Location: Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
There are very few places on the planet where you can live sustainably next to a National Park and an acclaimed 5-star resort. The video (see below) and photos show the property in sections that could be for friends/family or sold as parts of this hydro powered organic property featuring two homes, an automated enclosed greenhouse, and other structures with a total land area of 65 acres (26 hectares): the main house complex; the casita; and 3 areas with pastures and prepared building sites. The entire property was mindfully designed to be long-lasting and low maintenance while keeping you connected via high-speed internet. Covered walkways link all structures which were completed in 2012. Lying at a fresh altitude of 1,200 meters, panoramic views abound up to the National Park, down to San Isidro’s lights, and across the entire valley Del General.
The very private main house "complex” sits on 40 acres (16 hectares) with garage, views of the tranquil stream running behind the house. You can go from your piping hot solar-heated bath or spa shower, out the bathroom door and down a 100 foot walkway, to take a “cold plunge” into a natural pool just below a 7-foot cascading waterfall. Featured: 3 bedroom 1,350 square foot main house; 1,480 square foot enclosed automated greenhouse; 700 square foot bodega “clean” storage; 3 car garage; solar hot water system; complete hydro-electric system; 200 mature fruit trees; 1,500 exotic wood trees for harvest; network of concrete walkways for “all climate” access between buildings, fruit trees and hydro system; 4 hectares of no maintenance cow pasture for horses or other animals. The enclosed greenhouse has a large production capacity, measures 85 feet long by 17 feet wide. There are seven irrigation zones servicing four raised beds, potted plants on benches and hanging flowers that can be rotated into the houses.
The Casita sits on 3.7 acres (1.5 hectares) with panoramic views. There are 1,600 square feet under roof in an “Eco Nest” inspired floorplan (studio plus one bedroom) with 2 granite outdoor eating tables, garage, solar hot water, high speed internet, and a concrete walkway that goes 150 feet behind the casita to a meditation bench surrounded by the tranquil stream and jungle.
There are 3 building sites or “fincas” all with panoramic views to the 5-star hotel Alta Gracia, the valley below and San Isidro. Each building lot is prepared with closeby water and white PVC 3-rail fence with entrance gate. The existing hydro-electric system production is sufficient to service all lots/fincas. Finca 1 consists of 15 acres (6 hectares). Finca 2 consists of 5 acres (2 hectares). Finca 3 consists of 3 acres (1.2 hectares) and has the biggest view.
Self-Sufficient Infrastructure - This property has abundant water with various streams, 2 large ones above the house used for the hydro system and other smaller ones throughout the property. Redundancy is built into the hydro-electric water sources by using 2 disconnected streams. The system will continue to operate using water from just one of the streams. Special stainless steel intake screens protect the system from allowing any debris into the 3” pipes that run underground to the hydro generation system. Rocks, branches, leaves and fish glide over the self-cleaning intake screens to ensure trouble free operation even during the heaviest of tropical rains. A strong spring services the house complex and is gravity fed. Redundancy is built into the drinking water source at the top of the property above the casita with both a tank and rainwater collection system and the option to pump from a large fresh spring up to the tank.
Agriculture since 2010 - In addition to many medicinal plants, roses, ornamentals and flowers, over 4,200 reforestation trees were planted using native tropical species. Working with reforestation experts a long-term plan was created to produce over $100,000 in revenue using 2-3 hectares (5-7 acres) and planted with over 1,500 exotic wood trees with the intention to harvest in 15-40 years. This is legal harvestable wood which could be sold or used for structures or furniturel. These six species are Mahogany (caoba), Rosewood (cocobolo), Brazilian Cherry (guapinol), Cristobal, Ron Ron, and Spanish Cedar (cedro amargo). 100 flowering or “painted trees” in seven species flower in sections based on the view from the house according to the “color wheel”. These seven species are Cana Fistula, Carao, Cortez Amarillo, Jacaranda, Malinche Real, Orgullo de la India and Roble Sabana. A full representation of native and tropical fruit tree varieties of over 200 trees representing 60 species were planted and organically cared for since 2010.
Maintenance Flexibility - Every finca in Costa Rica needs maintenance, the amount depends on the level of “finish” or care given to the fruit trees and the frequency of cutting the grass to keep it at a low level. Costa Rican workers or “peones” are very happy working with the weed wackers, which represents 80% of the work needed to maintain this farm at its current level. The fruit trees are producing and the wood trees are tall enough to grow naturally without cutting around their bases. Most farm owners in Costa Rica do not personally do the work of farm maintenance, they employ good hearted locals who enjoy this kind of work. Many owners enjoy personally harvesting bananas, pineapples, papayas, citrus and other fruits, sometimes preferring to personally prune trees and care for plants close to the house. Having steady local workers allows for a less stress and a more enjoyable way to enjoy the natural beauty of a “gentleman’s farm” in the country.
The Neighbors - The property abuts the 5-star resort, Alta Gracia, which has 50 high end “casitas” (over ½ mile away as the toucan flies), private airstrip with ultra-light tours, 3 gourmet restaurants and equestrian concept with over 750 acres (300 hectares), just below the majestic Chirripo National Park and Costa Rica’s highest mountain at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters). The public road meanders through much of the hotel’s 750 acres before arriving at the end of the public road and the property entrance. Altagraciacr.com Situated one valley away is the project called RISE on over 800 acres which is a high end wellness concept retreat with long term residences. Like neighbor Hotel Alta Gracia, RISEcostarica.com is also a $30 million dollar project, confirmation of the long term investment value in clean living that this property represents.
"Information is deemed to be correct, but not guaranteed"
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