
1 / 15Perched on a serene, breezy hilltop, this newly constructed two-story residence captures the essence of modern tropical living with elevated glimpses of the shimmering Lake Arenal. Sunlight floods the open-concept interior through expansive picture windows and wide patio doors, seamlessly connecting the indoor living spaces to the lush, verdant gardens outside. The heart of the home features a spacious kitchen overlooking the charming town below, flowing effortlessly into the dining and living areas. A striking, warm teak staircase serves as an elegant focal point, leading to the upper level where a versatile bonus lounge awaits—perfect for a media hub, home office, or a third bedroom. Step out onto the expansive upper terrace to breathe in the crisp mountain air and enjoy the tranquil green vistas.
With two generously sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms distributed across both levels, the layout is designed for effortless comfort and convenience, including dedicated space for laundry hookups on the ground floor. Situated on a 250-square-meter lot, this $199,000 property offers the unique flexibility to acquire two adjacent parcels, ideal for expanding your private gardens or securing extra privacy. Located in the heart of Guanacaste, you are just a short walk from the local cafes, authentic restaurants, and community parks of Nuevo Arenal. Whether you are seeking a peaceful full-time sanctuary or a high-potential income property for the vacation rental market, this customizable retreat represents an exceptional, high-value opportunity in Costa Rica’s highlands.
This newly constructed two-story residence stands on an elevated 250-square-meter hilltop parcel, offering a bright and airy layout designed to capture the surrounding natural beauty. The interior features expansive picture windows and wide patio doors that frame views of the lush local greenery and select vistas of Lake Arenal. A warm teak staircase serves as the architectural centerpiece of the home, connecting the two levels.
On the ground floor, the spacious kitchen features large windows overlooking the town of Nuevo Arenal, flowing into an open-concept dining and living area that opens directly to the garden. This level also hosts a full bathroom equipped with dedicated laundry hookups for a washer and dryer, alongside a generous bedroom.
The upper level features a second full bathroom, another spacious bedroom, and a flexible bonus room that can function as a third bedroom, home office, or media lounge. This versatile space leads out to a broad terrace perfect for outdoor relaxation. Buyers also have the unique opportunity to acquire two adjacent smaller parcels to expand the gardens or secure extra privacy.
Nestled in the tranquil highlands of Arenal, Tilarán, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, this property offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling coastal markets. While many investors focus on finding a Tamarindo property or browsing Flamingo Costa Rica homes, the lush Lake Arenal region provides a cooler microclimate, rich volcanic soil, and a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle. Buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica will find that this specific micro-location combines authentic Tico culture with the conveniences of modern living. Situated on a quiet hilltop, the home is just a short walk from the heart of Nuevo Arenal, where you can easily reach local restaurants, cozy coffee shops, essential daily amenities, and the vibrant Arenal Park.
This region is a haven for remote workers, retirees, and active lifestyle enthusiasts who want to trade intense coastal heat for breezy afternoons, scenic lake views, and lush greenery. For those exploring Guanacaste real estate, Tilarán represents a highly accessible gateway to both nature and convenience. The property is positioned within comfortable driving distance of regional hubs, medical facilities, and transport links, allowing residents to enjoy a secluded mountain-lake retreat without feeling isolated. Whether you want to kayak on the lake, cultivate a private garden, or run a remote business from a peaceful home office, this location supports a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Investing in this emerging pocket of the Guanacaste province allows you to secure a versatile property that functions beautifully as a permanent residence, a seasonal getaway, or an income-generating rental in one of the country's most scenic and stable investment corridors.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At an entry point of $199,000 for a 250 m² parcel, this brand-new build offers an accessible foothold in the Guanacaste region, where completed modern homes often command much higher premiums. This property is uniquely positioned for a buyer seeking a dual-purpose asset. The flexible two-story layout, complete with an adaptable upper-level bonus room, makes it highly attractive for the local long-term rental market or as a short-term vacation destination for travelers exploring the Lake Arenal region.
