Summary:
Encanto, Costa Rica, is a planned real estate development of vacation homes near Pavones. The project includes 58 acres of ocean view property on the southern Pacific coast, evergreen construction permits for seven residences in the phase one parcel ("Phase I"), the Encanto trademark and the Webby-award winning web site www.EncantoCostaRica.com.
The project is currently permitted for immediate groundbreaking in Phase 1 with 7 residences. The developer's plans include 4 phases. The Phase 1 plans comprise 7 residential units with separate title that can be sold as condominiums. Alternatively, ownership can be retained by the developer for a luxury, boutique hotel.
The development is owned by Aqui Volvere S.R.L. of San Jose, Costa Rica, and is currently registered in Costa Rica with the trade name Encanto Vacation Homes. Aqui Volvere S.R.L. is seeking a buyer with access to long-term equity capital and construction financing to unlock the potential of the property as a boutique hotel managed by a hospitality provider, a mixed use hotel and condo residence, or an exceptional private estate. Aqui Volvere S.R.L. will accept purchase of the property and its assets in its entirety, or is available to consult with new owners for future development.
Encanto is one of the few large pieces of land available in an area that is still pristine and underdeveloped. Encanto has multiple building sites on natural plateaus, ocean views, clean drinking water and incredible natural beauty. The site has almost half a kilometer of road frontage for high visibility and easy access. The site contains a natural artesian spring, which has been enclosed within a 25,000 liter cistern.
The building permit has been obtained for Phase I and is evergreen, i.e. without expiration date. For a new owner to begin construction, the only requirement would be to update the filing fee to reflect any change in estimated materials costs. The Phase I permits allow for construction to be adjusted up or down by 10% on a square meter basis. Alternatively, a new owner could apply for a building permit for a different building and master plan of their own design.
The permitted residences of Phase I include one 5-unit multi-family building, "Miradores" that contains a food and beverage service area, and one 2-unit building, Aguas Verdes, and various outbuildings including a guard house. The residences were designed by Brain R. Neumann, AIA (American Institute of Architects) of Berkeley, California.
A furnished sales office exists at the entrance to the property and comprises one large receiving room and office, one large enclosed storage area for materials and equipment, a side room to serve as an employee or guard house, spacious covered terrace and finally a wash closet / restroom.
Pricing and Details:
Aqui Volvere S.R.L. is offering the development project for $1.2 million, which includes the fully titled 58 acre property (23 hectares) with several ocean view sites; on-site sales and construction management office; building permit for the construction of 7 residences in the 2.8 acre phase one parcel; the Encanto trademark name registered for use in vacation residences in Costa Rica; and the Webby award-winning Encanto web site at www.EncantoCostaRica.com.
Local Area
Encanto is located in the town of Cuervito de Pavones and overlooks the Golfo Dulce, a rare tropical fjord. Encanto is near the world-famous Pavones surf break, one of the top surfing spots in the world. The broad Pavones area has surf breaks for all levels, from beginner to expert. Kite-surfing and standup paddle boarding have also taken root in the area. The area is also frequented by birders and nature lovers. The Golfo Dulce is a renowned sport fishing destination, where anglers can find billfish, tuna, red snapper and rooster fish.
The water temperature is approximately 27 Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round. A five minute drive from Encanto brings visitors to public access beach areas, where one can walk for miles along soft sand without seeing a single high rise or hotel. The area's beaches are protected by a strict zoning law which forbids ocean-front construction.
The local area has a significant expatriate population of second home owners from the United States and Europe. While demand for higher end properties has continued through the recession, there is a very limited supply of homes that meet buyers' standards for design and quality.
Exceptional design by San Francisco area architect
The phase one parcel includes 2.8 acres (1.13 hectares) with spectacular views of the Golfo Dulce. On this parcel, seven exquisitely designed residences have building permits from the Municipality of Golfito. These are the Miradores jungle lodge, which contains five residential units and a food and beverage café, and the two unit Aguas Verdes duplex.
