Looking for your dream home? Mel Gibson’s Costa Rican romantic getaway, complete with a private beach, could be yours for just under $30 million.
Imagine taking your dream vacation at your dream home. In the US, you board a private, luxury jet. In less than three hours, you’re descending over the aquamarine waters that lap at the pristine shores of Costa Rica — more specifically, the northern Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula. The small aircraft glides to a smooth landing on a runway of sun-bleached sand that stretches invitingly toward the ocean.
This is the main courtyard at the front of the house with miniature gardens of lush shrubs on the sides to complement the warm glow of the house exteriors. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This view of the front courtyard shows the gorgeous arched main gate adorned with shrubs and tall trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Just beside the lovely courtyard is this open hallway lined with earthy pillars to complement the light tone of the flooring tiles. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a nighttime look at the hallway just beside the front courtyard. The warm lighting of the beamed ceiling gives character to the earthy pillars. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the dining area of the house. It has a round wooden dining table that matches with the exposed beams of the ceiling warmed with a semi-flush mount lighting. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This charming dining area has folding wooden doors that open to a gorgeous balcony fitted with a more informal dining set. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Just a few steps from the dining area is this beautiful outdoor area that is perfect for breakfasts. It has open walls that give the outdoor area a lush view filled with tall trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This charming bedroom has a large four-poster bed that stands out against the beige walls and tall ceiling. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This angle of the bed shows the beautiful outdoor sitting area just beyond the curtained doors of the bedroom. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This bedroom has a lovely bed with a wooden decorative headboard to complement the beige walls. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Across from the bed are the balcony doors that bring in an abundance of natural lighting to the terracotta flooring tiles. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is a simple and homey bathroom with beige walls to complement the dark wooden elements of the vanity, mirror, doors and windows. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the hall just outside of the bedroom with a lovely ceiling adorned by the dark wooden exposed beams. This pairs well with the waist-high cabinet and the door leading to the balcony. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the balcony looking over the front courtyard. It has charming wooden railings that match with the arched wooden ceiling filled with exposed beams. These are then complemented by the potted plants and earthy exterior walls. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the beautiful guest house that has a lovely front porch, dormer windows and beige exterior walls that glow warmly. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
From the house, there is a lovely walkway lined with tall tropical trees leading the way to the beach. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the beach at the end of the lovely walkway lined with tall trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is the aerial view of the house showing the U-shape that forms the front courtyard. behind this is the beautiful pool surrounded by tall trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This aerial view of the house shows the lovely pool at the back of the house. It is almost fully covered by the tall tropical trees giving it the ultimate privacy. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This aerial view features the isolation of the house that gives it a lush and luxurious feel. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This aerial view of the house showcases the earthy red tone of the house that makes it stand out against the lush surrounding trees. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
This is an aerial view of the beach that is part of the jungle property. Images courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.
Welcome to Mel Gibson’s estate, a 403-acre expanse of tropical bliss. Further inland, you’re greeted by a thick tangle of palms and exotic tropical plants. Nestled in this stretch of the jungle are three majestic homes. Their elegant exteriors are constructed from rich Costa Rican wood and Spanish and Italian tiles. Their red-barrel tile roofs remind you of beachside cabanas.
Two of these impressive homes are single-story and have their own swimming pools and grills. Despite their modest height, they lack nothing in terms of amenities. These two-bedroom homes are complete with full kitchens, so you can prepare gourmet dishes (or have them prepared for you) while you take in your surroundings. Each fully air-conditioned home has additional space for sleeping accommodations.
Casa Barrigona has a cozy cottage by the pool, and Casa Dorada comes with a loft. Vaulted ceilings give the interior an especially elegant ambiance, and there are plenty of windows looking out on the breathtaking landscape. From the wrap-around porches, you can enjoy captivating ocean sunsets, or watch howler monkey perform their acrobatics on the jungle side of the property. If you’re quiet, you might even be rewarded with a glimpse of the occasional ocelot.
Casa Guanacaste
The centerpiece of this sprawling estate, however, is the main house, Casa Guanacaste. This hacienda-style home stands out because of its second story, not to mention that it overlooks a wide stretch of beach. If you’ve brought a crowd along for your dream vacation, they’ll make themselves right at home among seven bedrooms and eight baths. Your guests can relax by the pool — this home has its own, too — or throw an impromptu island-themed party in the courtyard. The many neatly-manicured terraces offer stunning views of the seaside and greenery.
It’s for Sale
If you’ve fallen in love with this piece of paradise, you might like to know that it’s on the market. Officially known as Playa Barrigona, it’s priced at $29.75 million, reduced from $35 million.
A Bit About Mel Gibson
The renowned director and actor was born in 1956, the sixth of eleven children. His estate would be ideal for family reunions.
He studied acting and found his way to fame in the 1980s. He’s probably best known for his role in Braveheart, which won him an Oscar. Hacksaw Ridge is his most recent highly-acclaimed film. In 1996, People Magazine named him one of the world’s 50 most beautiful people.
Photo credit: Christie’s International Real Estate