The ideal buyer is an active investor or expat looking for a manageable, walkable footprint close to town amenities rather than a high-maintenance estate. Market timing is highly favorable; as Costa Rica continues to attract remote workers and retirees, properties that offer walkable convenience to daily necessities remain in high demand. For an exit strategy, the option to purchase two adjacent lots provides a clear path to appreciation, allowing a future owner to expand the footprint, build additional rental units, or sell the expanded parcel to a developer looking for a larger estate in Nuevo Arenal.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this contemporary lake-view residence is a straightforward and highly secure process for North American buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the exact same constitutional property ownership rights as local citizens. This property is situated outside the maritime zone, meaning it can be held under fee simple title, granting you absolute, unconditional ownership.
During the transaction, you should anticipate standard closing costs ranging between 2% and 4% of the final purchase price. Once the property is yours, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low, highlighted by an annual municipal property tax of just 0.25% of the registered value. Furthermore, because the purchase price of $199,000 exceeds the national $150,000 investment threshold, purchasing this home makes you immediately eligible to apply for residency under the investor visa category, paving a smooth path toward your new life in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
To understand the true value of this property, one must look beyond the physical structure of the home and immerse themselves in the unparalleled lifestyle that defines the Arenal and Tilarán region of Guanacaste. Living in Nuevo Arenal is not merely about acquiring real estate; it is about embracing a slower, more intentional way of life where nature dictates the daily rhythm and the community feels like an extended family. This region of Costa Rica is world-renowned for its lush, rolling green hills, temperate climate, and the majestic presence of Lake Arenal, which serves as a stunning backdrop for daily life. For the aspiring expatriate, retiree, or seasonal resident, this location represents the ultimate realization of the "Pura Vida" dream. It is a place where you can wake up to the gentle symphony of tropical birds, spend your afternoons exploring the wind-swept waters of the lake, and wind down with a stroll through a town that has retained its authentic Costa Rican soul. The local culture here is warm, welcoming, and deeply connected to the land, offering a refreshing contrast to the frantic pace of modern metropolitan living.
For buyers seeking a profound lifestyle shift, this hilltop retreat addresses a deep-seated aspiration for balance, wellness, and connection. The unique geography of Nuevo Arenal allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds: the absolute peace of a private, elevated sanctuary and the vibrant social fabric of a close-knit lakeside town. Aspiring homeowners often dream of a place where they can minimize their ecological footprint, eat fresh, locally sourced food, and engage in a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle. Here, that dream is a daily reality. The proximity to the town center means you can easily integrate into the local rhythm, visiting the weekly farmers' markets, chatting with neighbors over locally grown coffee, or participating in the lively community festivals at Arenal Park. This is a neighborhood where people still know each other by name, where safety and community trust are paramount, and where the natural environment is treated with the utmost respect. It appeals directly to those who want to disconnect from corporate stress and reconnect with what truly matters—nature, community, and personal well-being.
Furthermore, this location satisfies the aspirations of forward-thinking investors and lifestyle buyers who recognize the growing global demand for sustainable, nature-centric living. Guanacaste is famous for its sun-drenched beaches, but the elevated lake region of Tilarán offers a cooler, more comfortable microclimate that many find far more agreeable for year-round living. By choosing Nuevo Arenal, you are positioning yourself in a highly desirable corridor that attracts eco-tourists, digital nomads, and wellness seekers from around the globe. Whether your goal is to establish a permanent sanctuary, a seasonal escape from northern winters, or a high-performing rental property that capitalizes on Costa Rica's booming eco-tourism market, this location delivers on every front. It represents a rare opportunity to secure a foothold in one of Central America's most stable, beautiful, and sought-after regions, allowing you to build a legacy of health, happiness, and peace of mind for years to come.
Arenal, Tilarán, Guanacaste
Tilarán, Guanacaste
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004