Sleek, cutting-edge design incorporates the natural world with ultra-modern spaces

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east, Costa Rica continues to thrive as a second-home destination due to its unique global appeal to visitors, investors and retirees.

Costa Rica has a rare combination of natural beauty and temperate tropical weather; a growing and globalised economy; status as one of the world's best real estate investment destinations; and an overall welcoming attitude to foreigners, with government policies designed to attract investment.

The economy has been increasingly diversified through the government's encouragement and ability to attract technology industries, medical equipment producers, software companies, and distribution and call centres, among others. Intel, the computer processor company, was Costa Rica's No. 1 exporter in 2012. Considered a top location in eco-tourism thanks to Costa Rica's impressive biodiversity, tourism is also on track to set new annual records for visitors.

Astoundingly beautiful, natural wonders abound on its paradisiacal beaches, untouched rainforests, majestic mountains and cool cloud forests. The peaceful and prosperous nation protects nearly 26% of its territory in designated protected areas, national parks and reserves.

Investors continue to favour Costa Rica real estate for all the above reasons, along with the competitive aspects of low property tax rates and the ability of foreigners to own real estate while enjoying the same rights as a Costa Rican – except for properties within the concession zones.

With the country's economy in full recovery mode – according to The Economist, growth is expected to average 4.4% in 2013-16 owing to a rise in investment – the luxury second-home segment provides significant opportunity. An increasing number of North Americans and Europeans are settling in Costa Rica due to the country's political stability, excellent infrastructure, quality health care, high education levels and welcoming people.

This exceptional villa is the perfect blend of fine luxury, architectural excellence, casual elegance and tropical outdoor living. Hidden away in the lush and verdant natural wonderland of the Central Valley, in the midst of the unspoilt nature that characterises this undeniably beautiful area of Costa Rica, lies the ultra-modern villa. The upscale single-family home blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, which is accentuated by the lush, rolling hills. The wonderful location offers undisturbed natural beauty and peaceful serenity.

The modern villa was designed by renowned architect Rolando Barahona Sotela, who created an innovative structure that maintains a relationship sensitive to its natural surroundings. A fine example of contemporary wood and concrete architecture, the streamlined façade and numerous and large windows give a sober modern impression. The beauty in the rough concrete walls has a timeless enduring appearance and provides striking contrasts to the more refined appearance of the crafted wood elements and the delicate transparency of the abundant glass windows.

Offering 800m² of luxury, the elegant family house features contemporary design on an impressive scale. The stunning villa is home to three ensuite bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a modern spa-type bathroom, as well as a stylish kitchen, expansive living and relaxing areas. There is a maid's bedroom with bathroom, guard's gate with a bathroom, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and 4-car garage.

Providing intelligently designed, open-plan living spaces, the villa provides a fantastic sense of space, as well as the ideal environment for family life and entertaining. The refined muted colours of the walls complement the setting masterfully and, combined with the grey flooring, the style is effortlessly elegant.

Extensive floor-to-ceiling windows create a seamless transition between the spacious indoor and extensive outdoor living areas. A choice of several sublime outdoor living spaces and sun decks is enhanced by the manicured tropical gardens and mature trees. Sitting on a private plot of 10,795m², a soccer field adds to the family fun. Bordering a crystal clear river, the chic villa captivates with its beauty and tranquillity.

The east side of San José is one of the more rapidly growing real estate markets of the Central Valley. Known for its lovely, "eternal spring" climate and verdant surroundings, Tres Rios sits just 11 kilometres east of downtown San José. A wonderful place to live, Tres Rios has a number of educational, medical, financial and commercial services, plus some of the Central Valley's most popular shops and restaurants.

Complementing the natural surroundings, this architect-designed property translates into contemporary luxury at its best.

A villa of refined aesthetics and understated luxury in a cutting-edge style

Minimalist design or style, in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect, is often associated with lifestyle, be it architecture, interiors or fashion. Click here to continue reading…