mlb pitcher mark melancon in the zone with riviera nayarit retreat

May 2, 2019 The Star

San Francisco Giants pitcher Mark Melancon was standing in the middle of the ballpark … and imagining himself in his hot tub.

 

No, it wasn’t an idle moment during a game or practice at Oracle Park. Melancon was test-driving the floor plans for his family’s dream home in Mexico.

 

He couldn’t get to the actual site so he made the most of home-field advantage by bringing the project to California. Developer Ricardo Santa Cruz and two colleagues flew up from Puerto Vallarta to map out the 19,000-square-foot mansion using stakes and rope in the stadium’s outfield.

 

“It was really helpful because it gave me a physical idea of how big each space was,” Melancon told the Star in a phone interview. “On paper, it was hard to grasp.”

 

The residence, designed by Arizona architect Rick Joy, will be a secondary home for the pro athlete, his wife Mary Catherine and their three children, ages 3, 4 and 7.

 

It’s the largest of 55 private villas at One&Only Mandarina, a new luxury resort and residential community on Riviera Nayarit, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. The other homes, which are being marketed by The Agency, range up to 11,000 square feet and are priced at roughly $4.5 million to $12 million (U.S.).

 

As the first buyers about 18 months ago, the Melancons paid $9 million for their retreat that’s perched on a private cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

 

“Your house is a really big house,” Santa Cruz had told Melancon. “We need a big, flat field.”

 

The pitcher, who has played for the Giants for two years since signing a four-year $62-million (U.S.) contract, knew just where to find one: his home stadium.

 

Santa Cruz’s team made two visits there — last fall and again in March — spending three or four hours positioning stakes and stringing yellow rope across the grass to outline the scale interior and exterior living spaces. Then the Melancons did a walk-through, tweaking and adjusting the layout before finalizing the design so construction could begin.

 

Among the changes were enlarged bedrooms and a wider kitchen after Melancon pictured himself opening the fridge doors and decided more room was needed. He also paid special attention to the gym.

 

“It was nice to be able to see how big it was,” he says, envisioning how his fitness equipment would fit. “I’m picky on that stuff.”

 

According to Santa Cruz, Melancon “had a really big wish list” for his tropical hideaway, which is divided into three buildings.

 

The final plans, customized for an active family who enjoy entertaining, include a media room, casino and game room, two hot tubs and two pools.

 

The infinity pool, which appears to hang off the edge of the bluff, isn’t designed for water games so a kid-friendly second pool was added, Santa Cruz explains.

 

He lauds the Melancons’ choice of location, which offers “spectacular views” of the beach, ocean, mountains, and the development’s polo fields and equestrian centre.

 

“What’s really cool about the home is one wing goes into the jungle so you get the full jungle immersion,” he says.

 

Calling the purchase a “wise investment,” Santa Cruz suggests a ballpark figure of $15 million as the appreciated value of Melancon’s property once his villa and the resort hotel are finished in about a year.

 

San Francisco’s Oracle Park, meanwhile, has been returned to its original purpose. Melancon and the Giants host the Toronto Blue Jays on May 14-15 after San Francisco swept a two-game series at the Rogers Centre late last month.

 

“Toronto’s one of my favourite cities,” Melancon says. “I love it there. The people are nice, down-to-earth.”

 

*Originally posted on The Star

x
Map of Mandarina, Mexico
x

Rosewood MandarinaRosewood Mandarina will feature a distinct, residential-style hotel and a collection of private residences, debuting in 2021.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

The JettyResidents and guests will set off from The Jetty on their seafaring adventures and gather nightly to watch the sunset.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

One&Only Private HomesThe villas are nestled within an exquisitely private location neighboring One&Only Mandarina.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

Rosewood ResidencesDebuting in 2021, Rosewood Residences will immerse residents in nature, treating them to the Rosewood brand of award-winning hospitality.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

Canalan Beach ClubCanalan Beach Club is situated along a one-mile stretch of pristine beach ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

The PointAn adult-only destination perched along the mountainside, The Point captures the most spectacular sunset views in Mandarina.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

The PlateauA distinct, poolside lounging and dining experience, The Plateau overlooks The Jetty and the ocean beyond.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

One&Only Majahua Beach ClubNested along the calm waters of the Pacific, One&Only Majahua Beach Club offers a setting of relaxed, casual elegance.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

One&Only SpaOne&Only Spa provides an authentically holistic wellness experience and open-air treatment rooms nestled beneath the trees.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

Kids' ClubThe Kids’ Club brings the wonders of Mandarina alive, featuring treehouses, butterfly sanctuary, water activities and nature trail.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

One&Only Private HomesThe villas are nestled within an exquisitely private location neighboring One&Only Mandarina.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

The FarmSituated within the Flatlands, The Farm features home-grown produce and a farm-to-table restaurant.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

The OutpostAdventure begins at The Outpost, the place to set off for a day exploring the trails or the jungle at Mandarina.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

Mandarina Polo & Equestrian ClubMandarina Polo & Equestrian Club graces the Flatlands, providing a remarkable destination for the equine-focused lifestyle.

DISCOVER MORE >

x

EstuaryThe estuary at Mandarina features a rich biodiversity and outstanding bird watching.

DISCOVER MORE >

Are you working with a real estate agent?