Mr. Neumann said, "The design of Miradores is influenced by the Hacienda movement that spread from Spain to Costa Rica's coffee plantations, and Aguas Verdes is inspired by the lowland plantation homes of the pineapple barons." The residential units are designed with energy saving and sustainable features. Perspectives and elevations are available on-line at www.EncantoCostaRica.com/residences.html.
Access and infrastructure
The 58 acre (23 hectare) property is fully titled and transferable. The property has 450 meters of public road frontage, giving the project excellent access to electricity, telephone service and internet connections. In accordance with the Central American Free Trade Agreement, Costa Rica is opening its telecommunications market to competition, which will further enhance communications options.
Health care
A health clinic is located in the town of Comte, a fifteen minute drive from Encanto. Regional hospitals and private health clinics in Golfito (1 1/2 hours by car) and Ciudad Neilly (2 hours by car) offer outpatient and emergency services. While 1 1/2 hours may seem "far" for a hospital, it is comparable to many rural and resort areas in the United States; e.g. in Montauk, New York, one has to drive 1 1/2 hours to reach Southampton hospital.
Physical site, natural resources
Encanto's 58 acres (23 hectares) sit at an approximately 100 meter elevation. There are 11 identified building sites on rolling pasture. A mile-long hiking path winds through the large green areas set aside for wildlife habitat and nature exploration. These areas include primary and secondary forest and a natural waterfall and swimming hole. Titi monkeys, white face monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans, and parrots are some of the wildlife that call Encanto home.
Encanto has abundant sources of drinking water. A 25,000 liter cistern encloses a year-round artesian spring within the phase one parcel. Water sources for future phases of development are available throughout the property.
Links:
The Encanto marketing website, winner of a Webby Honoree. Flash introduction, front page modified to reflect "for sale" status.
Map of Encanto's location
Interview with Brian R. Neumann AIA, Supervising architect for Encanto
Architectural perspectives and floor plans for the 2-family Aguas Verdes home. (1.65MB download)
Architectural perspectives and plans for the 5 unit Miradores jungle lodge (3.61 MB download)
Local area news: www.GoodMorningPavones.com
LaMagna Neumann Development, Inc. is a real estate development and marketing company in Berkeley, California. For more information send an e-mail to lisa.lamagna@encantocostarica.com.
Mar 9, 2011
May 14, 2009
Encanto named Webby Honoree
Encanto, Costa Rica was recognized as an Official Honoree of The Webby Awards in the website category for Best Use of Photography. The web site www.EncantoCostaRica.com is a sensual, full screen immersion in nature and architecture.
Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet. This year, The Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries and fewer than 15% were deemed Official Honorees. Encanto was honored with a Webby in the same Best Use of Photography category as web sites for Hard Rock, Benjamin Button, Visit Norway and Windows Messenger. The Webby Award Winner in the category was the Boston Globe.
"Encanto breaks through the clutter of real estate web sites," said Lisa LaMagna, of Encanto. "When it comes to condo living in Costa Rica, Encanto is a small gem in a sea of rhinestones. A small project needs an edge, and Encanto's edge is exquisite design."
Brian R. Neumann AIA is the supervising design architect for Encanto's residences. Mr. Neumann captured the photographic images for the web site during site visits to Costa Rica in 2007 and 2008.
"When I discovered the southern Pacific coast I fell in love with Costa Rica all over again. I didn't take these photos specifically for the web site, but to capture the poignant beauty of nature in its most pristine form," said Mr. Neumann.
"Brian has a good eye and he's that rare combination of right brain and left brain. Brian creates emotionally stirring images and living spaces, and he's equally competent in construction details or exposure options," added Lisa LaMagna.
Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet. This year, The Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries and fewer than 15% were deemed Official Honorees. Encanto was honored with a Webby in the same Best Use of Photography category as web sites for Hard Rock, Benjamin Button, Visit Norway and Windows Messenger. The Webby Award Winner in the category was the Boston Globe.
"Encanto breaks through the clutter of real estate web sites," said Lisa LaMagna, of Encanto. "When it comes to condo living in Costa Rica, Encanto is a small gem in a sea of rhinestones. A small project needs an edge, and Encanto's edge is exquisite design."
Brian R. Neumann AIA is the supervising design architect for Encanto's residences. Mr. Neumann captured the photographic images for the web site during site visits to Costa Rica in 2007 and 2008.
"When I discovered the southern Pacific coast I fell in love with Costa Rica all over again. I didn't take these photos specifically for the web site, but to capture the poignant beauty of nature in its most pristine form," said Mr. Neumann.
"Brian has a good eye and he's that rare combination of right brain and left brain. Brian creates emotionally stirring images and living spaces, and he's equally competent in construction details or exposure options," added Lisa LaMagna.
Apr 14, 2009
Tamarindo Pacific Interiors Named Design Firm for Encanto
Encanto, the innovative new development in southern Costa Rica, has named Tamarindo Pacific Interiors as their exclusive provider of interior furnishings and design. In the coming weeks, Encanto will unveil the interior design packages being sold with the project's Phase 1 Residences, which are the seven unit jungle lodge called Miradores and the two family Augas Verdes house.
Encanto's development team interviewed several interior design firms in Costa Rica and southern Florida, and chose Tamarindo Pacific Interiors on the basis of their high quality furnishings and fabrics, clear understanding of the environmental and usage needs of Encanto, and innovative furniture and interior design layouts. The design team's ability to balance aesthetic beauty, spatial qualities, and high quality products is creative and effective. Tamarindo Pacific Interiors has a manufacturing plant in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, and uses kiln-dried hardwoods and and high quality fabrics that can withstand the extreme fluctuations of humidity in Costa Rica. The interior package designed for Encanto will reflect Encanto's unique position as Pavones' premier residential community.
Encanto's development team interviewed several interior design firms in Costa Rica and southern Florida, and chose Tamarindo Pacific Interiors on the basis of their high quality furnishings and fabrics, clear understanding of the environmental and usage needs of Encanto, and innovative furniture and interior design layouts. The design team's ability to balance aesthetic beauty, spatial qualities, and high quality products is creative and effective. Tamarindo Pacific Interiors has a manufacturing plant in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, and uses kiln-dried hardwoods and and high quality fabrics that can withstand the extreme fluctuations of humidity in Costa Rica. The interior package designed for Encanto will reflect Encanto's unique position as Pavones' premier residential community.
Feb 17, 2009
Fractional Ownership Programs Like Encanto's Recognized as Smart Investments
London's Daily Mail writes that Fractional Programs allow an investor to "buy into a lifestyle he couldn't otherwise afford." (See article here.) Unlike traditional timeshares or destination clubs, fractional ownership programs like those offered at Encanto are recognized as lower risk and higher value.
Another important distinction is that Encanto's fractional residences are sold debt-free. At destination clubs, the operating company that owns the club frequently has a mortgage on the underlying homes, and members' annual dues are inflated to cover interest payments. Not so for Encanto's fractional ownership program: Encanto's annual dues go strictly towards maintenance, operating expenses, property improvements and owner amenities and services. Clearly a better value.
Another important distinction is that Encanto's fractional residences are sold debt-free. At destination clubs, the operating company that owns the club frequently has a mortgage on the underlying homes, and members' annual dues are inflated to cover interest payments. Not so for Encanto's fractional ownership program: Encanto's annual dues go strictly towards maintenance, operating expenses, property improvements and owner amenities and services. Clearly a better value.
Feb 2, 2009
Encanto introduces fractional ownership program
Considering all the costs of maintaining a mostly vacant second home, the headaches, and the language and cultural barriers, ask yourself, "Why pay for time that you are not using?" Research shows that the average second home is used less than 30 days per year. Maintaining a second home in a foreign country is extraordinarily difficult, and most owners throw in the towel after 5 years.
Encanto Fractional Ownership offsets the time owners are not using the property, and shares the ongoing operational costs with other co-owners who share in the same property. This concept of fractional ownership originated by owners of private jets and yachts, and has extended to the world of luxury vacation homes. The cost savings can amount to tens of thousands of dollars every year for the same high quality property, year after year. Meanwhile, owners still enjoy the opportunity for long term appreciation.
