Easily accessed and central, it is located approximately midway down the Coastal Highway, being just 25 miles from Dangriga (South), 35 miles, Belize City (North) and the capital, Belmopan (West). It is also just 3 miles from the coast, being a 15 minute drive to the Southern Lagoon, Gales Point and the Caribbean Sea.
It is noted by The Lands Department as being 224.5 acres, however its western boundary with the Manatee River tributary which winds in great loops through dense forest, suggests a greater acreage. This river (Big Creek) has no communities up stream, and runs clear and clean year round. The property is roughly one kilometer square, being bordered to the east by the Coastal Road and to the south by a concession. The property is fenced with post and barbed-wire all along the road and down the concession.
Approximately half of the property is pine ridge Savannah to the south and east. A central hill of 150 feet, with a footprint of perhaps 10 acres, dominates the property, and gives good views all around. To the north and west the Savannah gives way to transitional forest (being managed with some clearing and re-growth) and eventually dense, riverine forest. 1,400 valuable hardwood trees were randomly planted six years ago from the hill to the river over an 80 acre area; commercial species include, mahogany, santa maria, tropical cedar, ziracote; other indigenous species include, ceiba, cortez, bukut and raintree.
Amenities of the Belize Coastal Road Home:
20 acres in the north and west are planted and meticulously maintained, with various orchards of citrus, mango, craboo, coconut and cashew. Other smaller stands include, pineapple, soursop, custard apple, guava and various high-yield varieties of banana. A secluded acre of vegetable nursery with chicken coop is fenced and cleared (though currently not productive).
The Driveway from the Coastal Road is an all weather gravel road and raised with drainage on both sides. A main Iron Gate at the road is alarmed with cameras watching from the hill. The driveway meanders through Savannah for about 500 yards before passing by the hill and entering the orchards.
Up on the side of the hill and hidden from the road is the main house, facing due west. In front of the house is a wide, landscaped field of about three acres leading to large ponds. Walking and riding trails extend beyond, into more orchards and eventually forest and the river. Behind the house on the hill is a small, maintained flower garden, with rocky paths and a thatched gazebo, surrounded by non-indigenous flowering acacias such as African flame-tree, plus tulip, palms and orchid trees.
A thatched, watchman’s cabin is passed half way down the driveway, and a workers cabin is located around the foot of the hill. Two 20ft storage containers with an attached roof between, comprises the work shop and equipment bay for ground staff.
Atop the hill is a 20ft steel tower with a 1kw wind generator. Also attached are internet radios and dishes, and security equipment. Telephone services are received by an antenna on the main house and boosted within.
Main House Features of the Belize Coastal Road Home:
An ample and luxurious 4 bedroom home, with stunning views over manicured landscapes and rainforest canopy.
6,000 sq. ft. concrete dwelling on three floors, with garage beneath for 3 vehicles and large open utility spaces. Below ground is a 20,000 gallon fresh water cistern, fed from rain water off the central, pitched roof. The interior of the house is purposely open plan for maximum, cool air flow and light, with high 10ft ceilings throughout. The central lobby rises unimpeded through three floors to a trussed roof and wooden beams.
First floor comprises two large halls (approx. 800 sq. ft. each) either side of the lobby and connected by wide arched openings. Each hall has a 10 ft wide covered balcony either side. There are three planned washrooms on this floor, a swimming pool changing room and a fair sized utility room. The ornately carved hardwood, main entrance door at the front of the house opens into the lobby (approx. 625 sq. ft.), where a grand staircase rises up to the second floor to reach carved hardwood bedroom doors each depicting a wild animal common to the property.
The kitchen is large and in a separate wing leading off the first floor, to reduce heat exchange and noise. The planned laundry rooms, staff toilet and a climate controlled pantry are included in this wing. A tradesman’s entrance and covered 10 ft external balcony complete the wing.
Second floor has an internal balcony running around the lobby and giving access to the four en-suit bedrooms (ranging 240-380 sq. ft), with fans and AC units. An anti-room connects the master bedroom with a second bedroom. The master bedroom has a whirlpool bath, and every bedroom has a bathroom connecting to a large 36 sq. ft. semi-external shower room. 10 ft. wide external balconies with over-hanging awnings sweep around the house. The master bedroom balcony extends onto the flat kitchen roof, creating a wonderful outdoors experience, high in the trees.
Third floor is accessed from the anti-room by folding ladder to a loft, where the 100 gallon hot water tank is located. From the loft, doors open out to the two flat roofs on either side where 24 solar panels and a hot water heat exchanger are located.
The entire house, staff quarters and garages, are run on a self-managed, 60amp/6.5Kw solar system, with supplementary wind generator on the hill. An automatic starting, 14kw backup generator (in case of extra demand or cloudy days) completes the system, running off butane gas from an 85 gallon tank. The system was designed with the potential and space for expansion, up to twice its present capacity.
The River and PERFECT location to experience all the Eco Systems of Belize:
The River is accessible and expansive.
Clear pools in the river are great for swimming and recreation.
For added adventure you can go river tubing for hours of fun and excitement throughout the pristine forest.
You can drive down the trails to the river for a private picnic and a swim
There are miles of golf cart and RV trails through out the varied eco-systems.
You can even access the top of the large hill through one of these trails.
Perfect location as you can experience the Belize Southern Lagoon activities, Gales Point Village and the great Caribbean Sea all only a short drive away!
