Photo05/22/08 11:37David, Chiriqui, Panama | Vintage Banana Plantation 
Photo: Vintage Banana Plantation rated
Rating: 4.7
by 25 members
Arguably the most unique and desirable developed property in Puerto Armuelles, this two and a half acre lot is dominated by one of the most exquisite examples of banana-plantation architecture in Central America. This spacious three-bedroom villa is poised atop a jungle hillside with a sweeping view of the Pacific ocean. Located in the Las Palmas neighborhood, the historic home was once occupied by top executives of the United Fruit Company and speaks to last century's grand colonial heritage in Panama. The home has three large bedrooms, a 50' by 20' salon, eat-in kitchen and a small office. Two modern bathrooms and a newly constructed deck spanning the Pacific side of the house complete the upper living space of approximately 2500 square feet. Below, between the traditional wood columns supporting this plantation home, is a service apartment, laundry, parking space and additional outdoor living areas. The property is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac and bordered on two sides by thick tropical jungle. Neighboring homes are set on large lots, giving the entire property incredible privacy. Aside from its appeal as an exclusive residential retreat, the property, because of its size and location, would make an ideal setting for a small luxury resort. Puerto Armuelles is situated at the foot of Punta Burica, a peninsula shared by Costa Rica. Famous for its world-class fishing, the waters off of Punta Burica offer record-breaking angling, superb surf conditions and fine diving opportunities. There is ample room to build two wings of accommodations on either side of the villa and the lower level of the home would make a superb reception area possibly to include an outdoor refreshment venue. The spacious salon above could easily accommodate dining tables and lounge space, with a tinkling grand piano in the corner. The lot also features an ideal location for a small stable abutting former plantation lands criss-crossed with trails for equestrian outings. A swimming pool overlooking the cliff that drops to the Pacific would enhance both a private residence or a multi-use property. Puerto Armuelles is poised for growth. It is one of the few seaside towns in Panama and is already home to a new, world-class fishing lodge down on the point. With an infrastructure in place and outstanding accessibility via the newly paved highway into town, it is bound for development as a highly desirable tourist destination. An hour and a half's drive from David's international airport the town, with its ready supply of labor and existing conveniences, poses none of the logistical difficulties that often plague tropical resorts. This is a place you can reach without a back-breaking ride through pot-hole ridden and dangerous roads. This is a place where you are only minutes from a grocery store, a restaurant or two, where the beach is easily reached and facilities to enjoy it are already in place. The home is in immaculate condition and would make a very comfortable residence as is. The bright kitchen is finished with sparkling white ceramic tile, the hardwood floors glow with more than fifty years of loving care. New French windows have been installed to enhance the street side of the salon, while the rest of the rooms retain their original and charming teak-slatted windows. The new deck that faces the ocean is an ideal place to savor the very best that Puerto Armuelles and Panama have to offer--ocean breezes and lush tropical splendor, quiet nights and sun-drenched days.
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