Two story living room view from kitchen. Living room opens into Master Bedroom.
Location: Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America (20 minute drive to Monteverde)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Loft, 2 Baths (Sleeps 5-8)
Keywords: coffee farm, secluded, family, couples, mountain home, relaxing home, tropical, cloud forest, costa rica, monteverde, rustic, open floor plan, full kitchen, orchard, authentic, farm, gardens, casa, finca, finca de cafe, espanol, honeymoon, family vacation, romantic getaway
ABOUT THE HOME....
The Zabala house is nestled in a lush organic coffee farm called Finca Flor Mar. This 100 acre farm produces organic Arabica coffee, plantains, bananas, mangos, limes, starfruit, & avocados.
The home is shaded by an abundant Mango & Lime orchard that is buzzing with butterflies & native birds.
With 4 bedrooms (3 beds + loft) & 2 full baths, the Zabala house hosts a max of 7 people (4 adults with extra room for kids). It is the perfect couple’s getaway or family vacation home. The home has a fully functional kitchen and a maid that comes 3x’s a week. Your floors will be cleaned, and dishes sparkling =) Laundry service is an additional $5 a day.
The open floor plan boasts a rustic yet luxurious feel. It is comfortably furnished & tastefully decorated. The Zabala house features a large eat-in kitchen, wireless high-speed internet, two story high living room with a flat screen TV & DVD, a living room-like front porch, an expansive master suit with a spa-like hot shower, two upstairs bedrooms (one room with a twin bed, the other with a queen), and an open loft bedroom with queen bed & quadruple doors that open to a private patio. (The loft has an additional mattress nestled into the balcony nook that will sleep 2...great for kids.)
This is the only home of its kind in the area. It was hand-built by the community with local hard woods. All the doors, windows, & much of the furniture is artisan-made by the next-door neighbor. This house is the home of the Zabala family, who has temporarily returned to Atlanta. It has been called (with jaws dropping) a wonderland...the home is full of art, full of soul, and it is Costa-Rican gem like nothing else you can experience on the mountain.
ABOUT MONTEVERDE...
Monteverde is a largely bilingual town. It’s home of the Cloud Forest Reserve, stunning natural landscapes, world-class restaurants, local shops, a strong art community, & a bustling local economy.
The world-famous Cloud Forest Reserve is a private nature reserve listed as #14 on Newsweek's 100 Places to Remember Before They Disappear. The massive 10,500 hectare reserve draws 70,000 tourists a year. It is known as
the site with the largest number of orchids in the world, and houses 60 species of amphibians (including the near extinct
Monteverde-endemic golden toad) and the elusive bright Blue Morphos butterfly. This area is also a stop for 91 species of migratory birds. The famed quetzal resides here seasonally.
What is now considered Monteverde was founded by Quakers from the United States whose pacifist values led them to defy the American draft during the Korean War. These conscientious objectors blended well with the Costa Rican philosophy of peaceful living. The Cloud Forest Reserve was set aside by Quakers to preserve the Cloud Forest & protect the water shed. Monteverde & surrounding areas are inhabited by a blend of Costa Ricans, Americans, & families from around the world.
The Zabala house is located about 20 minutes outside of Monteverde, in a small town called San Rafael. San Rafael is usually a good bit warmer & less rainy than Monteverde. It is a 100% Tico town, outside of the residents of Finca Flor Mar. This active town is formed by a strong community of families, a tasty restaurant, a pottery pavilion, local bar, two pulperias (small general stores), and two public schools.
CASA ZABALA DETAILS
The Zabala house is THE most personal, unique, and authentic way to experience Monteverde, Santa Elena, &
San Rafael, Costa Rica. High-end hotels of comparable quality to The Zabala house are $150-$250 a night for a single room. The Zabala house offers 4 bedrooms for $125 a night. Our home is about 2,000sqft of Costa Rican hardwoods & rustic comfort. It is one of the largest, most unique houses in the area.
Finca Flor Mar is the birthplace of the Sustainable Coffee Initiative. Chelsea’s father, Ken Lander, is the founder of this community based organization that created a system which exponentially increases the farmer’s profits compared to Fair Trade. San Rafael is the center of an agricultural revolution for the coffee industry. The Sustainable Coffee Initiative’s practices & philosophy are being explored around the world. Come visit Ken Lander at The Common Cup (or at his home next-door to The Zabala House), who will take you through the ever-growing world of the Costa Rican coffee farmer.
We strongly recommend having a rental car when you stay at Casa Zabala. It is a 25 minute drive to Monteverde & 3 minutes to San Rafael's center. Sooo much to do...but you will need to drive there. The value of staying in our house verses a hotel or rental closer to Monteverde in incomparable.
