1 / 38Suspended above the rolling contours of the Atenas countryside, this architectural masterwork commands a striking presence over the Central Valley. Large panes of structural glass replace traditional walls, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the shifting colors of the Costa Rican sky. Listed at USD 1600000, the estate serves as a sophisticated private sanctuary while functioning seamlessly as an active boutique hospitality business. The layout features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, balancing intimate living quarters with open, shared spaces designed for hosting.
Outside, a sleek swimming pool mirrors the dramatic horizon, anchoring the outdoor lounge spaces. The property is situated just five minutes from the center of Atenas, providing a rare combination of secluded high-end living and immediate access to local town amenities.
Acquiring this real estate involves straightforward financial structures. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those held by local citizens. The ongoing holding costs are notably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for the standard closing bundle—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—which typically totals between two and four percent of the final purchase price, alongside a standard transfer tax of one and a half percent.
Acquiring this contemporary Atenas estate is a straightforward process for North American buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the same fee simple property ownership rights as citizens. Located in the Central Valley, this property sits outside the maritime zone, meaning you secure absolute ownership under a registered deed. Because the purchase price of $1,600,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, purchasing this estate qualifies you to apply for investor residency.
From a financial perspective, ongoing holding costs are remarkably low. The annual municipal property tax is highly favorable, calculated at just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. When finalizing the transaction, you should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses notary fees, registration, and legal services, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This contemporary estate, offered at USD 1,600,000, features three bedrooms and two bathrooms designed to maximize the sweeping mountain vistas of the Central Valley. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls define the architectural aesthetic, dissolving the boundary between the interior living spaces and the surrounding countryside. The main residence showcases premium construction materials and modern finishes, centered around an open-concept kitchen and a spacious primary suite. Outside, a private swimming pool and an expansive terrace serve as the focal point for outdoor relaxation, offering unobstructed views of the dramatic valley skies.
Located just five minutes from downtown Atenas, the property functions as both an exceptional private residence and an established boutique hospitality business. Buyers should note that annual property taxes in Costa Rica are highly favorable, typically running at approximately a quarter of a percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Standard closing costs, which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, generally range between two and four percent of the final purchase price, ensuring a straightforward transaction for foreign investors.
This architectural estate is situated in Atenas, a municipality in the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market celebrated for having one of the most desirable temperate climates in the world. Positioned just a five-minute drive from the municipal center of Atenas, the property balances secluded mountain privacy with immediate access to essential daily amenities, local dining, and medical services. Residents can easily reach the capital city of San José, major private hospitals, and the Juan Santamaría International Airport within a moderate drive, while the beaches of the Central Pacific coast are accessible in under an hour. This strategic positioning makes the estate highly attractive for North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica for retirement, remote work, or multi-generational living. The local microclimate reduces the need for constant air conditioning, allowing for an open-air lifestyle centered around the private pool and panoramic valley views.
For those seeking to buy property Costa Rica offers a highly favorable ownership structure, permitting foreign buyers to hold fee-simple title to real estate with the same constitutional protections as Costa Rican citizens. When purchasing this luxury house, buyers should anticipate an annual municipal property tax rate of approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. This low ongoing carrying cost is a significant advantage when compared to property taxes in the United States or Canada. Additional transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a standard closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price. At a purchase price of $1,600,000, this estate also positions buyers to qualify for the country's residency-by-investment program, establishing a secure long-term foothold in one of the most stable investment environments in Latin America.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this contemporary Atenas estate at $1,600,000 presents a sophisticated dual-purpose investment. The compound-property configuration—featuring a primary three-bedroom, two-bathroom house alongside established boutique hospitality infrastructure—allows an incoming owner to operate a high-end short-term rental business while maintaining a private residence. Alternatively, the entire estate can be positioned as a premium corporate retreat or a single-family sanctuary.
From a valuation perspective, this property represents a competitive entry point for architectural luxury in the Central Valley, where prime modern estates command premium rates due to the region's famous climate and proximity to San José. Costa Rica’s favorable tax structure enhances the holding-cost efficiency of this asset. Owners benefit from an annual property tax rate of approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value, which is significantly lower than comparable luxury markets in North America. During the acquisition phase, buyers should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which includes notary fees, registry costs, and the standard transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
The ideal buyer is a high-net-worth individual, remote executive, or boutique hospitality investor seeking fee-simple ownership in a stable, growing market. With Costa Rica experiencing sustained demand for high-end eco-luxury rentals, this property offers a clear exit strategy to future lifestyle buyers or institutional investors seeking a turnkey, income-generating asset.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Embracing the lifestyle of this Central Valley sanctuary means immersing yourself in a daily rhythm dictated by nature, where the crisp mountain air and the gentle rustle of tropical canopy leaves replace the frantic pace of modern urban life. In Atenas, celebrated globally for possessing one of the most desirable climates on earth, your morning begins not with an alarm, but with the soft golden light spilling over the mountain ridges and illuminating your private pool. This region attracts a sophisticated class of global citizens—discerning buyers who seek a harmonious balance between absolute privacy and a warm, welcoming local community. Here, the aspiration of true wellness is not just a concept, but a tangible reality. You can spend your afternoons exploring the vibrant local markets filled with organic produce, engaging with friendly neighbors, or simply lounging on your terrace as the sky transforms into a canvas of deep purples and fiery oranges at sunset. This is a place where high-achieving individuals come to decompress, rediscovering the luxury of time and the joy of unobstructed horizons.
For the visionary buyer, this estate represents the ultimate realization of a Costa Rican dream, seamlessly blending the desires for a prestigious personal sanctuary and a sophisticated investment. Whether your goal is to establish a legacy family estate where generations can gather in understated luxury, or to operate a high-end boutique retreat that offers weary travelers an unparalleled escape, this property rises to meet your highest ambitions. The architecture itself inspires a sense of freedom and creativity, with its clean contemporary lines and floating aesthetic encouraging a lifestyle of open-air elegance and effortless entertaining. Owning a home of this caliber in the Central Valley is a statement of intent—a decision to prioritize well-being, natural beauty, and architectural excellence without sacrificing modern connectivity or convenience. It appeals directly to those who demand the very best of both worlds: a serene, private paradise that feels worlds away from the everyday, yet remains intimately connected to the cultural heartbeat and natural wonders of Costa Rica.
Escazú, San José
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
