THE HOME
North facing, the Tierra Oscura Waterfront Home avoids direct light in the interior throughout the day and has windows and doors on all sides to invite the breeze and maintain a cooler temperature. An open kitchen and bar look out into the living and dining spaces, where large windows expose a panoramic ocean view to the north and large sliding glass doors lead to the covered patio on the east.
The home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, offering plenty of space for guests, as well as a cabana with a separate entrance which needs finishing touches. The beginning stages of a pool are in place—only the tiling and filtration system need to be completed. A 5000w solar system powers this sprawling home. Water is sourced from a rainwater catchment system, as well as a well.
THE LAND
The landscaping work at the Tierra Oscura Waterfront Home is an excellent example of how working with nature can inspire a beautiful result. The coastal garden on this property is what dreams are made of. Using the natural ebb and flow of the gentle Caribbean tides, the owner has created a large pond where cranes and other predators like caimans arrive for their daily catch.
The earth around the pond has been built up and a rock seawall has been added to create a prominent divide between land and sea, while respecting the space around the mangroves and honoring the many species that call this property home. The land around the home has wonderful elevation and is planted with a long list of exotic fruits.
THE ECO SYSTEM
Tierra Oscura properties are known for their calm waters, gorgeous coral reefs, and thick layers of mangrove forest that frame the land in bright green tufts and border the coastlines of the deepwater bays. These ecosystems serve as homes and nurseries for many coral reef fish, sponges, and anemones. Fishing targets in the area include tarpon, jacks, grouper, and snook.
A study on the Mesoamerican reef showed that there are as many as 25 times more fish on reefs close to mangrove areas than in areas where mangroves have been cut down. Mangrove forests are vitally important to coral reef protection—and to your real estate investment too! Their dense root systems trap sediment and prevent erosion from tides and storms. Thankfully, it is illegal in Bocas del Toro to cut down these irreplaceable ecosystems.
THE DREAM
The Tierra Oscura Waterfront Home is perfect for:
The Sailor – The deepwater bay out front is perfectly protected from the open seas, with layers of islands separating it from the Caribbean.
The Homesteader – With a mature fruit garden, freshwater source, and ample land, autonomous living is absolutely possible.
The Eco Lodge Developer – With elevated views, coral reefs, jungle trails, and space for cabins, this property is ideal for a boutique eco-resort.
