A private real estate tour of green properties for sale in Nicaragua

Dotted around Nicaragua's most stunning landscapes are green real estate opportunities that are leading the way in responsible development. We're not talking about expensive eco-technology or rough hewn communities, but about smart design and utilization of natural resources, a light footprint and environmentally mindful master plans.

These pioneering projects are delivering on the sweet spot where being environmentally responsible results in healthy living, reduced energy costs and enhanced asset value.

They're perfectly poised for future growth driven by buyers looking to live green and make money at the same time.

It takes little imagination to see where things are headed - just look south

We're still at the beginning of the green trend in Nicaragua. But if you want to know where things are headed, just stand on the southern coast of Nicaragua and look south. You'll see Costa Rica pointing far out to sea - the text book example of investors putting their money into "eco-sensitive", "earth friendly", "low impact", "green" real estate.

Nicaragua is already being heralded as an "eco-tourist wonderland". Here by the New York Times:

The benefits of riding the green wave are so apparent now that everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon. It's easy for any developer to use empty eco-cliches and market themselves as green.

...how to differentiate the green-that-builds-value from greenwash, that doesn't

We've done the job for you and hand-picked a selection of developments where a commitment to being green drives a virtuous circle of asset growth.

Then we went one step further and designed a three day, dedicated green real estate tour where we showcase this fantastic blend of real estate opportunities. On tour, we'll even be showing some properties pre-general market release.

That's why we'll cover all in-country expenses over the three days, with no obligation whatsoever.

In a nutshell, the tour will feel like an introduction to "who's who" in green real estate in Nicaragua. You'll come away with a complete picture on how these developers, architects and builders are embracing a global shift in green consciousness.

It's a practical demonstration in how being better to the planet leads to a better bottom line.

First we'd like to introduce you to an impressive cast of trend-setters and visionaries

In putting together this tour we've analyzed soft factors - such as "good for you" living, positive local community relations and integrated design - and put these together with hard criteria such as optimal building performance, asset value, reduced energy consumption and biodiversity.

What's dropped out is the cream of the crop: five projects painted in different shades of green but all offering the kind of investment and lifestyle opportunities smart buyers will want to be a part of.

The casting is impressive. On tour, you'll find the emerging talents in Nicaragua's green real estate field. Pioneers such as Donn Wilson, Fred Goldfarb, Tim Kelly, Dave Kniffin and Aram Terry; renowned architects Matthew Faulkner and Mike Reynolds, green building gurus and real estate professionals. You'll be in good hands with your hosts, Coldwell Banker Nicaragua and Brooke Rundle, soon to be the country's first certified Ecobroker

Las Fincas is a place where nature signals "sanctuary" and a shelter from the chaos of modern life.

Donn Wilson is the brains behind Las Fincas, a solar powered community and eco-adventurer's enclave 20 minutes from the country's premier coastal tourism town, San Juan del Sur. As soon as you arrive you'll feel the space (the homesites average 2 acres each) and revel in the peace and tranquility.

The natural setting of Las Fincas will sweep over your senses and entice you to embrace a simpler life, where landscape becomes innerscape. Life here is so different and gratifying you may even decide to buy a horse and commit yourself full time to making the world a better place.

In many ways, Las Fincas is much more than a classic eco development; it's beyond green. The endgame, hand in hand with the Nica Dev fund which the project founded and continues to support, is to create an established community from which locals can benefit - vocationally and financially - through training on green building, hospitality trade and reforestation techniques.

In fact, the reforestation project at Las Fincas was recently awarded the Gold Standard by the widely respected Rainforest Alliance. Over 75,000 precious wood trees have been planted so far in the surrounding 450 acres of private preserve. Las Fincas is preparing for future growth. Experience this intentional community first hand and you'll first connect at an emotional level and then quickly come to understand the inescapable logic behind the masterplan.

Low impact architecture makes it hard to see your villa at Balcones de Majagual

Balcones de Majagual aims to impress without leaving a mark by offering luxury environmentally friendly homes which sacrifice none of the pampering demanded by their owners. Welcome to an oasis of spaciousness, a place that invokes feelings of freedom, freshness and purity. The villa and custom home designs are trademark Matthew Faulkner, famed architect of Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Eco-Lodge - velvet smooth wooden surfaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, airy cool ventilation, flowing floor-plans, shady ocean lookouts and outdoor showers.

