Ronald Zurcher Hacienda Estate in Heredia with Saltwater Pool & Guest Casita

Designed by architect Ronald Zurcher, this single-story hacienda estate showcases 611 m² of construction on a 6,647 m² parcel in Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo. Built around traditional Central Valley architectural principles, the fully furnished interior features custom timber accents and refined finishes throughout. The living layout preserves true compound-property semantics, split between the primary residence and an independent guest casita to provide a total of 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms for complete visitor privacy.

The expansive private grounds present manicured lawns supported by a newly installed automated irrigation system. Outdoor living centers around a tempered salt-water swimming pool surrounded by a spacious relaxation terrace and mature botanical gardens. Full security systems and a private entry gate protect the entire property.

Offered at USD 1,650,000, this Heredia sanctuary grants international buyers full fee simple ownership rights. Closing expenses, which cover legal fees, notary services, registration, and transfer stamp taxes, typically run between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, while ongoing property taxes are calculated from the official cadastral valuation.

Acquiring this Ronald Zurcher-designed compound in Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo, presents a compelling position within the Heredia real estate landscape. Priced at $1,650,000, the 611-square-meter single-story residence and its expansive 6,647-square-meter parcel offer a competitive price-per-square-meter valuation for branded, master-planned architectural real estate in the Central Valley.

The estate’s versatile physical arrangement—consisting of a primary residence complemented by an independent guest casita—supports diverse income models. Owners can target premium short-term luxury rentals for high-net-worth visitors needing proximity to San José and the Juan Santamaría International Airport, or secure stable return through a high-yield long-term lease. Beyond rental strategies, the fully furnished compound serves as a multi-generational estate or a corporate retreat.

International purchasers receive the security of full fee simple title ownership, granting non-citizens identical property rights as Costa Rican nationals outside of maritime concession land. The $1,650,000 acquisition cost comfortably clears the financial threshold needed to seek Costa Rican residency by investment. Transaction costs remain predictable, with standard closing expenses—including legal counsel, notary fees, registry filings, and property transfer stamp taxes of around 1.5%—typically aggregating between 2% and 4% of the sale price. Annual property tax obligations are calculated against the official cadastral registered value. Given the increasing scarcity of large, private parcels in Santo Domingo, the property provides an excellent foundation for an eventual institutional resale or capital-gains exit strategy.

Nestled within the prestigious enclave of Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo, Heredia, Costa Rica, this Ronald Zurcher-designed compound sits in a peaceful residential corner of the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market. The canton of Santo Domingo is widely recognized for its tranquil suburban atmosphere, year-round temperate climate, and rich cultural heritage. Positioning an estate in this micro-location delivers a refined balance of quiet privacy and direct access to essential modern conveniences. Residents benefit from swift commutes to the provincial capital of Heredia, along with straightforward drives to the commercial centers, high-end dining, and top-tier medical facilities located in nearby San José and Alajuela. For global travel, Juan Santamaría International Airport sits within a convenient driving distance, streamlining transit for North American homeowners.

This location caters directly to discerning buyers seeking to buy property in Costa Rica for a luxury retirement, remote work base, multi-generational retreat, or strategic capital investment. The layout features a single-story main residence paired with an independent guest casita across 6,647 square meters of manicured grounds, enabling a flexible lifestyle whether hosting international visitors, accommodating live-in staff, or generating short-term rental revenue. Beyond its localized charm, Santo Domingo reflects the varied appeal found across the broader Central Valley Costa Rica real estate landscape, providing a compelling, land-rich alternative to Escazu homes or Atenas Costa Rica homes.

International buyers looking to buy property Costa Rica benefit from a transparent legal framework. The country grants non-citizen buyers identical fee simple ownership rights to local nationals for titled inland properties outside of coastal concession areas. With a purchase price of USD 1,650,000, this titled Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo, Heredia, Costa Rica estate easily exceeds the financial threshold required to apply for residency by investment, securing long-term real estate value in a highly coveted neighborhood.

International buyers purchasing this inland estate in Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo, acquire direct fee simple ownership rights that are identical to those granted to Costa Rican nationals. Because the property sits in the Central Valley, it remains entirely free from coastal maritime concession restrictions, allowing full title registration under a verified cadastral map.

At the listing price of USD 1,650,000, the investment far surpasses the current threshold required to apply for Costa Rican residency by investment, offering a direct path toward legal residency. During the transaction process, total closing expenditures—encompassing legal representation, notary services, registry filings, and the standard property transfer stamp duty—typically run between two and four percent of the purchase price. Ongoing annual property tax assessments are calculated using the officially registered cadastral value of the 6,647-square-meter compound.

Living in the peaceful canton of Santo Domingo offers an unmatched lifestyle designed for discerning buyers who prioritize health, natural beauty, and everyday convenience. Situated in the prestigious suburban enclave of Santo Tomás within the Heredia province, this geographic location provides a pleasant, spring-like climate year-round, characterized by gentle mountain breezes and ideal temperatures. Residents can comfortably bypass the higher heat of coastal regions while maintaining simple access to the rich cultural and social opportunities spread across the Central Valley. Owning a estate in this established neighborhood grants immediate access to high-end suburban amenities, including exceptional private healthcare facilities, top-tier international educational institutions, vibrant local markets, and upscale dining options in neighboring San José and Alajuela. Furthermore, the estate sits just a two-hour drive from the Pacific Ocean, allowing homeowners to spontaneously enjoy coastal day trips or weekend beach getaways before returning to the quiet security of their private mountain-view compound.

For international buyers, North American retirees, and global real estate investors, acquiring this property aligns perfectly with long-term lifestyle and financial aspirations. The primary residence and separate guest casita cater seamlessly to multi-generational living, effortless guest hosting, or flexible remote-work environments away from dense urban centers. Beyond offering an elevated daily living experience, purchasing this high-value asset establishes a solid footprint in a stable international real estate market. Foreign buyers in Costa Rica enjoy full title ownership rights under fee simple law, matching the exact legal protections granted to native citizens for inland urban properties. Additionally, the $1,650,000 purchase price comfortably exceeds the minimum valuation threshold needed to apply for Costa Rican residency by investment, establishing a straightforward pathway toward official status and long-term residency.

The process of buying real estate in Costa Rica remains highly secure and transparent for international purchasers. Standard legal transactions involve property transfer stamp duties near 1.5 percent of the declared purchase price, while the complete legal closing process—including legal counsel, notary services, and public registry filings—typically averages between two and four percent of the final price. Annual municipal property taxes are assessed directly against the official registered cadastral value, offering predictable ongoing holding costs. Free from the restrictions associated with coastal maritime concessions, this inland compound in Santo Tomás, Santo Domingo presents a low-maintenance, high-security haven backed by fully documented parcel maps and clear title registration. Whether utilized as a permanent primary home, a luxurious seasonal retreat, or a strategic capital preservation asset, this estate delivers a rare blend of timeless architectural legacy and reliable long-term value.