• HomePage
• Costa Rica
• Location
• About El Dorado
• The Resort
• The Houses
• Features
• Legal & Financial Info
• Newsletter
• News & Articles
• Community Relations
• The Development Team
• Testimonials
• Links
• Costa Rica Directory
• Contact Us

Basic Facts

The Residences

The residences at Hacienda El Dorado will be arrayed along the river and high ground to take advantage of the natural topography and views offered. The houses will be of variable design and size —one, two and three story homes, detached and horizontal duplexes, 4-plexes, 6-plexes and one 5 story apartment building.

The Stream

This will be one of the focal points of this development. Along the stream, there are many magnificent trees some of which are absolutely breathtaking having canopies a 1/4 block. The stream itself is lined with natural stones and the slope of the land is such that there is a continuous sound of rapids and small waterfalls. Footpaths will be created on either side of the stream and several footbridges as well as a hanging bridge are contemplated. These paths will be used as jogging and walking trails. The surroundings will be landscaped and the paths as well as the stream itself will be lightscaped.

Gardens & Common Areas

The garden will feature 3 beautiful swimming pools with waterfalls as well as palm-thatched ranchos for shade and social areas. BBQs with food preparation areas will be provided. Several Jacuzzi tubs may be incorporated into the swimming pools. Various areas away from the stream will have water fountains such that the sounds of running water are never far away. The entire common areas will be nicely landscaped with palm trees, flowering vines and shrubs as well as many multi colored tropical plants. Night lighting will be an evening feature throughout the compound.

In addition, tropical fruit trees —mangos, lemons, limes, oranges, papaya, banana, star fruit, coffee bushes, and avocadoes will dot the gardens. Tropical plants not indigenous to the Central Valley will be added and attractively arrayed to provide privacy and ambiance. Several orchid gardens will also be created.

The gardens will be irrigated during the dry season (December through April).

Recreational Facilities & Amenities

Recreational facilities will include jogging and walking trails; swimming pools, tennis court, horseshoe pit, and basketball hoops court as well as exercise gym equipment. Amenities are expected to include a convenience store, sandwich/snack area and an activities room. The developer will provide an allowance of $50,000 for furnishings and equipment such as lounge chairs, BBQs, garden and maintenance equipment.

For Adults Only Areas

Residents are expected to span the age range from young families to empty nesters. To accommodate the different needs of this diverse range of age groups, certain areas including at least one swimming pool and social area will be declared For Adults Only.

Dog Exercise Area

The Developer recognizes that people love their pets. Dogs, cats and birds are likely to be important members of households. The rules and regulations will detail pet management more thoroughly but a separate area will be designated where dogs can run and play unleashed. Owners can take their dogs there for exercise, meet other likeminded people, and develop friendships. Elsewhere on the compound residents can be comfortable in the knowledge that dogs outside the area will be leashed and there will be a poop-and-scoop rule.

Site Security

The perimeter will consist of a security fence with a "living" green wall of trees and bamboo with a ground cover (in places) of nasty but attractive and functional plants designed to deter intruders —Jerusalem Cherry (aka - Crown of Thorns), bamboo, and ficus. The roadway will be lighted and the parking areas will be lighted as well. There will be 24/7 controlled access to the site and an entry gate security phone system will be installed. In case of power failures, an emergency back up generator will automatically start-up in order to maintain essential lighting and security systems, essential mechanical systems as well as power to elevators.

It is expected that several security guards with mobile capability will provide night time security.

On-Site Property Management & Rental Office

Unlike most Costa Rican condominiums where there is no on-site management, Hacienda El Dorado, will, like at Los Jardines, have full time property management and administrative staff.

In most Costa Rican condominiums, the association (which is usually not very active), hires an off site property management company to provide security and clean the streets. Owners are responsible for their own home maintenance, including exteriors and gardens. This fosters various degrees and styles of home or garden maintenance. Owners are left to either do the work themselves or make their own arrangements and supervise those arrangements with trades.

One of the advantages that many purchasers look for in a condominium is the absence of home maintenance and repairs. This is especially the case for those non-first time home owners and/or for those who don’t know or have access to trades people and who don’t speak Spanish fluently. This is particularly important when dealing with service providers, who often require significant amounts of paper work to be completed by applicants almost exclusively in Spanish. For those owners who are not full time residents, it is essential to have reliable and responsible property managers.

The Developers will establish a property management company of which they are expected to remain the principals for a minimum of 5 years. This company will provide a full service maintenance and leasing administration program. The Developers envision an office staff of three and a garden / grounds maintenance staff of not less than six full time people, and security staff as required—probably 3. One of the developers is expected to live on site.

As at Los Jardines, administrative and maintenance services will be provided on an ongoing basis. Absentee owners will have the peace of mind knowing that their property is being cared for and if they want it leased, that it will be and all lease administration services provided and the owner informed on a monthly basis. For resident owners, they will have the peace of mind known that all exterior building and garden maintenance is done for them and they can focus on other things.

Wheel-Chair Accessibility

Most ground floor homes and those accessible by elevators will have no steps to inhibit those on wheelchairs from being able to enjoy El Dorado. The roadways will have sidewalks and ramps.

Interior Design & Furnishing Services

The Developer will make arrangements for this service and present to purchasers several options for their consideration.

Electro-Mechanical Site Services

Water / Sewage

The development will rely on its own deep well water to be treated and delivered by our own pressurized distribution system. These pumps will be connected to the emergency back up generator. Each house may have its own water meter.

Black water and gray water will be treated and recycled for irrigation. Sewage treatment will be designed and sized for the expected demand.

A series of collection pipes will be designed and the excess rain water will be directed to the stream.

Electricity

Electricity to the site will be provided by the public utility--ICE. A series of transformers will be required and supplied by the Developer. Each house / condo will be separately metered. An emergency generator will be installed with an automatic start-up given a power interruption. This generator will power security systems, grounds lighting, and ESSENTIAL MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING ELEVATORS ETC. Each house will have its own 45min. battery backup emergency lighting pack.

Telecommunication Systems

Cable TV and high speed Internet service as well as telephone lines for phones and faxes will be installed. In addition, each house will be wired so that they are VOIP phone service ready. Due to the existence of the state-run telecommunications monopoly ICE, it can prove rather difficult for foreigners to obtain cellular phone or land lines. For that reason, at Hacienda El Dorado, there is a PBX system (private branch exchange), which allows residents the option of ready access to phones. Telephone fees will be charged back on a monthly basis to the user, which means that he or she does not need to worry about dealing with ICE and paying the phone bills personally.

Maintenance Facilities

Garden and building maintenance facilities, storeroom and a mechanical room will be provided. Garbage and garden refuse disposal areas, as well as a site administration office and an employee locker / lunchroom for garden and housekeeping staff will be included.

Visitor parking will be provided and will be provided for at various locations.

Fire Prevention

Even though virtually all construction (except for palm thatch ranchos) will use non-combustible materials, provision will be made for our own fire fighting capability.