Our Story & Creation of — Casa La Luz | Poconos Vacation Home Rental

OUR STORY | Who are we?

Allow us to introduce ourselves — Vernon, Jessica, and our cuddly sidekick, Benny Blanco. We're a heartwarming blend of first-generation Americans, with Vernon's family roots reaching across Trinidad, China, Venezuela, and Africa, and Jessica's family proudly calling Colombia home. Our dear Benny Blanco, a rescue from Patterson, NJ, is the furry soul that completes our cozy family.
In the heart of the tri-state area, Vernon is the craftsman behind Pow Pro Construction, a haven for marine construction. When he's not shaping the seas, he's crafting melodies, savoring delightful meals, and immersing himself in the world of sports.
Jessica, with her radiant spirit, leads alongside Vernon in Casa La Luz, a project close to our hearts. Between contributing to Pow Pro Construction, she spreads warmth as a Reiki and Intuitive Energy healer, using reiki, movement, and meditation to bring peace to the soul. Her joys include wanderlust, fostering connections within communities, Benny snuggles, creating cozy spaces through interior design, designing furniture that whispers comfort, weaving poetry, and indulging in an array of heartfelt artistic expressions.

Together, we're weaving a cozy tapestry of shared moments, passions, and the simple joys of life.

JANUARY 2019 - SEPTEMBER 2021:
In the cozy days of January 2019, we dreamt of a charming haven to call our own after our September 2019 wedding. Little did we know, life had its own plans, and the pandemic unfolded, reshaping our journey. The Northern NJ housing market turned into a bustling scene, with lines stretching for hours and fierce battles against corporate giants and cash-heavy bidders. Despite our best efforts in NJ, we found ourselves drawn to Pennsylvania.

In December 2020, with remote work allowing us to explore new horizons, we joined forces with our realtor, Chris, on his birthday, January 5, 2021. Our day-long search unveiled 12 homes, and as fate would have it, the last one stole our hearts – Casa La Luz. Despite its dated appearance, the house had been cherished by a pastor and his wife for two decades, a sanctuary they acquired during their Poconos journey. Uninhabited for a decade, it stood as a testament to their love and care, serving as a second home and vacation retreat.

The charm of Casa La Luz enchanted us that day, wrapping us in its light filled embrace and radiating a warmth that resonated deep within. Instantly, we knew we had found our sanctuary. A bid was placed, and by April 2021, the keys to our dream home were securely in our hands, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love and cherished moments.

Then the reno started, we worked really closely with our contractor to pick every detail and brought in Jennifer Jimenez Interior Design to assist with the kitchen design since those specific details was outside of our scoop and time. After a 1 year project of work being done by our contractor and alot of DIY and using Verns company to finalize touches and Jessica managed all of the design esthetics and choices- plenty of Pinterest boards.

OCTOBER 2021 - FEBRUARY 2023:
Our cozy haven, Casa La Luz, became not just our home but a sanctuary that welcomed countless friends and family. During the tumultuous days of the pandemic, it cocooned us in warmth, providing solace as we navigated the challenges of remote work. The walls echoed with laughter, and the rooms were filled with the comforting embrace of loved ones.

However, as the winds of change blew through the workforce, calling us back to the office, a bittersweet realization dawned upon us. The cherished retreat that had been our refuge was in Northern NJ, beckoning us back to the hustle and bustle of office life.

In December 2022, after much contemplation, our hearts heavy with the memories of joy and connection Casa La Luz provided, we made a heartfelt decision. Turning it into a vacation home seemed like the perfect way to preserve its magic. In March 2023, we opened its doors to the world, listing it on Airbnb and VRBO. The first guest arrived in May 2023, and since then, every stay has become a chapter in the unfolding story of our cozy haven-turned-retreat. The echoes of laughter and the warmth of our framily continue to reverberate through the walls, creating a history filled with shared moments and cherished memories.

Why did you call it Casa La Luz?:

Ever since the day we lovingly claimed our residence, it became more than just a home; it became Casa La Luz. The name holds a special warmth, a tribute to Jessica's radiant mother, Luz, whose spirit was a sunbeam of joy. Previously owned by a pastor and his wife, the house carries a legacy of light and an irresistibly cozy energy.

Casa La Luz isn't just a name; it's a feeling—an invitation to immerse oneself in a sanctuary that radiates love and luminosity, a haven away from the ordinary. Each room within is a deliberate ode to the outdoors, meticulously crafted to draw in nature's embrace and foster a harmonious connection.

In this cocoon of comfort, we've lovingly assigned names to some of the rooms, turning each corner into a personalized retreat. Step into Casa La Luz, and you step into a world where the name isn't just a label; it's a promise of a loving, light-filled escape from the hustle of everyday life.

LIVING QUARTERS: aqua/water
LIVING ROOM: luz/light
BEDROOM 1 (1st floor): fuego/fire
BEDROOM 2 (Primary Suite/2nd floor): aire/air
BEDROOM 3 (2nd floor/double queen): tierra/earth
SCREENED IN PORCH: luna/moon