Californians Relocate to Beautiful Playa Carrillo for Stunning Ocean Views

The Vision on the Ridge

Jody and Bob were on a mission to build a Playa Carrillo custom home with an ocean view—a dream that required them to abandon the predictable comforts of Southern California. They shared an inspiring vision to be immersed in a “Pura Vida” way of life that celebrated simplicity, nature, and community. However, as they soon discovered, building a masterpiece in paradise is an act of incredible bravery.

This California couple embarked on their new adventure and planned a trip to Costa Rica in 2019, diving headfirst into their property search. Their journey began in Manuel Antonio, guided by a local realtor who helped them explore the possibilities located in lush landscapes. While they also looked at properties online in Jaco and Playa del Coco, they found those areas too dry, prompting them to expand their search to the vibrant regions of Samara and the beautiful, welcoming communities of Nosara.

Their wandering drive from Samara to Playa Carrillo would mark a turning point in their quest. The tranquility and unspoiled beauty of Playa Carrillo’s pristine beach captured their hearts instantly. It was a hidden gem—Costa Rica’s best kept secret—a paradise without the crowds. Playa Carrillo won their hearts over.

Howler Monkeys: The Real Estate Agents of Boca del Toro!

Jody and Bob’s first “gutsy” decision began with finding the right lot. They connected with Terry Lewis, the American developer of the residential community, Boca del Toro, located up on the hill from the beach in Playa Carrillo. Terry presented them with several detailed plot plans. Initially, they had a clear budget of $100,000—a reasonable figure for their dream home. However, as they stood on the ridge and envisioned their future, the landscape spoke to them in a way a blueprint never could.

They ultimately chose to double their investment, committing an additional $100,000 to secure a slice of paradise with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. It was a bold move, but it wasn’t just the vistas that convinced them; it was the “local sales team”—the Howler Monkeys. Their primal symphony echoed through the canopy as Jody and Bob explored the land, turning a property search into a magical immersion. That sound, combined with the salt air, promised a life of tranquility and adventure that made the stretch in budget feel like the most natural decision in the world.

We Bought a Power Transformer: No Leaving Us in the Dark!

Bob, an experienced home remodeler from Southern California, was no stranger to the complexities of construction. However, even his seasoned background couldn’t prepare him for a uniquely Costa Rican hurdle: the realization that they would need to purchase their own electric transformer just to power their home.

In a surprising twist of local infrastructure, the electric company (ICE) did not have the equipment on hand to provide power to their specific ridge. The total cost would be $3000 to purchase a transformer. To keep the dream moving forward, Bob and Jody split the cost of the transformer with Terry Lewis, because permanent power to the house was written in their contract. Once purchased, the transformer was donated to ICE for installation and service. They hadn’t accounted for this $1500 surprise in their original budget.

Rather than letting the frustration dim their spirits, they did what any resilient team would do—they bought it, donated it, and kept their eyes on the finish line. It was a lesson in patience and a powerful reminder that in Costa Rica, you don’t just build a house; you build the very foundation of the life you want to lead.

Practice Patience

Jody and Bob’s journey transcended the mere act of finding the right lot; it demanded resilience and determination to maneuver through a terrain where “standard” construction practices frequently proved inadequate. To maintain their level of excitement on this project they had to overcome poor craftsmanship, the inexperience of local contractors, and logistical setbacks, all while maintaining their joy.

For Jody and Bob, the path was not a straight line. It was a test of perseverance that demanded they manage the high stakes of international construction without letting the stress crush their joy. Yet, through every setback and every “lost in translation” moment, they remained a team. They didn’t just build a house; they created a sanctuary through sheer grit. Today, their completed home and vibrant gardens stand as a breathtaking testament to what is possible when you refuse to let go of a dream. In Playa Carrillo, they found more than just a hidden gem; they found the reward for a life lived with courage, resulting in a tropical paradise that is, quite simply, absolutely beautiful.

The Gold Standard for a Playa Carrillo Custom Home

Throughout my time interviewing many adventurous souls who have taken on the challenge of building custom homes in Costa Rica, Bob and Jody stand alone. Their journey is, hands down, the most successful I have ever witnessed. Bob and Jody’s combined expertise and relentless grit set the gold standard for what it means to build a masterpiece in paradise. Their success wasn’t a stroke of luck; it was the result of a “gutsy” refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. Here is exactly how they navigated the trials of construction to emerge with the most stunning property in Boca del Toro.