Please email us for more pictures. We have lots! (Had fun taking them...our home is lovely!)
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- Balcony
- View/Location
- Ocean View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Perfect climate...no heating or air conditioning needed,Two story living room & open loft with huge balcony as 4th bedroom, Spa-like master bath. huge double doors cover the house & open up the home to a starfruit & lime orchard, Gorgeous tile floors, Home hand contructed by local builders & artisans...even the windows, doors, & much of the furniture, Hot water heater (this is rare for Costa Rica), Gas stove
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Museums
- Other Activities
- hot springs, hiking, coffee tours, orchid museum, frog pond, zip lines, cloud forest reserve, serpentarium, canopy tours, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, cheese factory, art studios, waterfalls, cloud forest night tour
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Year Round $125 night/$850 week. Rate for 4 people, each additional person $20 per night. 3 night minimum stay. Full Maid Service Included.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
-
Credit Cards Accepted:
-
-
-
-
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 2008
We are a young couple with two kids (Cecilia, 10 & Eli, 4). Our home in Monteverde is our pride & joy. We lived there for 3 years and recently returned to Atlanta, Ga to spend time with our family.
Rafael owns an Interactive Online Marketing Firm where Chelsea is the head designer.
We are happy to share our home with you, and we ask that you treat it with love & respect. We consider this our other home, not just our vacation rental. We are in love with San Rafael & Monteverde, and will to return to our peaceful lifestyle & exquisite home when the time is right.
Why the Owner Chose Monteverde
We moved to Costa Rica in 2003 to live on an organic coffee farm. We designed the home & hired local talent to build it by hand with local hardwoods. The home & plantation are one-of-a-kind. The community is tight-knit, diverse, and positive.
The Unique Benefits of this House
This property is not just a house....the tile floors extend out to a large front porch. Doors span the front of the home. Open up to the fresh air, gardens, birds, & butterflies and you are truly in wonderland.
Property Photos
-
- Two story living room view from kitchen. Living room opens into Master Bedroom. - San Rafael Vacation Home Just Outside of Monteverde, Costa Rica
-
- Huge Master Suite with double doors open to Mango Orchard. - San Rafael Vacation Home Just Outside of Monteverde, Costa Rica
-
- Full Eat-in Kitchen full of light & natural hardwoods. - San Rafael Vacation Home Just Outside of Monteverde, Costa Rica
-
- Large front porch...like a 2nd living room. Full of hummingbirds & butterflies.
-
- Living room view of front of house. Open doors for fresh Costa Rican air!
-
- Loft bedroom. 2 sets of double doors lead to huge balcony w/ far-off ocean view
Traveler Reviews (8)
I love this house.....
Guest: Tiffany
(Monteverde, Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 03/09/11
Review Submitted: 06/10/11
This house is absolutely beautiful... The open concept is amazing and it's so comfortable and homey, it's like a log cabin for the wealthy The views are incredible and it is a nice drive to town, when staying here though, I would just stock up on supplies and never leave..... I feel a lot of love in this house and look forward to returning...:)
Recommended for:Pet owners, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
An amazing house in the mountains of Costa Rica
Guest: Lidieth
(Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 01/11/01
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
Stayed at this place for 5 nights with my friends, the house is absolutely gorgeous, spacious and confortable, a rustic house with good stile decorations and acomodations, just what we were looking for; the surroundings areas are beautiful, coffee plantations, mango trees, forest, perfect to see birds, butterflyes and all kind of different wildlife typical of the mountains of Costa Rica. The place is soo quiet, the fresh air makes you feel soo alive, what a amazing feeling of peace! If you have a vihecle, you can take a short drive to Santa Elena - Monteverde, the drive allow you to see some of the most amazing views of the Nicoya Peninsula, the ocean , the islands, great to take pictures! In Santa Elena you will find all kind of tours to show you the wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, biological reserves, night tours, zip line tours, hanging bridges, horse back riding, atv tours , butterflyes, frogs , snakes, hummingbirds etc, also you´ll find restaurants, coffee shops, galeries, souvenirs, bars, supermarkets, everything you need to spend a fantastic day in town! Remember, the house is all well equiped so you can also buy some things a cook at the house! We had a amazing time, private and confortable vacations between friends in a beautiful place, it was worth every penny for sure! We enjo it soo much that we are already planing our next vacations there!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, age 55+.
Incomparable Accomodations
Guest: Michael
(Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/18/11
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
I was able to stay for a week in April and can't imagine a better place in the entire region to have called home base. I only wish my family had made this trip with me and could have enjoyed the home with me. The architecture and furnishings are so unique but so well done that you truly feel like you are in a luxury retreat in the mountains of Costa Rica, yet with high-speed internet and fully furnished kitchen, there is hardly anything else needed for enjoy a rare and delightful experience. I will definitely be planning to return!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing.
