Imagine a property with breathtaking views, the sweetest water, pristine rain forest and organic produce galore, right on the Pacific ocean, remote though accessible, right next to a National Park, world renowned to be one of the maximum biodiversity spots on the planet, inside a forest reserve and part of a 122 hectare refuge, with the permits for sustainable development and construction approved…

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…if something like that existed, what would be important to consider if it needed new stewardship?

The Property: A 64 hectare property on Playa Carate, Peninsula de Osa, on the south Pacific side of Costa Rica. It is part of the Saimiri Wildlife Refuge, named after an endemic species of white face monkeys.

Access is provided by land all year round with 4WD, 47 km from Puerto Jimenez. It’s at the end of the road that leads to the famous Corcovado National Park from the south. You can also fly in and land on the maintained airstrip right next to us with private or charter airplanes.

The Land: Undulating topography from sea level to approximately 425 feet above sea level at the highest ridge line. There are several cleared areas, including a front ridge, which have plateaus suitable for development. These plateaus are connected by an interior road, with the exception of the highest, which would require a small suspension bridge to connect it. There is a bowl shaped interior valley which is perfectly suited for construction. Otherwise, the landscape consists of primary forest, almost identical to the interiors of the Corcovado Park which it is adjacent to.

The property resides within the Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, and has been entered into the Wildlife Refuge program for further protection of it’s natural resources. This area is the south-west end of the biological corridor that extends all across the country to the Caribbean side.

Water: The property forms it’s own water shed, with 5 springs, providing over 30 gpm of water in dry season, of which one alone provides 20 gpm all year round. It is elevated 70m over sea level, so most of the building sites can be gravity-fed. A 6,000 liter two-chamber concrete tank was built right at the infiltration gallery in 2003 to provide constant clean water. This never affects the flow of the creek that runs poetically through the property.

The abundance and quality of water combined with the topographical features make it just perfect for a jungle spa resort.

Biodiversity: In addition to this area being famous for being one of the maximum biodiversity spots in the world, it has been lovingly planted with over 120 different species of tropical fruit trees, 7 kinds of bamboo, 25 species of palms, 20 sorts of banana, food crops and medicinals, carefully selecting noninvasive varieties only. Over a thousand trees have been planted in the last 5 years as part of the landscaping program. This added to the ancient primary forests which contribute to one of the most spectacular assortment of flora and fauna on earth. The list of wildlife is too long, but is available in the complete management plan study.

Development: Two major building areas, each large enough to fit a lodge with ocean views plus several building spots for private villas and cabins, made accessible through 1,100 meters of internal roads. The management plan outlines the extent of development allowable through the course of a ten year protection plan. All land is measured, catastrated and free of any liens or mortgages. It is inside the Forestal Reserve so neither here nor in the neighborhood any logging can destroy the existing nature.

 

The owner is entitled to develop and build the structures that are listed in the management plan of the refuge, which includes a fully equipped lodge, organic farm, educational center, commercial center and various residences. Considering the proximity of the national park, it doesn’t take to much fantasy to envision a mostly independent operation, since the original layout was conceived for a Center for Sustainable Living, based on tourism and permaculture.

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Even though the quantity for development allowed is far below national refuge regulatory possibilities, its total realization was never intended by the authors of the management plan. It rather represents a palette of options from which to choose carefully in order not to exceed overly impacting the zone. There comes a responsibility with this gem of property to make sense – more than cents with it.

The buyer consequently should be someone who is seriously interested in conserving this land long-term. That may include the realization of some sustainable development, as an Eco-lodge, combined with jungle spa and some private homes.

There are several beautiful examples in the area and around the world which show us the way for sensitive, low impact, though luxurious, design. They prove not only to be cheaper in installation and maintenance while being a lot more appropriate in the landscape than conventional construction ideas.

These are places that easily attract a select class of visitors with their intimacy and charm and utilize design concepts that stand for true respect and love for nature. They are intriguing, educational, humble, yet they are fun and they are successful because they truly convey the free spirit that is associated with and expected from a genuine tropical wilderness experience.

If you want to apply for the purchase of this very special property, we need to know who you are, what you intend and if you have any history, experience or contribution made to sustainability in any way. We will expect you to provide your complete personal data and a short profile of your professional activity.

This is a partnership with nature and with neighbors in an effort to protect a very unique place on the planet. We expect utmost integrity in business and in implementation of any project undertaken on the property in the future. If you cannot comply with these expectations, then this property is probably not right for you.

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Written by Deborah (Tao) Cain Watts who is an environmentally concerned Costa Rica Realtor who has lived in and loved Costa Rica for 17 years. Tao believes that: “The best way to save the rain forest is to own it.”

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