Editor's Note: Houston, the surrounding areas and beyond are loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap snoops through some of the best and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.
The "pure life" awaits in an international award-winning luxury villa in tropical Costa Rica, now for sale at $2.49 million.
A bit of background
Casa Pura Vista, or House of Pure Views, is the two-year-long project and the final 2009 creation of acclaimed Costa Rican architect, Andres Morales. For this contemporary cliffside dwelling in Quepos near the Manuel Antonio National Park, Morales received an International Property Award in 2011.
The contemporary stunner sits 500 feet above sea level in the private residential community of Pura Vida Valley and enjoys unobstructed panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and lush valley below. Getting to the house from Juan Santamaria International Airport takes a scenic two-hour drive.
Walk through
Park your car at 3 Las Vistas Drive behind an artist-designed steel surround with automatic gate in the oversized two-car garage. Additional security features include an invisible perimeter fence and security cameras. The first level also has a large laundry area and housekeepers' quarters with full bathroom.
Take the elevator or spiral "floating-glass" stairwell to the main living level with covered outdoor sitting areas, solid teak ceilings and large skylight.
Enter into the spacious, open-concept kitchen with imported custom cabinetry, Italian Murano glass pendant lighting, Brazilian granite, stainless steel appliances and additional breakfast bar seating. You'll find designer fixtures and finishes throughout the property. The formal living and dining rooms boast soaring floor-to-ceiling windows. Large sliding doors open to bring cool tropical breezes inside.
The master suite, located on the second level, impresses with two-story windows affording more incredible views. The master bathroom is complete with two closets, dual vanities and a dressing area. Just off the master bedroom, owners enjoy a private outdoor shower and Jacuzzi tub.
Two large secondary bedrooms with ensuite baths are located on the third level, as is a media room/office. Covered terraces and breezeways connect each space.
Step outside
The terrace is ideal for outdoor sunning, relaxing and entertaining and features a 50-foot infinity edge pool with three custom fountains. The grounds are landscaped with native foliage and a custom outdoor eating area offers more opportunities to enjoy the open air.
Extras
Energy efficient amenities include solar panels, rainwater reclamation and filtration systems. Smart-home technology integrates Casa Pura Vista’s indoor and outdoor audio/visual equipment, lighting and pool settings with the touch of a button. Excluding the art collection, the villa is being sold fully furnished.
Square footage: 6,000
Asking price: $2.49 million
Listing agents: J.D. Adamson, RE/MAX Top Realty, Empire Team
Watch a video tour of the villa:
Welcome to 3 Las Vistas Drive.
Miranda Lambert received the 2023 TMAA for achievement in music and songwriting. Photo by Taylor Prinsen Photography 
