Montavia Estate occupies its own hillside located between 2 creeks that run in converging deep ravines. At 3,500 ft (1,080 meters) above sea level, you can think of it as an island in the sky. There is only one zone of access connecting to a public farm road, so security and seclusion are excellent. The existing house, which is invisible from the road, has long views toward the coast overlooking a valley where cool breezes rise to provide natural air conditioning. Such a location in Spanish is called “mirador” which means golden view. Few such sights are ever available with undeveloped potential. That said, there are no comparables. The value of the property is entirely dependent on the owner’s capacity for creating value along side the abundant brilliance of natural creation itself. You can buy this property and it will take measure of your own value, but it will do so kindly and generously because this land has a spirit and those qualities are at its heart.
Traditionally land with this kind of grand presence becomes the base for a family, a creative venture or both. Many such properties feature a large mixed use building, sometimes called a mansion. These places draw visitors who enjoy each other’s company and share positive energy. It would make very good sense to incorporate the existing house as the ground floor that expands upward to connect visitors with the wonderful fresh air.
A process of development at this location could take place in several stages.
1. It can be occupied residentially, as in the past, while resources for further development are gathered and arrangements made. Such use could be temporary lodging within the very large Costa Rican hospitality system and as such profitable from day one.
2. Minor revisions would permit repositioning usage toward the business, scientific, and educational communities. This would increase cash flow and establish a presence as a working destination.
3. Between the existing house and the public road is a large orchard occupying the highest point of the mirador. This would be an excellent place for a mixed use lodge. In Paris and Florence we often stayed in small buildings that had offices on the ground floor and tourist rooms above, sometimes with a floor designated as a B&B. Such a usage with a rooftop garden/bodega would have a commanding view and acquire global recognition.
4. Proceeding down slope from the mirador an excellent internal road network connects at least half a dozen sites for large buildings and an equal number for smaller buildings. This zone could support a mixed use village connected by walking paths and electric resort vehicles. We could think of such an arrangement as a mini campus for education and science.
5. Further down slope is a zone that would be perfect for replanting the current forest as a “food forest” that serves the needs of local and migrating wildlife, including those birds passing between North and South America on the Pacific Flyway. Such a development could be done through student workshops that improve understanding of migration corridors.
6. At present, buildings, internal roads, and prepared building sites for future construction occupy about 12% of the 4.4 hectares (11 acres). Full build out as we have described it here could leave 85% of the estate as an integral and flourishing biosphere.
What we are presenting here is a way of thinking about relationship with land, based on the mobility of not only animal but also plant populations. In some sense we are all visitors in the living universe. Montavia Estate offers an opportunity to understand that better. Insight into such meaning is a central value, and in that, priceless.
We are happy to help you sort out development questions. Please give us a call. We would very much enjoy meeting you and hearing your ideas. Lets begin!