Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica

Description

Welcome to La Ponderosa, a one-of-a-kind jewel in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, a place where visionary design, unrivaled privacy, and world-class amenities converge in one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive estates. Hidden behind secure gates and nestled on nearly 7 acres (28,000 m2) of manicured grounds, this ultra-private compound is a place where architecture, nature, and innovation converge to create something truly irreplicable. It is at once a sanctuary of peace, a feat of engineering, and a celebration of craftsmanship.

Framed by mountain silhouettes and by the daily sunsets over the rolling valleys, the 9688 sq ft (900 m2) main residence stands as a testament to ultra-luxurious architecture and craftsmanship. Every corner of the home has been meticulously curated, blending handcrafted Almond and oak hardwood flooring with globally sourced finishes from Italy, Indonesia, India, Africa, and more. Custom cabinetry, hand-carved furniture, and natural stone detailing accent the home with warmth and sophistication, while cutting-edge technology ensures every experience is effortless.

Inside, the layout flows with grace. The first floor features three primary suites, each uniquely designed to feel like a private retreat. From garden patios with marble soaking tubs and glass ceilings to suites with direct access to a cedar sauna and flower-lined terraces, every room invites tranquility and privacy. Upstairs, a fourth master suite opens to panoramic views of the Central Valley and the estate’s breathtaking pool area. Adjacent to the primary suite, you wil find a one of a kind lounge and home office space, complete with its own private entrance and full bath, offering flexible use as an additional suite.

The heart of the home is a vaulted chef’s kitchen, crowned by skylights and anchored by a massive quartz island. This chef’s haven is equipped with a La Cornue Grand Palais 180 oven and range, Sub-Zero appliances, a walk-in Refrigerator and Freeze, and a hidden service window that connects to an outdoor kitchen fit for entertaining at scale, complete with twin wood-fired pizza ovens, an Argentinian grill, smoker, wok burner, and sink. Adjacent to the kitchen, the living room turns into a cinematic escape, with a 115-inch 4K TV, retractable 242-inch projector screen, and vapor fireplace.

Beyond the main residence, La Ponderosa becomes its own resort. At the heart lies a resort-style saltwater pool designed by world-renowned pool artist Joan Roca, with 80,000 gallons, swim-up bar, underwater speakers, and in-pool seating, this masterpiece also includes a 3,000-gallon Jacuzzi and a and a leaf-shaped elevated lounge that seems to float above the water with swing seating. A swim-up bar leads to a fully equipped pool rancho with a 4K weatherproof TV, full wet bar, and luxurious changing rooms with hot showers. From morning laps to sunset cocktails, the pool area is made to enjoy, entertain, and unwind.

The estate's spa-like experience continues with an outdoor cedar sauna, accessible from the pool and select suites. A private pet grooming station, outdoor fire pits, and manicured gardens offer touches of joy in every corner. For wine connoisseurs: a climate-controlled wine cellar with tasting table, Sub-Zero coolers, and wet bar.

As remarkable as the home itself are the systems and infrastructure that support it, often invisible, but essential for a lifestyle defined by ease, security, and independence. The estate is powered by two emergency generators, an inline UPS system, and an automatic transfer switch that ensures transitions are seamless in the event of a power outage. Fiber optic and CAT6 wiring, paired with dual internet providers including Luminet and Starlink, provide uninterrupted connectivity with automatic failover. Wi-Fi blankets the entire estate, both indoors and out.

Water comes from two private wells and municipal service, all double-filtered and supported by a 40,000-gallon storage system. An underground sprinkler system irrigates the entire property. Electronics and climate systems are routed through dedicated server and utility rooms, controlled from anywhere via a Crestron automation system that oversees lighting, music, video, and security.
And security is nothing short of fortress-grade. The reinforced concrete guardhouse at the entrance features bulletproof glass, restroom facilities, an alarm panel, and intercom systems. A half-million-dollar security network, including cameras, motion detectors, laser beams, and floodlights, provides 24/7 peace of mind, with live monitoring from any television within the residence.

Tucked away in its own corner of the estate, a fully independent guest house offers comfort and seclusion for visitors. With two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a spacious living room, and a private bathroom, it mirrors the main residence’s elegance on a smaller scale. Just beyond the guest house, a fully registered helipad allows for fast and discreet arrivals, making the home ideal for someone who owns a second home on the coast, or in the mountains, and enjoys the ease of air travel.

Across the grounds, additional structures extend the property's versatility. A large garage fits up to eight vehicles and features its own office, washroom, and hydraulic lift. Nearby, a dedicated workshop with a second lift serves mechanical needs with professional-grade equipment. Toward the back of the property, a greenhouse and hydroponic room support sustainable living, alongside a large BBQ pit and an orchard with more than 100 fruit and herb trees, from avocado and mango to clove, eucalyptus, and Costa Rican coffee.

Two koi ponds and a 100,000-gallon lake anchor the estate’s natural beauty, complete with waterfalls, two islands connected by bridges, and a Japanese-style rancho with a wet bar, restroom, and ambient audio controlled through the estate’s master system. The quiet elegance of the Kyoto garden with a gazebo is a scene that feels sculpted from a dream, transporting you far beyond Costa Rica, if only for a moment. It is a space where nature and architecture meet in balance.

La Ponderosa is not just a home, it is a self-contained ecosystem of luxury, security, and independence, meticulously designed for the world’s most discerning buyer. Ideal for those seeking a private compound, high-end family retreat, this estate stands as one of Costa Rica’s most prestigious real estate offerings.

Private website access and visits available upon verified request.