Mastering the Build of a Playa Carrillo Custom Home

Pro Tips for Future Dreamers: The “Bob Method” of Quality Control

Building a home in Costa Rica is a dream, but managing the construction is a marathon. Because of Bob’s extensive construction background, he and Jody were able to navigate hurdles that might have sidelined other builders. They didn’t just escape disasters; they mastered the art of international oversight.

Here is their “battle-tested” advice for ensuring your dream doesn’t become a cautionary tale.

1. The Roof & The Rain

In the tropics, your roof is your primary shield against the elements. Bob and Jody learned the hard way that “standard” installation isn’t always enough. Despite careful planning, they faced a homeowner’s worst nightmare: persistent leaks. Bob explained to me when I announced that my Playa Carrillo home was finally finished, “Oh, you’re not done! You’re going to be chasing leaks and working on it yourself for another year.” He was absolutely correct.

• Roof Redo: To ensure their patio sanctuary stayed dry, they had to make the difficult, gutsy decision to redo the roof over a portion of their expansive covered patio. This wasn’t a simple patch job; it was a complete overhaul to correct fundamental errors in the original construction.
• Gutters and Downspouts: The water management extended beyond the metal roof. All of their new gutters and downspouts were replaced to manage the heavy Costa Rican downpours during the rainy season.

This challenge highlighted the “Bob Method” perfectly—sometimes you have to tear it all down and do it again to ensure it’s done right. Their perseverance turned a structural failure into a success story of lasting quality.

2. Trust the Blueprint, Check the Contract

In Costa Rica, the blueprint is your best friend and the contract must be checked to make sure you’re not being overcharged along the way.

• The Kitchen Island Lesson: Their contract didn’t explicitly detail the kitchen island, and they were told that it was considered a piece of furniture. They ensured their favorite room was finished exactly as envisioned and paid an additional $2000 to include their beautiful island in the kitchen. They recommend writing very specific language in the contract to include the kitchen island in the total build price.

3. Don’t Buy into the “Good Story”

Many contractors “talk a good story,” but Bob and Jody learned quickly: don’t assume anyone knows what they are doing. Verify Everything. Their landscape company showed up with the wrong tools to start their work and Bob had to provide the tools so they could do the work. The landscape company also lacked experience and a working knowledge of correct irrigation systems and the layout. An entire irrigation system had to be replaced because it was installed incorrectly. Bob’s “Trust but Verify” method saved them from long-term headaches.

• The Power of Withholding: One of the most effective ways to “make them do it” is to withhold final payments until the work meets the standard of the plans.

4. Combatting the “We Don’t Do That Here” Mentality

You will often hear, “We can’t get that” or “We don’t do that here.” Bob and Jody proved that with persistence, you usually can.

5. Respect the Tropical Environment

The sun and rain in Guanacaste are powerful forces.

• Watch the Sun: Before finalizing your layout, watch how the sun moves across the property. Jody and Bob planned their outdoor spaces with specific coverage in mind, ensuring they could enjoy the “Pura Vida” lifestyle without being scorched.
• Watch the Rain: It’s important to watch where the volume of rain water moves across your property. In the timespan of one day’s rain, erosion can begin to create deep ruts and chunks of your land can run down the slopes and hillsides like a mud river. Learn to create swales or pathways for water to run without destroying your property.

6. Expect the Unexpected (Like the VAT Tax)

Even the best-laid plans meet external shifts. In 2021, the 13% VAT tax (IVA) was introduced, an unexpected cost that would have required even more financial “guts” to push their project through. But Bob and Jody wisely started construction three months early in order to avoid paying the VAT tax before it was implemented. By staying flexible and focused on the end goal, they turned every challenge—from leaky roofs to tax hikes—into a milestone of their success.

7. Environmental Heartbreak & The Clean-Up

While Costa Rica is known for being “green,” Bob and Jody learned that protecting the land requires constant, vigilant oversight. One of the greatest disappointments of their journey occurred while they were briefly back in the United States.

• The Loss of Two Giant Guanacaste Trees: Upon their return, they were devastated to find that two massive Guanacaste trees—the majestic national tree of Costa Rica—had been cut down without their permission. It was a staggering loss of natural beauty and a violation of the environmental values they hold dear.
• The “Hidden” Trash: Furthermore, the lack of respect for the land continued with the construction crews, who left junk and trash scattered across the property. Instead of disposing of it properly, workers buried the refuse. Years later, as Jody works to cultivate her award-winning gardens, she is still unearthing remnants of that construction debris—a constant reminder of the grit required to reclaim the land.

