15 years ago I was working in Real Estate in Cambridge MA and came to CR on vacation. I came on my own and rented a motorcycle for my trip. After 5 weeks of some serious off road (and on road) experiences I had an accident coming off the Osa peninsula. Thinking at first that I was paralyzed, since nothing was working, the only thought going through my head was, “this is not what I had in mind for the second half of my life”. I was 45 years old, had done some adventurous travels and was certainly not done. After recuperating with strangers, now friends, I returned to Boston, sold my house and quit my job. Gave away, sold or stored my stuff and was back living in Costa Rica within 8 months. Sometimes we need to be hit over the head in order to give up the rat race. I highly recommend it.
This is an amazing place to live but its not an easy place to live. I’ve watched people come and go, its not for everyone, but it works for me. I have built and sold several homes in my time here and so am fairly knowledgeable about the local market and happy to share. My passion is working with the animals here, helping in whatever way I can. I had my own animal welfare foundation that ran for 3 great years in which we did lots of great work with domestic animals as well as wild rescues. Probably the most heartbreaking and fulfilling time of my life. I had a great partner in the Tripod Foundation but when she moved back to the States, I moved to just helping the two other foundations that have moved into the area. They do great work and I work the spay and neuter clinics for both, which leaves me time to take care of my own 6 rescue dogs, foster special cases when needed, and run a vacation rental!
Why Natalie chose Uvita
Because it’s one of the best, that’s why! I have lived in Costa Rica for 14+ years and have been lucky enough to take my time and Real Estate experience and buy the “one of a kind” pieces. I lived in Playa Hermosa when I first arrived in this area and fell in love with the people and pueblo right from the beginning. Everyone took me under their wing, a single Gringa woman learning the ropes. Eventually I bought a beautiful property in Escaleras , had my horses, dogs and rental cabins. The area changed with more and more huge luxury homes and all expats and vacationers for neighbors. Wonderful people, just not why I moved to a foreign country. I found this perfect piece and moved back to Playa Hermosa, among the natives, so to speak. Every one here looks out for each other, most are related by blood or marriage, and strangers and others up to no good are noticed. If you are concerned about safety I personally feel safer here than in the other areas. Thieves go where the tourists go. You do need to be careful not to leave anything at the beach unattended or in your car, always be aware that there are always people looking to take advantage of a situation if you don’t stay on your toes.
What makes this House unique
There are very few properties on the front ridge overlooking the beach, just due to the topography. My front property line abuts the maritime zone, can’t get much closer than that! You can get to Uvita in 10 minutes for the grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. Or a 15 minute drive north to Dominical for more of the same but a bit more of a night life. The surfing in Dominical is for the more advanced but Playa Hermosa is better for the average Joe. South of Uvita in Ojochal are some of the best restaurants on a global level. From Uvita you can do Caño Island snorkeling or diving trips, or just rent your own snorkel and fins and explore the Marina Balling National Park. Whitewater rafting trips, waterfall trips, horseback riding to rivers and beaches, hikes, ziplining, we are in the thick of it. Yet, when you are at Pete’s Perch you probably won’t want to leave to do any of it! I want to add that I live nearby and am as available as anyone would like me to be, without being intrusive. You will never see me unless you want to!