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Good luck with your new project! I am a US designer consultant who has found outstanding input on this site and in this forum regarding appropriate construction practices, terrific professionals of every stripe and specific suppliers and availability.
As to your concerns about design – traditional Spanish colonial architecture can appear “busy”. But that certainly is not the only design that I have reviewed in Costa Rica. I have been in some truly remarkable spaces there and have seen new-home builds that are using a wide variety of architectural motifs. I personally continue to be strongly influenced by the quality of Costa Rican light and it will powerfully inform my work there.
May I suggest that you carefully frame views, use the light throughout the day as a design motif, and choose simple materials that create a dynamic interplay? Carefully consider your site with long visits over several hours/days that will impart a strong and intuitive understanding that will drive your plans. I am also a driven professional, but as I turn my energies to Costa Rica I am trying to open and accept Pura vida….otherwise – what’s the point of the change? I look forward to seeing your posted plans!
I am interested in the answer to this question, but for other reasons. I design residential and commercial development concepts including exterior environments and architectural motifs. (Long name for the design of “everything outside”for big residential and commercial developments.) Can I reasonably do this work in Costa Rica if paid by off-shore corporations or US corporations? I also do some private estate work, but guess this would be in direct competition to Costa Rican professionals. Can anyone give input? Thanks.
Dear Scott (and friends): Thanks for the good info. The few articles quoting owner’s whose taxes were expected to go from under $95/yr to over $2,000/yr had me spooked! I am considering developing houses in the under $200K range, so this information is very helpful. As always, Pura Vida
Here is my guaro story…I wanted to try this ubiquitous Costa Rican liquor. One night last year, my husband and I were in a small taberna in Escazu snacking on bocas. I was washing them down with a margarita and on a whim, asked the proprietor if he had guaro. “Si, senora” and lickety split, he gave me a generous pour in a shot glass. I drank it down in one gulp and really sort of liked it. “Another?” sez he and I declined. About ten minutes later we began the long (uphill) walk back to our rooms. About half way back that deceptive guaro hit me like a big, happy slug from a pillow! I made it home, but my husband noted that I was weaving a little and grinning like an idiot! Yummers to guaro and Pura Vida!
Well here is a question about the green season. What are the typical green season conditions in areas such as Atenas, Orotino and Puriscal? I have heard that for most of the season, it rains in the afternoon – generally. Then for one or two months, it can just rain all the time. Would these months generally be October and November?
Well….these were pretty informative articles. Indeed, I have had at least two real estate agents from the area of Orotino, Atenas, etc., talk about how beneficial the new “road to the beaches” would be for real estate in the area. But from these articles, it really appears that there are just a few bridges to nowhere! Given the cost of the construction, I wouldn’t bet the farm on this road being done in the near future. I am wondering how long the drive is CURRENTLY from the Atenas/Orotino area to the beach. Anyone know? Thanks!
I am also very interested in information regarding property and casualty insurance specifically for periods while a site is under construction or during remodelling for resale. This is of REAL interest to me as I am making plans for some work there later this year for investment purposes. Also, does anyone have any input regarding earthquake insurance riders for property policies? Is it really high and does it vary according to where the property in Costa Rica is located? Thanks
There is a terrific community pool in Orosi near Cartago that is fed by warm springs. It has small ranchos and two or three different kind of pools. We looked in on our way to the natural hot springs next to the river and it really looked nice! It is about two km from the center of downtown Orosi. And of course it is SO pretty down there!
Hi! We just returned from three weeks and would like to offer some places that we really loved – also very reasonable….Very near the San Jose Airport is the Hotel Villa Dolce. This is owned by one of two identical twin Italian brothers (the other who owns an excellent little hotel in Monte Verde in the cloud forest which I’ll describe next). They provide free pickup to and from the airport, so are a great choice both in and out. reservations@villadolce.com. In Monteverde it is the Hotel El Viandante at info@hotelelviandante.com. An excellent hotel in La Fortuna (Arenal area), right across from the public park is the Hotel Arenal Carmela (manager is Jose Miguel Quiros) info@hotelaraenalcarmela.com. We LOVED Playa Montezuma at the southern tip of the Nicoya Pennisula. Excellent beaches, wonderful snorkeling at Isla Tortuga and a really charming place to stay at the Montezuma Gardens Lodge. Two young, terrific American brothers own it. Contact Ryan or Josh at info@montezumagardens.com The Montezuma Gardens is up the hill from town and has a really lovely on-site butterfly garden which is magical. For great tours in Montezuma contact Humberto at Zuma Tours which is right in the middle of the funky little Carribbean-style town. Restaurants to love in Monteverde are Flor Vida and Sophia and don’t miss Chunches Liberia for a little lunch above the library. Chunches is owned by a LONG time American expat woman named Debra Hamilton. In Montezuma Cocolores for dinner ON the beach and a great little soda is Naranjo.In La Fortuna, get off the main street and try a couple of the little sodas there. All of these places are under $70.00 per night and all but the Hotel Arenal include excellent breakfasts. We don’t rent a car, but rather take private or public transportation such as taxis and buses. Much easier in our view and definitely cheaper. Excellent transportation from Arenal to Monteverde is the Jeep-Boat-Jeep trip which takes hours off the trip and is beautiful. The hotel can arrange this for you. From Monteverde, take a minibus to ferry at Puntaranas to minibus to Montezuma. The speed boat from Montezuma to Jaco then the express bus or minivan back to San Jose cuts about three hours off of the trip. Otherwise, you can retrace your steps.
Hope this helps. The best advice about Costa Rica? Tranquilo – surrender to the place and the people and go with the flow…it is heaven! Pura vida Sue
Thanks to you both….is crhomebuilder indeed the famous Rom Rosenberger?? The process is of course much the same as here with a few significant differences. These differences are the ones which are critical to a successful project. For instance; future road plans which can either negatively or positively impact a project, i.e. a new road running THROUGH the new home – BAD, a major new road running NEAR the new home such as a project in Puriscal – GOOD! Water issues we share in the US Southwest which have all new projects required to “prove” a 100 year water supply. Otherwise, the needs are just the regular, general and proper hoops.
Tom sounds like the guy to know and there is ALWAYS the right guy to know. Tom, do you have a website where I might get further info on your services? Also, I see I will miss the construction fair taking place the end of this month. Next year’s event should work for me. Do either of you have any personal experience with this event.
Thanks so much for the prompt input! Sue
