Las Ventanas Eco Quinta”]San Jose, Costa Rica. Ecological Quintas have become a new housing trend in Costa Rica, as several of these projects are currently being developed in different parts of the country, offering their residents the chance to live a rather unique lifestyle of luxury and comfort.
These quintas are large scale and highly valuable projects, which abide by the laws of condominiums.
The quintas have varied topography, but they all have their own plain area, perfect for all type of roofed constructions. Additional areas without a roof can be constructed as well.
The size of these lands ranges between 1,500m² up to 13,000m², in contrast to traditional residences which lot sizes range between 150m² and 300m².
Eugenia Morales, deputy director at the Federal Association of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica (CFIA), indicated that such properties are relatively new to the country, since they began to develop about four or three years ago.
The price of the lots varies according to their size and location, as well as the common areas and facilities they hold.
Prices range from $114.000 for a lot of 3,000m², up to $850,000 for a lot of 7,000m².
Besides their large size, all these projects share several characteristics that define them as ecological quintas.
For instance, they are exclusive gated communities which have high security services and surveillance 24 hours a day, most of them only having one single entrance.
In addition, all eco quintas are located in quiet and relaxing areas, while still providing access to all city services and proximity to the main touristic places in the region.
Also, these projects provide high quality infrastructure and luxurious facilities such as paved roads, ample sidewalks, tennis courts, club houses, swimming pools, recreational areas and playgrounds for children, green areas surrounded by gardens, and others, which ensures the comfort of all residents.
[captionpix imgsrc=”https://thecostaricanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/quintas2.jpg” align=”right” captiontext=”Casita Los Ceibos”]Another characteristic eco quintas shared is being surrounded by exuberant nature native to their location, which can include floral and fruit trees, forests, streams, and others, thus allowing residents to live a countryside type of lifestyle and enjoy amazing natural scenery every day.
More importantly, these projects are committed to the preservation and conservation of the areas where they stand, as well as to promote environmentally friendly practices among their residents.
However, Morales argues that these projects are not regulated by any environmental or municipal legislation. Therefore, each developer chooses which practices they want to promote and the sustainable community programs they want to implement.
There are currently four main real estate projects in the country that can be classified as eco quintas. These are: Hacienda Los Ceibos in Orotina, Cerro Luna in Alajuela, Rivergrand Estates in San José, and Las Ventanas in Guanacaste.
Not only are eco quintas an excellent choice for housing and accommodation, but they also represent a good option for investment.
More about Eco Quintas
Hacienda Los Ceibos is located 65km away from San José, along the highway to Caldera. It has a total of 45.4 hectares, out of which 7.4 hectares are permanently reserved for recreational areas, children’s playground, and an additional protected area, “Quebrada Huacas”, a flowing stream that crosses entire area.
The project boasts 78 lots of an average size of 4000m². Financing options are available with Banco Nacional for people who want to purchase one of these lots.
According to Fernando Batalla, developer of the project, 44% of the property been already sold. Four houses have been finished and two more are currently under construction.
“One of the main attractions of Hacienda Los Ceibos is the beautiful community that has joined us, 80% of which are Costa Rican families with whom with share the same values and ideals, and who help us take care of this beautiful place” Batalla said.
Upon purchase, owners will get a forest inventory of their lot.
“People make a commitment not to cut down the trees, and if they decide to plant new ones, they must use chemicals that do not cause ecological harms” Batalla added.
[captionpix imgsrc=”https://thecostaricanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/quintas3.jpg” align=”left” captiontext=”Rivergrand Estates”]
Cerro Luna is located 10 minutes away from Atenas downtown. The project consists of 13 quintas, which sizes go between 5000m² and 9000m². They cost approximately $32 per square meter.
Cerro Luna also has 20 lots which sizes range between 500m² and 900m². These are located at the entrance of the project, in front of the public road. Each lot cost about $80 per square meter.
Andrés Campos, architect and spokesman for the project, stated that clients will have the freedom to build their house in any style they want. They can either work with the architects of the project to customize their home or they can hire their own work team.
In addition, Campos indicated that the project stands over a zone that has been part of a deforestation process for 15 years, which requires taking the necessary measures to ensure the preservation of the place.
“In order to maintain the green areas healthy, we use organic fertilizers, ensuring the conservation of plants and animals, and avoiding the pollution of underground water” he added.
Furthermore, all residents must engage in the garbage collection and recycling programs.
Rivergrand Estate is located in Bello Horizonte, Escazú, just a few minutes away from restaurants, malls, banks, schools, health centers, and others.
The project has a total of 19 lots which sizes range between 7000m² and 12500m². Loans are available with banks and private financial institutions for a period of 15 years and 10 years respectively.
According to Jorge Ortiz, commercial director at Rivergrand Estate, the size of the lands makes sure that residents can build the house of their dreams.
“The size (of the lot) allows residents to have pets, gardens, fruit trees, swimming pools, as well as facilities for sports, recreation, and social activities” Ortiz said.
However, lots can only be used to build residential units for clients and family members, and all structures must meet the Community Norms of Rivergrand Estates.
Rivergrand Estates provides recycling and garbage collection services to all residents.
Las Ventanas is located in Playa Grande, Guanacaste. The property stands above the valley that surrounds Las Baulas National Park.
Phase 1 of the development is a low density project (3.5 units per hectare) with a total of 26 Quintas built with a Tropical Contemporary Style, based on bioclimatic principles and sustainable development.
The size of the lots goes between 5000m² to 9500m². Prices range between $135000 and $325000.
The project aims at creating a sustainable community by leaving more than half the land of the project in its natural state. Also, an important percentage of the developed areas will be gardened with native species.
In addition, the community will use water management methods that reduce runoff and facilitate water conservation, such as mandatory sewage treatment plants. Energy saving has been considered as well by taking advantage of natural light and ventilation, using microclimate gardening, encouraging the use of energy efficient materials, and others.
According to their website, there will be an architectural committee supervising the houses construction to make sure the designs are related to the community’s style, and verifying the materials and design referents.
At the moment, 10 quintas has been sold in the area.
For more information about these eco quintas please visit their websites:
http://www.condominiohdalosceibos.com/
http://www.cerroluna.com/
http://www.ventanasmar.com/
by David Gomez for TheCostaRicaNews.com
