Altos De Maria: Mountain Real Estate In Panama Article

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Altos de Maria: Mountain Real Estate in Panama

I recently took a road trip to see a house in the Altos de Maria development about an hour and a half outside of Panama City, Panama.

Author: Andrew Cowan

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As you journey down the Pan-American Highway west from the city, you pass by a high stone archway announcing the presence of the new housing project. What was lacking was the sign that should have read: “45 minutes down narrow curving roads that are partially under construction, 80 degree grade not uncommon”. Granted I understand that would have been a bit cumbersome to fit on your typical government issued road sign, but honestly, a warning would have been nice!

Our journey started out crisscrossing several streets lined with Chinito convenience stores and Fondas or humdrum dusty restaurants with outdoor plastic seating. The country road was quaint and reminded me of Guanacaste, Costa Rica with mountains in front and the beach about a 30 minute drive behind us. The houses were colorful, each set amongst its own plot of blossoming flowers, dogs, chickens and rusting machinery. All I could see was the long plain sprawling out between the ocean and the mountains which still seemed far off in the distance. I was confused as to what would be so “alto” about the development.

But the road bore on. I was serious about the 80 degree grade. At times it was like laying down in my friend’s pick-up truck as she struggled to toy with a whole new system of gears never before necessary in her daily life. We finally reached the top entrance, from which a 360 degree amazing view overtook us. Seriously gorgeous! We could see to the ocean, and all the mountain peaks tipped in deep evergreens with jagged cliffs that stabbed the sky. After speaking to the guard at the gate, we realized we had passed the first, still unmarked, entrance about three kilometers back.

After a chat at the sales office, we were directed amid the seven different neighborhoods on a huge map of never-ending web of roads and plots of lands. Luckily it was blown out of proportion and we made it to the end in about seven minutes. The houses we passed were truly unique. The one we actually visited was marked by a bright slime green on the outside, which after seeing the interior decorating and deep red walls on the inside, grew on all of us, somehow. The architect had built three other houses right in the same area including his own.

The development also includes a hotel called El Encanto, which we were told sounds like the name of one of the 2-hour hotels where young couples take refuge from their parents in the city. It looked like brightly colored clay blocks stacked upon each other in a low row. Not too charming, but convenient for those who are looking to purchase and don’t want to make the long trip back and forth between the city daily.

So overall, my friend and I agreed that the scenery, the lakes and waterfalls and cool climate would make Altos de Maria an ideal place to live. The houses did not seem overly pretentious in size or design, but were quite comfortable and homey looking. However, as the burning smell from her breaks grew stronger upon our decent, and huge truckloads of supplies were passed going 5 kilometers per hour, we pondered who designed the roads, and how could anyone deal with that trip on a regular basis. Or as my friend put it, “You really better love your husband if you are considering a move here.”

About Author

Andrew Cowan lives and works in Panama with a Panama Real Estate Company as well as Yahoo Panama.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-andrew-cowan-4387.html

Altos de Maria: Mountain Real Estate in Panama