1 / 70This expansive equestrian estate in Atenas redefines private luxury in Costa Rica’s celebrated Central Valley. Positioned on a fully fenced parcel of 10,845.57 square meters of land, the property commands sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding volcanic mountain ranges. Available for USD 1,600,000, the estate features a total of 1,460 square meters of high-end construction, thoughtfully divided into a main residence and a separate guest house to provide a total of 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The two-story principal home serves as the centerpiece, offering four bedrooms—including two master suites on the upper level—alongside an open-concept living area, a professional kitchen, a dedicated laundry room, and a private wine cellar.
Steps away across the landscaped grounds, the single-story guest casita adds three private bedrooms, offering an ideal setup for extended family or visiting guests. Outside, the recreational amenities center around a large swimming pool and an adjacent rancho designed for open-air entertaining. For equestrian enthusiasts, the estate includes professional stables capable of accommodating up to 11 horses, supported by both municipal water connections and a private well. A secure garage and an additional carport provide ample parking. Located under ten minutes from the town center of Atenas, this estate represents a rare combination of accessibility, absolute privacy, and world-class equestrian infrastructure.
Acquiring this premium Atenas estate is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreign nationals the same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this property sits in the Central Valley highlands rather than a restricted coastal maritime zone, you can hold the title outright in your own name or through a local corporation. Your investment of $1,600,000 comfortably exceeds the government's threshold for the residency-by-investment program, opening a clear pathway to legal residency.
During the transaction, expect closing costs—which cover notary fees, registration, legal services, and stamps—to range between two and four percent of the purchase price, with the property transfer stamp tax itself accounting for about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership is highly cost-effective, as annual property taxes are calculated using the property's registered cadastral value rather than the market purchase price, keeping your carrying costs remarkably low.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Spanning a generous 10,845.57 m² of fully fenced land in the highly desirable Atenas canton, this exceptional compound features a total construction footprint of 1,460 m². The estate is anchored by a two-story main residence and a separate single-story guest house, offering a combined total of 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Built to premium standards, the main home integrates an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a dedicated laundry room and a private wine cellar. The upper level is dedicated to two luxurious suites, while the independent guest house provides three comfortable bedrooms for visitors.
The outdoor living spaces are designed to maximize the breathtaking views of the Central Valley and the surrounding volcanic mountains. A large swimming pool serves as the centerpiece of the manicured gardens, complemented by an entertaining rancho, a carport, and a secure garage. For equestrian enthusiasts, the property features specialized facilities capable of accommodating up to 11 horses. Practical infrastructure is highly secure, supported by both municipal water connections and a private well on-site.
Acquiring this USD 1,600,000 estate involves standard Costa Rican transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax that typically equates to about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Overall closing fees—covering notary, registry, and legal stamps—generally range between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the property rather than the full purchase price.
This exceptional estate is situated in Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a region celebrated internationally for its unparalleled microclimate, welcoming blend of local and expatriate residents, and peaceful countryside pace. Positioned in the desirable Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, the property is located less than ten minutes from the charming town center of Atenas. This strategic location offers residents convenient access to essential amenities, including local medical facilities, authentic weekly ferias, and diverse dining options. It also provides a seamless commute to the international airport in Alajuela and the premier shopping and healthcare districts of Escazu. Those looking to buy property in Costa Rica will find that this micro-location perfectly balances rural tranquility with easy access to both the capital city and the Pacific coast beaches.
The local climate encourages an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle. The region is famous for its rolling mountain vistas and comfortable year-round temperatures, making it a perennial favorite for North American relocations, remote workers, and retirees. The sprawling estate of over one hectare easily accommodates diverse lifestyle pursuits, whether you choose to operate a boutique guesthouse, establish an equestrian retreat utilizing the eleven-stall stables, or maintain a private family compound.
For international buyers exploring Atenas Costa Rica homes, the purchasing process is highly accessible. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those held by Costa Rican citizens. When purchasing this luxury property, buyers should anticipate closing costs—encompassing notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership is also financially attractive; the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate, keeping holding costs highly manageable. Additionally, the investment level of this estate positions buyers well within the threshold required to apply for the national residency-by-investment program.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This premium Atenas estate, priced at $1,600,000, offers an exceptional value proposition at approximately $1,096 per square meter of construction. This pricing is highly competitive for the Central Valley region, especially considering the extensive infrastructure across the 10,845.57-square-meter property. The compound structure—comprising a four-bedroom main residence, a separate three-bedroom guest house, and equestrian facilities for eleven horses—provides diverse exit strategies and immediate utility. Investors can target the high-end equestrian market, operate a boutique wellness retreat, or secure steady rental income by leasing the secondary casita while occupying the primary home.
The ideal buyer is an equestrian enthusiast, a multi-generational family, or an investor seeking a versatile estate in a highly desirable climate. From a legal perspective, foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership rights, identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. Buyers should anticipate closing costs, including notary, registry, and legal fees, ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Ongoing holding costs are highly favorable, as annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate rather than the purchase price, ensuring manageable carrying costs while your capital appreciates in a mature, stable market.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
To understand the true appeal of this Atenas estate, one must look beyond the physical boundaries of its sprawling one-hectare grounds and step into the lifestyle that has made this specific region of Alajuela globally renowned. Atenas is celebrated for possessing one of the most desirable climates on Earth, where the gentle mountain breezes of the Central Valley meet warm, golden sunshine to create a perpetual springtime environment. This idyllic setting nurtures a lifestyle centered around wellness, outdoor living, and a deep connection to nature. For the discerning buyer, this property represents the ultimate realization of those aspirations. Imagine starting your morning on the expansive terrace of your two-story main home, sipping locally grown Costa Rican coffee while watching the early mist rise over the distant volcanic peaks. The panoramic mountain views serve as a daily reminder of the serene, unhurried pace of life that defines this region. Here, luxury is not just about high-end finishes and grand architecture; it is about the luxury of time, space, and peace of mind.
For equestrian enthusiasts, the property offers a rare opportunity to cultivate a world-class lifestyle where your passion is integrated seamlessly into your daily routine. The state-of-the-art facilities for eleven horses allow you to enjoy the equestrian lifestyle to its fullest, whether that means training, breeding, or simply taking peaceful rides through the scenic countryside. The seamless transition from the active equestrian areas to the relaxing oasis of the large swimming pool and outdoor rancho embodies the balance of recreation and relaxation that modern buyers crave. This estate is designed for those who refuse to compromise, offering a private sanctuary that is close enough to the charming town center of Atenas to enjoy its vibrant local culture, gourmet dining, and warm community atmosphere, yet secluded enough to feel like a world of your own. It is a place where multi-generational families can gather, where guests can be entertained in the privacy of their own three-bedroom guest house, and where every day feels like a retreat. This is more than just a real estate purchase; it is an investment in a healthier, more fulfilling way of life, fulfilling the deepest aspirations of those seeking a prestigious, secure, and naturally beautiful haven in the heart of Costa Rica.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
