Mansion Global: This Eco-Friendly Retreat in Costa Rica Overlooks the Pacific Ocean
BY MIAO LI |MANSION GLOBAL|
The property is located near the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, famous for its nesting sea turtles
LISTING OF THE DAY
Location: Nicoya, Costa Rica
Price: $3.495 million
Perched on a hill on Costa Rica’s northwestern coast, this eco-friendly retreat has no glass windows or air conditioning. Instead, its walls open to the outdoors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Pacific Ocean.
The homeowner, Susan Worth, hails from New York. She wanted the home to serve as a sanctuary—one where guests could live both indoors and outdoors.
“The house is designed to fully enjoy outdoor living,” Worth told Mansion Global in an email. “All rooms open up to a 180-degree view of the Pacific. The tropical gardens are beautiful.”
The Stats
With more than 6,000 square feet of living space, the two-story main residence on 25 acres was built in 2008. An existing guesthouse was renovated in 2011. There’s also a detached staff apartment.
Green Design
The home features an open floor plan; the living areas flow onto the terraces.
“This unique design brings people as close as possible to the natural surroundings,” said listing agent Gabriel Araya of Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty.
There’s no air conditioning in the main residence. Instead, the home has a ‘breathing roof,’which means it has vents that remove excess heat and moisture. It is the only one in the country, according to Araya. Water in the home is heated using solar panels.
Amenities
The tiered property includes 2,000 square feet of outdoor entertaining areas, including two infinity-edge swimming pools.
The estate is dotted with fruit trees, tropical plants and colorful flowers, and equipped with an irrigation system. A full-time gardener tends to the grounds.
Worth also owns the 1,100-acre ranch next door. If a buyer is interested in purchasing the ranch, she will entertain offers.
Neighborhood Notes
The Nicoya Peninsula has become popular with American tourists and homebuyers, who come to surf, practice yoga and enjoy the organic fare served at local restaurants.
The property sits near the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, where egg-laying sea turtles famously come to nest.
Agent: Gabriel Araya, Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty
