The First Gated Community in Atenas, Costa Rica – Vista Atenas.
Vista Atenas is a beautiful and well established residential community located in Barrio Jesus de Atenas just 5 minutes West of downtown Atenas.
Ground was broken on the development about 20 years ago by Andre Bastien and Jean Luc Sauve, two French-Canadians who had immigrated to Costa Rica years prior. This new development in the sleepy coffee farming town of Atenas was the first of its kind and would be the tipping point which would see the influx of foreigners flocking to the small mountain town.
The exclusive neighborhoods of San Jose such as Escazu, Rohrmoser, and Los Yoses had long been popular with Ex-pats wintering and retiring in Costa Rica but until the ground breaking of Vista Atenas, large scale developments had not existed in Atenas.
Monsieur Bastien had the insight to know that Atenas had many things going for it, in particular its location and climate. Located half way between the capital of San Jose and the central Pacific coast the small town was heaven. A reported study done by National Geographic in the early 1990’s declared Atenas to have “the best climate in the world”!
The “mother farm” that Vista Atenas was created from had been owned by Agricola Lourdes S.A. which was part of the Rodriguez-Baranquez family for years. It consisted of 53 hectares (131 acres) with amazing views of the Poas, Barva, Irazu, and Turrialba volcanos, San Jose and the Central Valley, Grecia, Sarchi, and Alajuela.
The AARP Ranks Atenas as…One of “The Best Places to Retire Abroad.”
An abundance of forested area and wildlife make the community of Vista Atenas feel tranquil and organic. The homes in Vista Atenas are surrounded by trees and nature allowing it to naturally blend into the mountain side.
With elevations ranging from 750-1000 meters (2475-3300 feet) Vista Atenas is a true example of “the best climate in the world” with daytime temperatures in the mid 80’s and night time low’s in the mid 60’s. Monsieur Bastien purchased the land and subdivided it into a total of 88 lots ranging in size from several hundred meters to over 10,000 m2.
The internal roads were built along with drainage, electricity, street lights, and a private well to provide water for the residents. The roads were donated to the municipality of Atenas, making Vista Atenas’ internal roads “public”.
Originally, Vista Atenas was considered a “restricted guarded” community with a guard house and 24 hour surveillance. There was also a guard rail which restricted access.
The guard rail was later removed because it is illegal to restrict access to a public road in Costa Rica. The security guards remained until early 2010 when the community eliminated their services.
Living in Vista Atenas, Costa Rica. Community Overview
- 88 Lots ranging in size from 430m2 to over 10,000m2)
- Total Community size 53 hectares (131 acres) )
- 70 homes/residences)
- Amazing views)
- Two private community wells)
- Paved internal roads (public) )
- Great infrastructure (Electricity, water, phone lines, cable, internet) )
- Vista Atenas Bed and Breakfast)
- Green Valley School (bilingual) )
- Established Community (20 years)
Three years ago an new well was added to the community so there are now two private wells that provide water for residents in Vista Atenas. Each lot is metered and monthly bill are paid at lot 88 to (Eugenia) who owns the very first property at the entrance to Vista Atenas.
Eugenia is one the daughters of the original owner (the Rodriguez-Baranquez family). She along with her husband Carlos are true gems and the “gate keepers” of Vistas.
There are currently 70 homes/residences in Vista Atenas. In addition Vista Atenas boasts a wonderful Bed and Breakfast, Vista Atenas Bed & Breakfast (www.vistaatenas.com)and Green Valley School (http://greenvalleyatenas.com/), one of the best private schools in the area.
Green Valley offers grade thru high school and has a bilingual curriculum. Both the B&B and private school are great additions to the Vista Atenas community.
Do You Have Questions About Property in Atenas? Telephone Dennis Easters in Costa Rica now on(800) 434-2089 or (506) 8571-7183
Vista Atenas was the first and is truly one of the nicest communities in Atenas. I can personally attest to this as my first home was in Vista Atenas. It’s amazing views, abundance of forest and vegetation, wildlife, and general peace and tranquility make it a premier community. A community in which anyone would feel privileged to live.
The First Gated Community in Atenas, Costa Rica – Vista Atenas.Article ID Number 3974
Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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