“I am a woman blessed by God, with big dreams, wife of the successful Cesar Vargas and mother of three beautiful children.” So declares Lilliana Madriz, who came from Costa Rica to Delaware by way of Pennsylvania with her husband and is now seeing her dreams come true.
Cesar is already living his dream. In 2006, he started his own business, C. Vargas Construction LLC, expanding from one room in their home to an office and show room at 401 Market Street in Bridgeville. As the business grew, Lilliana decided to work full time with her husband. She is in charge of all estimating — but that wasn’t enough.
Like her husband, she taught herself design principles by reading, observing and watching videos. While Cesar focuses on design-build services for outdoor spaces, fire and water features, outdoor kitchens, patios and decks, Lilliana loves designing functional, comfortable houses, particularly kitchens and baths.
Recently, the couple purchased property on Cannon Road outside Bridgeville to use as a shop where they could store materials. Lilliana took the opportunity to remodel the house on the property, putting in a new kitchen with all new appliances, updating three bathrooms, and redecorating and furnishing four bedrooms. She made sure the five beds were comfortable and provided good quality sheets — all thoughtful details that attract more guests. She named it “The Wishing House.”
Leaning on experience with rental properties shared by her brother back in Costa Rica, she listed the house as an airbnb rental. A privacy fence hides and protects the shop area.
With a growing number of wedding venues now in western Sussex County, including Vanderwende Acres (where Cesar created many of the outdoor features) and Willowbrook Weddings within 3 miles distance, Lilliana recognized the need for additional accommodations for out-of-town guests at weddings and other events. Staying in a furnished home with a full kitchen and even on-site washer and dryer is far better than a hotel room that’s basically just for sleeping, she reasoned. Described as “a cozy home on the beautiful Delaware countryside,” The Wishing House can accommodate up to eight overnight guests and even has a crib for a baby. It is listed on airbnb.com as “entire home hosted by Abril Ahynara Vargas.”
Cesar demolished the wooden deck, then added the outdoor spaces he is known for — not one, but two patios, one with a fire pit. He also built a stone ramp up to the back door, Lilliana’s idea with baby strollers and wheel chairs in mind. A pool will be added soon.
The house boasts free wifi and a 50-inch HDTV with Netflix and plenty of viewing options, but who wants to be inside when the weather is beautiful? The couple envisions their airbnb being enjoyed not only by travelers but also by local residents, perhaps those without outdoor spaces to share with their friends — for bridal showers or small business receptions. There’s plenty of free parking for guests.
One of the things Lilliana loves best about the house is the country scenery that can be viewed from the comfort of this property. “It’s nice that we can see tractors in the fields surrounding us,” she said.
“I love the people and the culture here,” Lilliana said. “The people are so nice and they always treat us very well. Delaware is a beautiful place to live.”
Lilliana plans to continue working in their original business, but she hopes to design and oversee the remodeling of additional homes that can also become rentals or perhaps even the building of new homes.
She shares her husband’s desire to provide beautiful places for other people. Cesar said, “Building custom outdoor spaces — or an airbnb — means building a peaceful sanctuary, a place where someone can go at the end of the day to forget about a stressful job, create memories with loved ones, and hang out with friends.”
He added, “We like to act as a bridge… between our clients’ dreams and what they enjoy in their outdoor living space.”
C. Vargas Construction is taking orders for projects for the spring of 2023 and beyond. Check out the gallery at www.cvargasconstruction.com, then call 302-470-2004 to see what dreams Cesar and his team can bridge for you.
For more information about The Wishing House, email Lilliana at thewishinghousede@gmail.com or call 302-470-2004.
