If reality shows did not exist Villa Paraiso would be reason to give birth to the genre. Set against a backdrop of 13 acres of lush tropical rain forest with a crescent sand beach and sea lapping at its feet, the villa on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is a cross between a jungle fantasy and an oceanfront mansion with Spanish flair.
Home or movie set? Villa Paraiso has been both, but new owners will get to decide what they want for its future when this half-residence, half-theatrical wonder goes up for auction January 31 through Concierge Auctions, which has conducted a number of successful real estate auctions in The Bahamas and Caribbean working with local agents. Originally listed for $6.5 million, the property will sell without reserve via Concierge’s custom Instant Gavel mobile app, which allows buyers to bid in real-time from anywhere in the world.
“I am standing on the site right now and it literally takes your breath away,” said Concierge Auctions Project Sales Manager Danny Prell. “If this estate on 13 acres of tropical forest and oceanfront were on the beach in Nassau, Bahamas, it would bring upwards of $40 million. Costa Rica is a steal for high net worth individuals who appreciate bohemian culture in a natural setting. With world-class construction, high-end features and the romance of a reality show in its history, Villa Paraiso is incredibly enticing.”
In 2015, Villa Paraiso was selected for the Danish show, Der Perfekte Match, produced by STRIX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GumXYVkvvKE. Similar to the MTV show, Are You the One? the production opens with a passel of trim, fit 20-somethings, as body-ripped and physically ready for action as they are mentally set to be matched. With the lush greenery in the background, dark paths illuminated by tiny solar lights and the stars above, the coupling couples see if they are locked and lucky or unlucky and still searching for love.
The residence itself was two years in the design phase under the direction of renowned architect Ronald Zurcher (JW Marriott, Panama; Lincoln Plaza, Costa Rica and many more). At more than 16,400 square feet, the compound includes a Spanish-style main villa, a three-suite, cliff-side studio and staff quarters. In addition to its infinity-edge pool, horse stables, and auto court built to accommodate helicopter service, the property also features a custom 300-foot suspension bridge for private access to the nearby beach and Montezuma village.
"We worked closely with the architect for two years to build our dream home in order to combine a Spanish, colonial style with a Mediterranean feel, and it was worth every minute,” said the seller, Mickey Novak. “With the surrounding Costa Rican jungle and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, there is nowhere in the world where you can take a break from your life and enjoy the things you love most better than you can here. While the property is incredibly private, it is a mere five-minute walk to the nearby beach and village of Montezuma via the private suspension bridge. The home has been the epitome of 'pura vida.' We expect great interest in the auction, as it offers buyers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase not only a luxury home, but also adopt its unique lifestyle."
Concierge Auctions is partnering with local agent Michael Grady of The Agency on the auction. For more information on this auction call 212.202.2940.
