What’s Developing? Mar Vista Estates; A World Apart and Paradise Found
By
The Howler – March 2006
From the moment we set foot in Flamingo’s newest master planned community, Mar Vista Estates, we knew that we had entered a land which was indeed “A World Apart and a Paradise Fount” as the project’s literature touts.
Project Coordinator Debbi Turner informed us that this brand-new gated and secure development is around 750 acres in area. “The developers have set aside much of the land here in perpetuity as a nature reserve,” she says. “We have numerous seasonal rivers and waterfalls. When I first toured this magnificent property, I felt as thought I had entered the valley that time forgot.” Although only a short five-minute drive to the beaches of Brasilito and Flamingo, the property does indeed have the look and feel of a land which is a true Costa Rican paradise.
The property entrance is directly off the paved road between Brasilito and Flamingo and then goes back all the way to the mountain where the ICE cellular tower is located. It is set back two kilometers from the white sands and azure and aquamarine waters of Bahia Brasilito.
Ms. Turner informed us that the property’s developers, “DE-COSA” (Sustainable Development of Costa Rica Inc.), are committed to achieving a truly ecologically harmonious bled of the works of mankind with the wondrous works of Costa Rican nature.
The developers will not permit the denuding and gross deforestation which has been typical in other local developments. Rather, each home site is tastefully placed on a ridge top so as to maximize the splendid ocean and sunset views and to minimize the impact upon the environment to both the indigenous flora and fauna. Infact, the developers are reforesting tow trees of native species for every tree which has been removed in order to accommodate home sites.
The home sites are tastefully placed in a low-density manner upon the ridge tops and overlook an incredibly beautiful valley teeming with wildlife, the likes of which I have not seen in this local area. There are two varieties of monkeys, pizotes, panthers, deer, coyotes, armadillos and numerous species of birds. The valley is a beautiful example of a dry tropical forest ecosystem which has been preserved over time due to the topography.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides the lots, which measure at least 1 ¼ acres each and are artfully sculpted into the ridges, sport incredible panoramic Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and Conchal Bay views as well as views of Bahia Potrero and all the way to the Islas Murcielogos to the north. You feel as though you have risen above the turbulent problems of our world and entered a world of peace and harmony straight out a dream.
The developers have demonstrated their serious commitment to the environment by placing restrictions in each lot’s deed, which guarantee for now and forever to preserve the pristine natural beauty of the area. For example, each future homeowner must leave a one-meter corridor around their property unfenced in order to allow the free movement of the native animals of the area.
The design themes of the homes will be neo-Mediterranean or Colonial with the colors of the exterior stucco limited to soft earth tones in order to blend in with the colors of the natural environment. Home owners will have to submit their plans to an Architectural Review Committee in order to comply with the standards for sustainable development as set forth in the communities “Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions”. Home owners will be encouraged to install solar panels as a supplemental power source as well as to utilize in their home designs the constant trade winds through cross ventilation in order to maintain the home at a comfortable temperature without having to always rely on expensive air-conditioning.
There are jogging and bike-riding paths built into the valley alongside each river. There will be a Tarzan-like pool at the base of one of the waterfalls complete with picnic and barbeque area. Additionally, an equestrian area has been set aside for horseback riding and stables.
Amenities which the community will have include a full-service Spa and Health Club complete with Gym, Pilates, Yoga, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Sauna, Free-form infinity Pool with incredible Ocean and Bay views and a waterfall. There will also be a Bar and Gourmet Restaurant and an Internet Café.
The neighborhood is fast becoming the “Costa Rican Riviera”, as several Five-Star Resorts, complete with golf course and world-class recreational amenities are looking to establish themselves in this very vicinity. Adding further fuel to add to the speculative fire re the future development of this area is the fact that we have recently seen some real progress regarding the building of the new first class Flamingo marina. Those in the know expect the contract for the largest and most beautiful full-service marina in Central America to be granted before the end of 2006. The newly released master plan for the Flamingo Marina includes a beautiful promenade for pedestrians along the beachfront as well as full array of boutiques, shops and restaurants around the marina proper.
For those families who wish to have security and comfort, we give Mar Vista high marks for their efforts to create a truly eco-sensitive, sustainable community. The project is located a short six-minute drive to our area’s top-notch bilingual “Country Day School”. The community will be an excellent choice for those families wishing to raise their children in a peaceful, secure, and natural environment.
The lots we visited were surprisingly large and affordable. It’s no wonder why their Phase I lots have already been sold out! The ocean-view lots start in the $199,000 range and the non-ocean view nature lots from $99,000. the developers will even offer their own in-house financing plan, which is a rarity in today’s marketplace.
We were left with the impression that the developers are indeed making an honest effort at walking the talk as to creating a harmonious blend of the works of man with the wondrous works of nature. We encourage anyone, who may be interested today or in the future to live in a beautiful and secure gated community which strives to be in harmony with nature, to take a tour of the project.
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