60 ACRES – Fully Sustainable and Impactful Conservation Project With 6 Buildings!

Property overview

# The Refugio: 60-Acre Conservation Estate with Six Distinctive Structures

Spanning 60 acres in La Gamba, The Refugio represents a decade-long transformation from degraded wetland into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. This exceptional property sits adjacent to Piedras Blancas National Park, a 35,000-acre preserve complemented by an additional 450 acres of protected land—positioning this holding at the heart of Costa Rica's most biodiverse region. Golfito itself has emerged as the Southern Pacific's gateway for conscious tourism and permanent relocation, attracting those seeking meaningful engagement with both nature and community.

The six architecturally distinctive buildings provide 370 m² of combined living space, each equipped with high-speed internet connectivity. The property's infrastructure supports immediate operation as an ecolodge, yoga retreat, or family-managed conservation operation, with proven systems already in place.

**Structures & Accommodations:**

Casa Grande functions as the communal centerpiece—four interconnected octagonal structures housing a panoramic living area overlooking a primary wildlife pond, full kitchen, formal dining space, office, and extensive library. The Main Cabin offers minimalist, open-concept design suitable for residential or creative studio applications. The Guest House, a 50 m² bungalow with king bed, ensuite bath, walk-in closet, kitchen, and pond views, ensures privacy and comfort. Three volunteer bungalows with shared outdoor facilities accommodate staff and mission-aligned supporters.

**Ecological Infrastructure:**

A network of wildlife ponds forms the regenerative system's foundation, supporting a meticulously designed landscape incorporating permaculture and systems ecology principles. The food forest yields diverse fruits and nuts while providing wildlife habitat. A producing vegetable garden cultivates sweet potatoes, Brazilian spinach, okra, katuk, sacha inchi, pumpkins, tomatoes, beans, yucca, turmeric, ginger, and seasonal crops. On-site greenhouse operations, active chicken coop, compost production, compost tea processing, and biochar kiln complete the self-sufficient infrastructure.

**Conservation Impact:**

The restored ecosystem now supports approximately 350 bird species alongside dozens of mammal, reptile, and amphibian species. This property stands as a conservation beacon, balancing ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and sustainable economic opportunity for local communities throughout the Southern Zone.

Property facts

Location map