Encanto Club is offering 1/6th stakes on each Encanto residence, offering owners two separate months during the year to occupy their property. A rotating schedule and on-line owners exchange program assures maximum flexibility. The deluxe and fully furnished 1 1/2 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom residences are available through Encanto Fractional Ownership for $44,000 to $99,000. The use is typically the same as whole ownership, but the purchase price is much lower.
Encanto fractional owners buy only what they need, participate in the upside appreciation potential of the property. Encanto property management is directed by owners through the home owners' association consisting of all co-owners. The property manager will watch over each Encanto residence and assure that each home is readied for the owners' arrival.
At Encanto, each owner will have in-unit privately locked storage for their personal effects, and use of a separate Gear Garage for longer term storage of surf boards and tackle. Encanto management will oversee the ongoing property management; security; maintenance of gardens, buildings, pools and interiors; concierge services; housekeeping and laundry; transportation, tours; and even child care or pet care services.
Encanto fractional ownership is for the person that usually is not interested in a timeshare. As a fractional owner, residents acquire an undivided ownership interest in the property. Not only the right to use their Encanto residence, but real equitable ownership that appreciates over time, a home away from home that residents truly own.
Encanto Fractional Ownership offsets the time owners are not using the property, and shares the ongoing operational costs with other co-owners who share in the same property. This concept of fractional ownership originated by owners of private jets and yachts, and has extended to the world of luxury vacation homes. The cost savings can amount to tens of thousands of dollars every year for the same high quality property, year after year. Meanwhile, owners still enjoy the opportunity for long term appreciation.
Encanto Club is offering 1/6th stakes on each Encanto residence, offering owners two separate months during the year to occupy their property. A rotating schedule and on-line owners exchange program assures maximum flexibility. The deluxe and fully furnished 1 1/2 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom residences are available through Encanto Fractional Ownership for $44,000 to $99,000. The use is typically the same as whole ownership, but the purchase price is much lower.
Encanto fractional owners buy only what they need, participate in the upside appreciation potential of the property. Encanto property management is directed by owners through the home owners' association consisting of all co-owners. The property manager will watch over each Encanto residence and assure that each home is readied for the owners' arrival.
At Encanto, each owner will have in-unit privately locked storage for their personal effects, and use of a separate Gear Garage for longer term storage of surf boards and tackle. Encanto management will oversee the ongoing property management; security; maintenance of gardens, buildings, pools and interiors; concierge services; housekeeping and laundry; transportation, tours; and even child care or pet care services.
Encanto fractional ownership is for the person that usually is not interested in a timeshare. As a fractional owner, residents acquire an undivided ownership interest in the property. Not only the right to use their Encanto residence, but real equitable ownership that appreciates over time, a home away from home that residents truly own.
Jan 5, 2009
Encanto gets building permit
Two years in the making. Encanto's building permits went through layer after layer of environmental, electrical, water, health, structural and urganization permitting in San Jose and Golfito. After a long and arduous process, we are happy (oh so happy) to announce that we have received our building permit, this last one from the Municipality of Golfito.
True to Encanto's conservative approach, we did not offer any units for sale until the final permit was issued. Owners should have not have to deal with that uncertainty and capriciousness. Now, Encanto is confidently offering units for sale at pre-construction prices.
True to Encanto's conservative approach, we did not offer any units for sale until the final permit was issued. Owners should have not have to deal with that uncertainty and capriciousness. Now, Encanto is confidently offering units for sale at pre-construction prices.
Hassle-free ownership at Encanto
Meet Janna Farmer, Encanto's Sales & Ownership associate. Janna is an exciting new addition to Team Encanto. She is on-site to walk interested buyers and investors through the architectural renderings, floor plans and amenities. Encanto is exclusive by design, and phase 1 offers only 7 residences. Two are in the Aguas Verdes duplex, and 5 are in the Miradores jungle lodge. Janna is here to answer all questions and make the ownership process smooth and hassle-free.
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