Peaceful paradise with rustic elegance
Guest: Shandapanda
(Asheville, NC)
Date of Stay: 01/25/11
Review Submitted: 06/06/11
This home is spacious and Beautiful! Lots of lovely unique touches and incredibly peaceful. This is a place to sit back, breathe in the pure air, listen to the music of birds and wind, tour the coffee plantation, and basically relax relax relax. I rent a car when I visit Costa Rica and the drive to Santa Elena/Monteverde tourist attractions and nightlife is very manageable and affords you numerous breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Nicoya....especially at sunset! Selvatura Park is an wonderful nature adventure park and the Santa Elena/Monteverde has nightlife, art galleries, a community coffee house and & co-op, a variety of shopping, and a large grocery store. I definitely recommend this home! I will return for sure. Pura Vida!
Owner response:Thanks for the review Shanda! This home really is the best of both worlds....there is the peaceful, outside of town scenic views, and a short drive to fun & unique activities. Selvatura is our favorite! The zip-lines are a most-do. The canopy bridges are also there for those who are not into such adventurous activities or people who want more after the zip lining. The butterfly garden there is INCREDIBLE! As for art galleries....make sure to visit Artes Tulio. His paintings & sculptures are stunning. He was born & raised in the area....so his art really carries the unique spirit of Monteverde.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Lujo y Comodidad con toda la belleza de una Casa Rural
Guest: Cristina
(Madrid, Spain)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11
Review Submitted: 06/03/11
Mi familia y yo nos quedamos aquí para la semana santa, buscábamos un lugar tranquilo y con posibilidad de caminar por senderos de una finca de café. Encontramos el lugar ideal para todos, los niños corrían felices y seguros por la finca, mientras mi esposo y yo nos relajábamos y observábamos la exuberante flora local. Fue una experiencia increíble. Todo en la casa estaba en buenísimas condiciones y el lugar resultó más bonito de lo que esperábamos. Lo recomendamos para cualquier tipo de actividad o vacaciones familiares.
Owner response:Gracia Cristina! Somos super feliz a ofrecer una destinación segura y cómoda para familias y parejas que buscan algo romántico y tranquilo. Esta casa tiene amplio espacio abierto al ambiente afuera adonde tiene terrazas y áreas para disfrutar lo lindo de la naturaleza en Costa Rica. Thanks Cristina! We are very happy to provide a safe & comfortable destination for families with young children, as well as couples looking for a romantic & relaxing get away. This house has beautiful open spaces, but there is also so much to do outside! With this home you can take advantage of the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
Amazing!!!
Guest: kabu
(England)
Date of Stay: 01/06/11
Review Submitted: 06/03/11
This place is just amazing... the area, the view, the house is so big and comfortable. i recommend this 100% if you want to relax your self!!! ;)
Owner response:I'm glad you enjoyed the house! This is not just a rental, but our second home, so it's furnished for our family. We like to relax and enjoy the beauty of our home & surroundings. We know that anyone who stays here will not be able to walk through the home without admiring what an amazing space it is!
Recommended for:Pet owners, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Gorgeous unique home
Guest: Jim
(San Ramon, Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 05/10/11
Review Submitted: 05/31/11
My friends and I spent two nights in this lovely space and could not have been more happy with the tranquil environment and the beautiful furnishings. I highly recommend this home for anyone visiting this amazing resort area.
Owner response:Thanks Jim!!! I'm glad you enjoyed the home! We sure do miss it there.... It really is a GREAT place for a relaxed vacation. Plus, there are so many activities around...hot springs, zip lines, hiking, the Cloud Forest Reserve, horseback riding. Go relax at your vacation home & have fun in Costa Rica during the day! We hope you come back soon!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
gorgeous retreat
Guest: Elizabeth
(Martinsburg, WV)
Date of Stay: 01/03/11
Review Submitted: 05/28/11
This house is spectacular. The porches and patios are to die for. Plenty of room and wonderfully seculed. A little away from the bustle of the main touristy areas which is nice, but certainly close enough to easily get everywhere by car.
Owner response:Thanks Elizabeth!! The outside areas are my favorite part of this home. Mainly because the front of the house opens up to them...so lovely to experience the Costa Rican air, flowers, and butterflies in every part of the home.
Recommended for:Pet owners, girls getaway, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, age 55+.
First (8) of (8). Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #360208
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2011.
Date last modified - Sunday, January 08, 2012
