Las Catalinas, the carless seaside town in Costa Rica, recently achieved a significant milestone. After 16 years of meticulous planning and construction, they completed the Beach Town neighborhood by the end of 2022. Notably, the Congress for New Urbanism bestowed upon Beach Town the prestigious Charter Award last year. This esteemed recognition applauds the town’s accomplishments in fostering more equitable, sustainable, connected, healthy, and prosperous communities.
Beach Town embodies the essence of an ideal neighborhood. With its friendly neighborhoods, pedestrian-friendly streets and plazas, and timeless architectural design, it covers an expansive 21-acre area. The development seamlessly integrates leisure and urban living, emphasizing the preservation and integration of the surrounding natural environment.
Continuing its commitment to connecting people with one another and with nature, Las Catalinas is now embarking on the next phase of its visionary project. El Prado, the neighboring district situated on the east side of Camino Las Catalinas, is currently under construction. Excitingly, Las Catalinas began construction on the first single-family home in El Prado in early June 2023, signaling a new chapter in the town’s evolution.
Las Catalinas was originally founded on the principle of revolutionizing the way people live by fostering connections with others and the natural world. It is no surprise that the town has evolved into a desirable destination, appealing to families, groups, and individuals seeking to reconnect in a car-free, open-air environment. Visitors and travelers who have frequented Las Catalinas over the years have been captivated by the town’s walkability, a network of trails and walkways, and a design ethos that promotes meaningful interactions. Consequently, many of these visitors have transitioned from being guests to becoming proud homeowners. The Bradshaw family, after a decade of experiencing Las Catalinas as visitors, seized the opportunity to make it their permanent residence. As the first homeowners to commence construction in El Prado, they embody the spirit of individuals who have discovered a harmonious way of life, enriched by the connectivity to others and nature that Las Catalinas offers.
Las Catalinas stands as a testament to innovative urban planning, fostering a sense of community and a deep appreciation for the natural surroundings. It has become a magnet for those seeking a fulfilling and serene lifestyle. With the commencement of construction in El Prado, the town’s trajectory appears poised to continue its positive trajectory. Exciting times lie ahead for Las Catalinas as it continues to captivate with its vision and unwavering commitment to sustainable living.
Slated for completion in January/February 2024, the three-bedroom residence at 33 Paseo del Parque is a creation by Castillo Arquitectos. Designed to exude simple elegance, this approximately 1500 square foot home offers a welcoming patio and enjoys a picturesque setting along Paseo del Parque. The first floor boasts an open plan, providing easy access to a rear patio and a refreshing plunge pool. On the second floor, three bedrooms and a terrace overlooking the park, creating a serene and idyllic atmosphere. Spearheading the design and construction process are the esteemed team of Las Catalinas DCL in project administration, Eduardo Castillo from Castillo Arquitectos, and Alfa Co. as the general contractor.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, the Bradshaw family has been making their way down to Las Catalinas for a decade now. Their decision to design their own home was greatly influenced by their numerous visits to the town, where they fell in love with the lifestyle it offered. The Bradshaws’ dream of owning a home in this charming seaside town has finally become a reality.
“When we visited Las Catalinas, we couldn’t help but admire the stunning homes with their unique architectural styles,” shared Heather Bradshaw. “The cobblestone streets, charming passageways, and the individuality of each home left us enchanted. Each dwelling had its own distinct character and style. We used to take romantic walks after dinner, hand in hand, dreaming about having a home in Las Catalinas. And now, here we are, living our dream.”
During their initial discussions with Castillo Arquitectos, the Bradshaws expressed their desire for a Mediterranean or New Orleans garden home aesthetic, complete with a porch. Heather emphasized the importance of having a porch, as they come from a landlocked city like Houston and relish the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature when they visit Costa Rica. “Our porch will be our sanctuary, where we can enjoy our morning coffees, host delightful afternoon gatherings with friends, and witness the breathtaking sunsets that Costa Rica offers,” she added.
Keeping in line with Las Catalinas’ philosophy of connecting people with nature, the Bradshaws aimed for an open living space where they can entertain, cook, and seamlessly open the French doors to the outside patio, where the inviting plunge pool awaits. They also plan to incorporate local Costa Rican materials and décor to infuse their home with a touch of authentic charm and cultural richness.
El Prado, spanning an expansive 60 acres, is an upcoming development that will encompass a wide range of residential options, mixed-use buildings, parks, and neighborhoods. It will be surrounded by an extensive network of 40 kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails. The centerpiece of El Prado will be the grand Parque Central, which will offer playing fields, tennis courts, a covered basketball/multisport court, and a neighborhood pool. The meticulously designed streets will be pedestrian-friendly, lined with charming buildings and adorned with beautiful facades.
Residents of El Prado will have access to world-class amenities, including offices and businesses that cater to their needs. The balconies and porches will provide inviting spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The development’s elevated sections will feature dramatic hillside views, reminiscent of the coastal Mediterranean.
The highlight of El Prado’s design is a series of spectacular pedestrian stair streets, offering breathtaking vistas in the upper areas. These stair streets will provide a unique and enchanting experience for residents and visitors alike.
El Prado offers a diverse range of living options, including flats, townhouses, and houses along the stair streets. Additionally, there are a number of spacious lots available for those seeking to build larger houses. Many of these residences will boast panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a truly awe-inspiring living experience.
Prospective buyers can choose from single-family lots starting at $185,000 USD and residences starting at $385,000 USD. The range of sizes and ocean views ensures that there is an option to suit every preference and lifestyle. For more detailed information, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Residential Sales Team at Las Catalinas via email at [email protected]. They will be able to provide comprehensive information and assist in making the perfect choice within El Prado.
Website: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/
Discover more from SNAP TASTE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
