| Rancho Santana: The Cadillac of Beachfront Communities Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Dear International Living Reader, I wasn't going to stop here. I shouldn't admit this, but I felt I'd heard all I ever needed to hear about Rancho Santana back in the days when International Living had a sales office there. I came back this time only because a friend has a home here where I could stay while I was in the area--something I'm sure won't happen again once she gets my bar tab from the clubhouse. I'd been here before, and frankly hadn't been that impressed. Sure, the coastline is beautiful…but, otherwise, I didn't find it really special. But a lot has changed in the last three years. When I arrived this time, I found what I immediately thought of as the "Cadillac" of the Nicaraguan beachfront communities. I've spent a lot of time in Southern California, and on arriving here I thought back to the exclusive gated beachfront communities near Dana Point or Laguna Beach in Orange County, with their multi-million-dollar properties looking out over the Pacific. Rancho Santana today is also in that category--the cream of the crop--and someday in the future will be priced like Orange County as well. I wake up here not only to the sound of crashing waves, but also to the roar of howler monkeys and a symphony of countless tropical birds--things that they don't have in Orange County now that I think about it. And as the total property is over 3,000 acres, the view and the local environment are secure. Everything in Rancho Santana is complete, and it's been done in a first-rate fashion. An impressive clubhouse with fine restaurant, high-speed Internet service, a new bar, and a beautiful pool looking out on to the beachfront are just the beginning. They also have a water plant providing pure drinking water, their own cell tower, and all underground utilities. Unlike most beach-oriented projects, you're not "betting on the infrastructure" here, but rather buying into a first-rate community where everything's up and running…and it's nice. Not only that, but the monthly homeowner's costs here are the lowest around. I looked at a section called Bella Vista while I was here on this visit, and found about 60 lots available with awesome ocean views. Bella Vista is back from the beach, but high enough in elevation that you can see miles out to sea. Lots in this area start at just $40,000 and go up to $100,000 for the best 270-degree views. There are other properties available at Santana, but I felt like the best values were in Bella Vista, which also includes some attractive ocean-view wooded lots. Sure, you can buy cheaper on the coast in Nicaragua, but I personally value the fact that you don't have to wonder what things will be like "when they're done." As sales manager Tom Gordon and I drove from Bella Vista back to the clubhouse, we startled an eagle that had roosted in an overhanging tree, reminding me that despite all the fine amenities here, the natural environment has been preserved. For more information on Bella Vista, or anything else at Rancho Santana, contact our Nicaragua office at: http://www.il-ireland.com/il/questionnaire/r-santana/ Lee Harrison P.S. I was surprised at the number of surfers of my age who reside at Rancho Santana. I knew the surfing here was world-class, but have always associated surfing communities with little shacks on the beach. Live and learn. Important Note: In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that International Living receives commissions from sales at Rancho Santana. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Put to good use the valuable lessons we deliver in the Live Overseas Kit… and in a mere handful of months--weeks, even--you could be escaping the rat race and starting over in a place that fits your dreams… where the quality of life is richer… where there's less stress and more freedom… where you don't have to be a celebrity to live like one… * "I've got an interesting problem. We just sold our house in Cuenca, Ecuador, and are trying to figure out where our expat life is going to lead us next…" * The Exptriate's Tax Bible. IL's user-friendly guide to managing your taxes while living overseas was created with the help and expertise of an insider and expert: a former IRS agent, now an expat himself. The Expatriate's Tax Bible is the only book available anywhere that we know of to help you learn how to cover your tax obligations at home in the U.S. from abroad--without paying a dollar more than you owe. * "The beach here is fantastic, but that's not what makes this project unique…"
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