I noticed a client looking for a recreational farm the other day. All our agents are bi-lingual, some of us are even polyglots. But sometimes they miss the nuances in each language.
The agent asked: “I would like to know what you mean by a recreational farm, so I know what to look for”.
The reason that the agent doesn’t know what a recreational farm (in English) is because we call it a quinta in Costa Rica. So I decided to write a blog about it.
A quinta is a small farm, a rural property, used as a weekend home or getaway, usually of 5,000 – 7,000 m2 (1 ¼ – 1 ¾ acre) or a little larger. You’ll find quintas smaller than 1/4 acre only in those areas where the zoning restrictions allow for it.
In the old days, residents in the city of San Jose, had a quinta just outside the city, to get out of the city during the weekends. Depending on the weather preferences or the owners, these quintas were either in warmer or cooler areas.
Warmer weather
Therefore, there were quintas for those who wanted a swimming pool past the city of Alajuela. Many well-to-do families owned a recreational farm in la Garita or Turrucares and as far as Atenas and San Pedro Poas.
I remember listing quintas with a simple weekend home with a pool without pumps and filters. The pool was just a big concrete hole in the ground. It was filled at arrival and emptied again on Sunday night. The wealthy had villas with landscaped grounds, a large pool, tennis courts, and other amenities.
Cooler weather
Those preferring cooler weather had a quinta in the Heredia mountains, Coronado, the slopes of the Irazu or even Orosi. Few of those have a pool.
Times change
But times have changed tremendously. Kids don’t want to be outdoors anymore; they prefer to be on Facebook. Airbnb and hotel packages promoted by the Bureau of Tourism have changed the way people spend their weekends. Life as a family has changed, and travel is so much easier now that many prefer not to stay close to home
Condominiums and gated communities also have changed our lifestyle. Many gated communities have a pool, tennis courts and other amenities. Now, you don’t have to be rich to have access to all those amenities.
Where?
Preferred areas are now Grecia, San Carlos, la Fortuna and some areas 20 minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.
A quinta is not always located in a master planned project. When master planned, you’ll find a very simple rural development, with basic amenities. In that case, water and power are usually in place, but you must do your homework.
A recreational farm
There is still a good market for recreational farms. Looking to purchase a recreational farm or a quinta? They are still there, and they’re quite accessible price-wise if you’re willing to make the drive. You will find very nice recreational farms in the rural areas of Costa Rica.
First decide which kind of weather you would like to have, warmer or cooler. It’s also important to know what your budget is of course. if you don’t know where to start, we can get you going.
Then contact us and either ask for a recreational farm or for a quinta. We can assist.
