A Distinctive Residence in El Castillo with Terraces Overlooking Arenal Volcano

Set within the rainforest-covered hills beneath Arenal Volcano, the village of El Castillo occupies one of the most distinctive settings in Costa Rica’s northern highlands. On the southern shore of Lake Arenal, this beautifully maintained two-level residence, Casa Miravento, combines contemporary interiors, extensive covered terraces and mature tropical gardens with an exceptional outlook toward the volcano. Set on 772.65 m² (approximately 0.19 acre), the property is gated and privately enclosed by a high mature hedge. Established tropical gardens surround the house, while a generous driveway provides parking for at least four vehicles in addition to an attached garage. The residence offers approximately 1,300 square feet of interior space, with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, complemented by approximately 500 square feet of covered terrace and patio areas. Extensive glazing and generous outdoor living spaces make particularly effective use of the home’s footprint. The main level is arranged around a spacious open-concept kitchen, dining and living area. Floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors extend along multiple elevations, filling the interior with natural light and opening directly onto the covered patio and gardens. The kitchen is generously proportioned, with extensive cabinetry and counter space and breakfast bar seating up to four. An open ceiling above introduces additional height and volume, with the upper mezzanine visible overhead. A powder room serves the main level. The attached one-car garage connects directly to the kitchen, providing convenient interior access. Beyond the garage is a substantial utility room with washer, dryer and sink, together with additional storage and workspace.An ornate staircase rises to the open upper hallway and mezzanine. Two generously proportioned air-conditioned bedrooms each feature built-in closets and a private en-suite bathroom, finished in a contemporary style with modern fixtures and fittings. Patio doors from both bedrooms open directly onto a delightful sun terrace, extending the private living spaces outdoors. This sun terrace is one of the home’s most outstanding features, with extensive covered outdoor living areas on each elevation. A series of inviting sitting areas offers different perspectives across the gardens and surrounding landscape, with the most dramatic outlook facing Arenal Volcano. Low-maintenance recycled-material decking is paired with contemporary cable railings, while the deep roofline provides excellent shelter from sun and rain. The open mezzanine and extensive glazing are particularly well suited to Lake Arenal’s temperate climate. Doors opening on opposing sides encourage natural cross-ventilation, allowing cool mountain breezes to circulate through the upper level and into the living spaces below, with little reliance on air conditioning. Mature tropical planting and the high perimeter hedge give the grounds privacy and color while remaining manageable. There is also space to introduce a plunge pool or hot tub, subject to the appropriate approvals, further complementing the home’s substantial outdoor living areas. Offered turnkey and fully furnished, the residence is presented with well-appointed furnishings throughout and is ready for immediate occupancy. Its layout, privacy, garage and manageable grounds make it particularly well suited as a full-time family residence or vacation home. For buyers considering short-term rental use, the property also presents an attractive income-generating opportunity. El Castillo has considerably less vacation-rental inventory than neighboring La Fortuna, while placing guests close to Lake Arenal, the marina, Arenal Volcano and many of the region’s principal attractions. Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, waterfalls, zip lining, ATV adventures, restaurants and wellness destinations are all within the greater Arenal area. La Fortuna, with its hot springs and broader range of dining, shopping and services, is within easy reach. Beautifully presented and ready for immediate enjoyment, this is a distinctive El Castillo residence where privacy, exceptional outdoor living and dramatic views of Arenal Volcano come together in a property equally suited to permanent living, a private vacation home or an income-producing investment.