The house includes master bedroom with queen-sized bed and large bathroom with shower and tub, a second bedroom with twin bed and second bath in the hallway, ample closets, living room and dining area, full kitchen with microwave, laundry room with washing machine, outdoor terrace facing the gardens and pool, large upstairs sun room with a spectacular view of the mountains, garage, cable TV, telephone for local calls and internet connection. A friendly atmosphere pervades this small community of expatriates.

As one expatriate said, The best thing that happened to me in Costa Rica was to start living in Santa Ana. Less than nine miles from the international airport and from the capital, Santa Ana is renowned for its mild, dry climate which makes air conditioning unnecessary. Its central location makes this house an excellent pied-a-terre for trips to the Pacific or Caribbean coast.

Near Santa Ana are international luxury hotels like the Intercontinental and Marriott, an 18-hole championship golf course Valle del Sol, equestrian stables, a wide range of restaurants, the Lindora art cinema, and the ultra modern Forum office complex which houses multinationals like Ernst & Young, Cisco, HP, Procter and Gamble and Kraft. Within easy driving distance are modern supermarkets, cinemas, and Costa Rica's largest mall the Multiplaza. In contrast is the local life of Santa Ana with its small shops and popular Sunday morning open-air market with its delicious fruits and vegetables at excellent prices.

Attractively-priced medical procedures are available at the world-famous CIMA hospital (check the internet), fully compatible with North American standards, an English-speaking staff, a special department for international insurance claims and all private rooms complete with guest bed. CIMA is a mere 5 miles away. Costa Rica is also known for its excellent dental work at prices well below those in the U.S.