, Sittee River, Stann Creek 00001, Belize

The many reasons why this is a special property go well beyond the few words that can fit in the space for a description.

Driving down the well maintained, long driveway showcases the richness of the natural beauty of the jungle along a riverbank. There is a clear divide between what has been manicured, and now well maintained, versus what was intentionally left untouched by human hand. It echoes the ability we have as humans to co-exist with mother nature. And it emphasizes the very possibility of striking a balance between having necessities, creature comforts, even adding the possibility of luxury, yet remaining in co-existence with a natural environment.

The hard work has already been done. You reap the rewards!

The property:
On arrival it is clear that this 14.333-acre riverfront property, with over 550' of high riverfront, has been loved, cared for, and has great stories to tell. The small launching dock has been newly replaced and has great potential for expansion but is sufficient in functionality: getting you safely offshore into your boat and on your way to explore river and sea.

The very first trees planted on the property, now a beautiful Royal Palm corridor, stand strong and tall, majestically providing a walkway from the river to the home. In the huge natural pond in the central garden there is a healthy eco system represented by a variety of nature's bounty and inhabitants. In the manicured/ landscaped garden ample fruit trees stand tall, sharing their seasonal abundance with you. Over 5 acres have been landscaped and walking on the grass barefoot feels like Heavan.

The home:
A hint of Spanish colonialism combined with modern functional architectural design. Even though this is not a traditional hacienda, it is clear that it bears the traditional hallmarks of a hacienda: such as single level home, Decra Bond tile clay roofing, with the distinctive everyday living designed around the courtyard as the heart of the home and the use of minimal steps or staircases, making it ideal for multi-generational living. Sitting high on the property, looking down to the river, is hypnotizing and many a day and night have been spent gazing down into the natural beauty as the hours slip away.

The unique and arched wooden doorway and earthy colors re-affirms to you where the idea for the house was born. Courtyard homes have been around since 6000BC, and entering this home, it makes complete sense why they make their way back into design repeatedly. They capture the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living, create an outdoor space that is still private, closed off and secure, yet tranquil - all evident in this home.

Here too, the 24 x 24 courtyard in the center allows you to make use of an incredible amount of natural light and natural airflow and ventilation. With this open space, the need for air conditioning and fans is significantly reduced.

The home is perfect and can be kept in its original state but lends itself to an amazing adventure of modernizing utilizing its good, solid bones.
The very huge master bedroom, with connected office space, and the en suite master bathroom take up one side of the house. The lounge, dining room, and kitchen take up the space on the opposite side. The two guest bedrooms, and their shared bathroom are at the far end of the home, ensuring absolute privacy for the master suite is guaranteed.

The practicality of the home's lay out with sleeping quarters all to the one side and living space to the other, is well planned when entertaining, accomodating house guests, or co-existing with children.

The extras:
A freshwater well: Supplies an abundant supply of refreshing water, a natural resource tapped directly from underground aquifers and is used both for drinking and for household water. The well goes to a depth of over 30 ft and is well protected in a secured pump house.

Shed: Provides storage and houses the equipment to maintain the grounds, including a new ride on John Deere S140 Ride on mower (2 years old), keeping the shady grass areas well maintained.

Generator: Alternative power source from which you can run the entire household, if required.

Furniture is included, many pieces locally crafted using native and spectacular hardwoods, making this a move in ready property. (ref:30575)