The Determined Dreamer
Daniela was bound and determined to find the perfect place in the world to live her dreams. She packed her bags and trotted around the globe over a period of many years. Ultimately, she was in search of a location where she could live her best life. Her desired setting included beautiful beaches and a warm climate. Her exploration included possibilities in Spain, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Turks and Caicos, Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines. She did not feel good vibrations or an invitation to stay in any of these destinations. Determined to find the perfect place, Daniela continued to pursue her dream.
It was one of her three daughters that suggested a trip to Costa Rica. Off Daniela went to explore the possibilities of living along the Pacific Ocean coastline in the province of Guanacaste. Daniela rented a car and explored various locations along the stunningly magnificent northern coastline. She visited Tamarindo and Playa Grande. She left Costa Rica in 2013 with her heart telling her the search must continue. It was during Covid in 2021 that she felt Costa Rica was inviting her back. She returned to Costa Rica with her daughter, Anna, and granddaughter, Azalea. They decided to drive south to Playa Carrillo. Here she got a great deal on an Airbnb rental home in Estrada. Arriving at night, she drove the entire length of the crescent-shaped beach. She thought to herself, “I’ve made a big mistake to drive this far. This beach does not look that special.”
Never Give Up On Your Dream
After a good night’s sleep in the rental property, she felt refreshed. She decided to venture out with her girls. They traveled in her compact car. She was determined to find her dream location in Costa Rica. Daniela wanted to take a second look at the beach, this time in the full rays of warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. As Daniela made her approach to the beach in Playa Carrillo, she was over-the-moon ecstatic! Her eyes gazed upon a breathtaking beach. The water was bright blue. Palm trees lined the area, with white sand and calm breezes. This was it! Her heart said, “YES!” Costa Rica was inviting her to stay and make this slice of paradise her part-time home.
Living Your Best Life in Costa Rica
As things would happen, she was approached by a Costa Rican neighbor next to her Airbnb rental property. He explained that he was selling a piece of land adjacent to where she was staying. This piece of land could not have been more perfect for the site of her dream home. Ultimately, Daniela bought the land. She was very happy to have this big purchase behind her now. The next step in the process could begin immediately.
Recommendations Before You Purchase a Lot
- Hire a surveyor to identify the property lines for the property.
- Make sure there is a water meter and electricity available to ensure the lot is build-ready.
- Study how water flows and moves around the property during the rainy season. Ensure the lot does not become the bed of a river during this period.
- If the lot is on a raised platform, spend the money to have a soil test completed. This ensures the platform can support the size of the home.
- If the lot is located next to the slope of a hill or mountain, prepare for a potential mudslide. This risk increases during the rainy season. A retention wall may be needed to hold the slope into place.
The People We Meet
In January 2024, I needed a place to live for just two more weeks while my house was being finished. Therefore, I decided to reserve a room at House in the Palm Forest. That is when I met the amazing hotel owners, Hani and Honza, originally from the Czech Republic. They came to Costa Rica several years ago to build a new life and a small boutique hotel in Estrada. They shared their amazing story with me, the dream, the construction experience, their struggles and many successes.
It was at House in the Palm Forest that I first met Daniela. She quickly became my friend. I also became friends with Hani and Honza. We enjoyed spending time together at my house sharing our individual stories, our dreams, and our love of nature. All of us cherished beautiful landscapes and creating something special out of an idea. Building relationships is key. Learning from others’ experiences is vital for a dreamer in Costa Rica. Learning how other people persevered through struggles and hardships helps you get through difficult and challenging situations. Everyone experiences challenging situations here. Your friendship network grows as you put yourself out there to meet people. For example, you meet friends at the hardware shop, church, beach, restaurants, hotels, and other social gatherings in the community. This network supports those who aim to live their best life in Costa Rica.
Construction Begins
Many people face struggles with the local construction workers. Therefore, Daniela chose wisely her Czech friends Hani, Honza, and Hani’s son, Miki, to build her dream house. They shared the same language, culture, and work ethic. All of them grew up in the Czech Republic. Daniela dedicated a lot of time to the creation and design of her home. This included floor plan drawings and a 3-D model. Ultimately, these plans had to be approved by the municipality of Hojancha for the construction permit. Experience matters, and Daniela arrived with construction experience from Austria. She had designed and constructed her own doctor’s office in Austria. She worked as a physician and anesthesiologist for nearly 30 years in Austria until she officially retired in 2018.
Before You Build
- Apply and pay the construction permit to the municipality.
- Ensure your builders are experienced and can correctly install the plumbing, electrical and septic systems.
- Do your homework. Hire people to construct your house who can prove to you from their other projects that they know what they’re doing.
- Become your own Project Manager. If you do not manage your own construction project, you will be disappointed with the results.
“All Our Dreams Can Come True, If We Have the Courage to Pursue Them” – Walt Disney
Daniela’s dream of living in a warmer climate for four to five months a year has come true. One day soon, she will enjoy her morning cup of coffee. She will listen to the birds and watch the butterflies dance about. She’ll be sitting on the patio in her new home in Estrada, Costa Rica. Above all, her courageous journey truly shows how one person can live their best life if they follow their dreams.