Mountain view
1 / 64Elevated above the valley floor in the coveted Perez Zeledon region, this exceptional estate represents the pinnacle of refined country living in Costa Rica’s southern highlands. Offered at USD 565,000, the property spans a generous 3,012 square meters of manicured land, providing a private sanctuary framed by dramatic mountain ridges and cool, temperate breezes. The main residence encompasses 2,799 square meters of total construction, designed with an open-concept layout that seamlessly connects the indoor living spaces to the outdoor environment. At the heart of the home, a gourmet kitchen features solid hardwood cabinetry, premium granite countertops, a central prep island, and high-end stainless steel appliances. This culinary space flows naturally into the expansive dining and living areas, making it ideal for hosting guests.
The private quarters consist of three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary suite serves as a personal retreat, complete with a queen-size bed frame, a deep soaking tub, and direct access to the outdoor terrace. Two additional guest bedrooms share a beautifully appointed full bathroom. Outside, the professionally landscaped grounds center around a sparkling swimming pool and a spacious sun terrace. The estate also features a detached two-vehicle garage and storage bodega, which provides covered parking for up to four vehicles and offers the structural flexibility to be converted into a separate guest apartment. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership of this registered property, with closing costs, registry fees, and transfer taxes typically averaging between two and four percent of the transaction value.
At a purchase price of $565,000, this 3,012-square-meter estate in Perez Zeledon represents a highly strategic entry point into the Southern Zone’s premium residential market. The property offers excellent short-term rental potential due to its proximity to renowned eco-luxury destinations like Rise and Kinkara, while also serving as an attractive long-term rental for expats seeking the moderate, cooler mountain climate of Santa Elena. The detached two-vehicle garage and bodega present an immediate value-add opportunity, as the structure is pre-designed for a seamless conversion into an independent guest apartment while still preserving covered parking for two vehicles.
For North American buyers, Costa Rica provides a secure legal framework with fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of local citizens, as this property sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones. Buyers should budget approximately 2% to 4% of the purchase price to cover the standard closing bundle, which encompasses notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of roughly 1.5%. Furthermore, at this price threshold, the investment qualifies the buyer to apply for the national residency-by-investment program. This versatile layout, combined with the region's growing popularity, ensures a highly liquid asset with a clear exit strategy for future resale to lifestyle investors or retirees.
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Nestled in the vibrant community of Santa Elena within Perez Zeledon, San Jose, Costa Rica, this property offers a distinct microclimate characterized by moderate temperatures, featuring warm days and refreshingly cool nights. The surrounding region is celebrated for its rich natural attractions, including the nearby Alexander Skutch biological reserve, as well as local destinations like Rise and Kinkara. For those looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this location balances serene mountain and valley views with convenient access to the regional hub of San Isidro de El General. This positioning makes Perez Zeledon real estate highly desirable for buyers seeking a peaceful retreat that remains connected to essential services, medical facilities, and urban amenities.
The local lifestyle in Santa Elena appeals to a wide range of international buyers, from remote professionals to retirees and agricultural enthusiasts. The generous 3,012-square-meter lot provides ample space for personal cultivation and gardening, allowing residents to engage directly with the fertile local soils. When navigating the purchase of this San Isidro property Costa Rica permits fee-simple ownership for foreign buyers, establishing the same property rights as local citizens outside of restricted maritime concession zones. Buyers should note that closing costs, including notary fees, registry stamps, and legal duties, typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price, with a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Additionally, annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value, and the investment threshold of this estate may support eligibility for residency-by-investment programs. This combination of financial accessibility, robust ownership rights, and a temperate mountain climate positions the estate as a premier choice within Costa Rica’s diverse property landscape.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This Perez Zeledon property, priced at USD 565000, features a main residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms across a generous 2799 m² construction footprint. Built with high-quality materials, the interior showcases a spacious open floor plan. The kitchen is equipped with solid hardwood cabinets, granite countertops, an inviting central island, and stainless steel appliances. In the principal bedroom suite, you will find a queen-size bed frame and a bathroom featuring a deep bathtub. This primary suite opens directly to the outdoor terrace.
The residence sits on a 3012 m² land parcel in the Santa Elena area of Perez Zeledon, offering mountain and valley views. Outside, the manicured landscaping surrounds a large swimming pool and a spacious terrace. The grounds provide ample space for gardening and cultivating local plants.
Practical infrastructure includes a detached two-vehicle garage and an integrated bodega for storage, providing covered parking for up to four vehicles. This detached structure is designed with the structural flexibility to be converted into a guest apartment while still retaining covered parking for two cars.
Purchasing this Santa Elena property is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Located in the mountain and valley region of Perez Zeledon, this property is held under secure, fee-simple title rather than maritime zone concession rules, which typically apply only to beachfront land.
With a purchase price of $565,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the national threshold required to apply for residency-by-investment status. During the acquisition, you can expect closing costs—which bundle notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax generally accounts for about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Choosing to establish your life in the verdant highlands of Santa Elena within the Perez Zeledon region is far more than a simple real estate transaction; it is an intentional step toward a healthier, more balanced, and deeply fulfilling lifestyle. This unique micro-location has quietly become one of the most coveted sanctuaries in Costa Rica, drawing discerning individuals who seek to escape the frantic pace of modern metropolitan living without sacrificing connection, culture, or convenience. Here, the legendary "Pura Vida" philosophy is not just a marketing slogan, but a tangible, daily reality shaped by the breathtaking natural environment and the warm, welcoming spirit of the local community. Imagine waking up each morning to the gentle symphony of exotic birds, stepping out onto your private terrace to watch the early morning mist rise off the lush mountain peaks, and breathing in the crisp, clean air that characterizes this elevated valley. The exceptional climate of Santa Elena plays a central role in this daily wellness experience. Unlike the humid, intense heat found at sea level, this mountain-and-valley enclave enjoys a remarkably moderate thermal pattern. The sun-drenched afternoons are perfect for lounging by the pool or tending to your private gardens, while the evenings bring a refreshing, cool breeze rolling down from the peaks, naturally cooling your home and inviting deep, restorative sleep.
For families and retirees alike, the surrounding region offers an inspiring tapestry of ecological wonders and progressive community initiatives. Living in Santa Elena places you in immediate proximity to world-class wellness destinations, regenerative living projects like Rise and Kinkara, and the famed Alexander Skutch wildlife corridor, which serves as a vital sanctuary for hundreds of bird species and native mammals. This rich biodiversity fosters a lifestyle centered around outdoor exploration, environmental stewardship, and physical well-being. Whether you spend your weekends hiking through pristine cloud forests, shopping for organic, locally grown produce at the bustling agricultural markets in nearby San Isidro de El General, or simply cultivating your own tropical fruit trees on your generous 3,012-square-meter estate, you are constantly engaged with the vibrant life force of Costa Rica. This property perfectly meets the aspirations of those who wish to transition seamlessly into this paradise, offering a secure, fee-simple haven where you can build long-term legacy wealth, immerse your children in top-tier bilingual education, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with accessible, high-quality healthcare. It is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and design a life of quiet luxury, deep serenity, and authentic connection in one of the happiest, most beautiful regions on earth.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Perez Zeledon, San José