort markets, luxury vacation homes must do more than just look stunning—they must also perform flawlessly for homeowners and guests alike. And maintaining that level of performance requires consistent, expert care.

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

CASE STUDY: A Forever Beach House in the Bay

Living The Dream: If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like investing in foreign real estate, managing a renovation long-distance and making the move to Mexico with a young family in tow, this couple from Austin Texas has the full story. And you won't want to miss this!

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

2025 Is the Year of the Renovation

We’re officially calling this the year of the reno.  Without a doubt this is the year savvy investors are rehabbing legacy properties. If you have dreams and aspirations to create a forever beach home or rental property in paradise, let’s create it together.

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

RUTHLESS RULES FOR STAGING

Casa Volador is a new build luxury residence represented by Haus of Masters. Come home to contemporary architecture in a renown residential community of Puerto Vallarta MX. This property is kitted out with every amenity to enhance the guest experience. Staged to sell, see it today!

Read More
Debra Stevenson Debra Stevenson

DESIGNING DREAMS | On the North Shore of Nayarit MX

Hello, fellow dreamers! As many of you know, we recently moved from Canada to the picturesque shores of Mexico. And I have joined the incredible CRATE Interiors team as a design consultant for this breathtaking region.

Read More