8. The Laminated Glass Battle

Jody and Bob made the “gutsy” financial decision to invest in the highest-quality materials available in Costa Rica. They invested in the installation of top-tier laminated glass doors and windows. They wanted the best protection and the clearest Pacific Ocean views for their new life.

However, while they were back in the United States finalizing the sale of their California home, a silent disaster was unfolding. For an entire year, the property’s synchronized water sprinklers were hitting six of the large, brand-new glass panels day after day.

• The Arrival: When they finally returned to Playa Carrillo, their hearts sank. Instead of crystal-clear Pacific Ocean vistas, they saw glass covered in thick, white, hard-water crust.
• The Anguish: It was a moment of pure anguish. What they feared were permanent mineral deposits obscured every inch of their expensive investment.
• The Restoration: True to their nature, they didn’t give up. It took a tremendous amount of “sweat equity” and back-breaking labor to scrub and restore those six impacted glass panels.

Today, those windows are clear again, but they stand as a reminder that in Costa Rica, even your “solutions” require constant vigilance. Their success wasn’t just in buying the glass—it was in the relentless work it took to save it.

The Sweat Equity of a Tropical Masterpiece

While the house provided the structure, it was Jody and Bob’s relentless work ethic that breathed life into the land. In the heat of the Guanacaste sun, “Pura Vida” isn’t just found; it is a simple life built with your own two hands.

To look at the property today is to see what looks like an award-winning landscape design project. But the reality behind those lush vistas is hours of daily labor. Jody and Bob spent their days outside, sweating through the humidity to transform raw earth into a botanical sanctuary.

Their vision for the grounds was as ambitious as the house itself. Together, they hand-selected and planted an incredible variety of life, including:

• Tropical Fruit Trees: A living pantry of mango, citrus, and exotic fruits that thrive in the rich soil.
• Flowering Plants & Shrubs: Vibrant bursts of color that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Lush Privacy & Shade: Strategic landscaping that cools the air and creates a sense of total seclusion.

This wasn’t a project to hand off to a crew and walk away from it. It was a labor of love—a literal “hands in the dirt” commitment to the environment. Every flowering shrub and fruit tree is a testament to their grit. They proved that with enough sweat and a shared vision, you can cultivate a masterpiece that rivals any professional design.

A Note of Gratitude: The Neighbors Who Built a Community

While Bob and Jody’s focus was on completing their own sanctuary, they never let their own challenges stop them from being incredible neighbors. As I navigated the construction of my own home nearby, I witnessed firsthand the generosity and expertise that define them.

Bob, a skilled problem-solver, often rode up on his quad to help out. His presence was a relief as he tackled home projects I struggled with alone. Bob expertly managed the dishwasher installation, secured every connection, and attached the dryer vent safely. He even installed a crucial water pressure valve to protect my plumbing. His construction knowledge and enthusiastic support made daunting tasks manageable.

And Jody’s influence didn’t stop at her own property line. Much of the life you see in my own garden today started with Jody. She shared countless starter plants from her award-winning collection, helping me find my footing in the world of tropical landscaping.

The Heart of the Neighborhood: Beyond the Build

While Bob was the master of the “gutsy” mechanical fixes, Jody was the heart and soul of my transition to life in Playa Carrillo. Her support went far beyond the physical construction; she provided the comfort and stability I needed when the challenges of building felt overwhelming.

When I was at my lowest—distressed by the endless hurdles of my own construction—Jody was there with a steady, comforting presence. Her generosity was limitless. She spent hours digging up countless “starter” plants from her own award-winning gardens. Her gardening gifts eventually transformed my bare dirt into a lush sanctuary. When I had to travel back to the United States, I never had to worry. She tended to my garden as if it were her own, ensuring every leaf stayed green in the tropical sun.

They picked me up at the airport in Liberia and helped load ten containers that I brought from the US. Together, they were a force of neighborly kindness. They opened their garage to me, storing all my belongings for months until my home was finally ready. They didn’t just pick me up; they moved my entire life—not once, but twice. Bob and Jody physically hauled my things and worked tirelessly to help me get settled into my new life in my Playa Carrillo custom home.

Their story in Playa Carrillo exemplifies turning a vision into reality through perseverance. For Bob and Jody, it’s not just about a Playa Carrillo custom home with Pacific Ocean views. It’s about a life of purpose and a kind community. They showed that even amidst challenges, there’s always room to help a neighbor grow.

Have you ever faced an ‘expect the unexpected’ moment while building your dream? Share your story in the comments below!”