This is a place where neighbors are neither seen nor heard. The homes are set carefully into the land, often on stilts to reduce their footprint, and unseen from the surrounding hills. Here you'll experience one of those rare places where the investment opportunity practically rings out to you; where you can invest in a way that helps produce a healthy, livable world for you and your family.

Its creators, the owners of Morgan's Rock, practically invented high-end ecotourism in Nicaragua. The eco-lodge was launched to widespread acclaim, being the first destination in the country to observe high level ecological restrictions while providing luxury levels of service. The project borders the Morgan's Rock private nature reserve, one of few large natural wildlife sanctuaries along the Pacific coast of Central America and boasts a beachfront hotel and clubhouse site a short walk from year round surfing.

If you see El Encanto del Sur, you would understand why you wouldn't want to do anything to spoil it

"Our vision for El Encanto del Sur is as the natural evolution of San Juan del Sur." Fred Goldfarb, co-owner of El Encanto.

His vision feels exactly right. The property has a perfect position - moments from town but at the same time, a feeling that it's a million miles away. El Encanto is a private escape, a place to slow down and savor your life and your world. Nestled within the 350 acres of the overall development (50% of which will be reserved as "green areas") is a special spot reserved for "Living Life Green" where owners will be offered the chance to build green and live "off grid".

You won't have to step out of your comfort zone. Fred has chosen an idyllic spot to create a green community where all the details for healthy, earth friendly living are being perfected. It's a natural fit for investors looking to experience (and protect) nature but still have a full range of amenities, services and attractions nearby.

Choose Casa Llanta for a fantastic rendition of green adaptive reuse

The brainchild of Mike Reynolds, Casa Llanta, an Earthship, is a home that creates its own energy, recycles its own waste and maintains its own temperature. Virtually every aspect has been examined to incorporate as many eco-friendly principles as possible. Did we mention that it is built using recycled materials? Witness a brand new product emerge from old materials by reading the day to day account of the building process.

An Earthship is something your grandparents would have supported - a wise use of what you have, coupled with independence. In the words of Chief Engineer Dave Kniffin, "Create your own electricity, capture your own water and grow your own food and then you are not talking about ideals of independence or freedom, you're living them."

Join a whole community of green living at Arriba Verde and experience the essence of sustainability

Springing up around Casa Llanta, is a development where natural systems are being harnessed to provide a sustainable living experience for all owners. Current lot owners are deciding between bamboo houses, yurts, straw bale homes and tree pods. This is a nexus community that is helping to launch the green movement in Nicaragua real estate. This place is vital, it is alive.

With experts on hand to guide you in your building choices and opportunities to give back to the local community in a myriad of ways, Arriba Verde, is set to provide owners with a fully rounded experience - helping people, helping the planet and investing in the future.

And being green is not the only selling point on the tour

We've done the math and the numbers add up. There is a compelling business case for choosing any one of these green real estate investments. And, right now in Nicaragua, you have the opportunity to get in early, just as the rest of the world is catching on.

Give us three days and we'll take you on a journey back to nature

We've taken your most precious commodity, your time, and designed an intensive three days of property viewings, insider introductions and experiential learning. Here's the itinerary, summarized:

You'll land at the modern international airport and be taken to one of Managua's top hotels. Welcome to Nicaragua!

The next morning we'll start with an orientation session at your hotel and travel to the picturesque fishing village of San Juan del Sur. After lunch at one of the local beachside restaurants, we'll head straight for the peace and serenity of Las Fincas and experience this benchmark eco-development first hand. Visit the reforestation project, take a nature walk, horse ride to the beach or just roam through the owner's beautiful Hacienda.

The next morning you'll visit Casa Llanta and see what sustainable green living is all about. A traditional Nicaraguan lunch will be hosted on-site with time devoted to meeting some of the architects, planners and suppliers who are making being green an easy option in Nicaragua. They'll be delighted to answer your questions and talk you through all the aspects of making a green home, your home.

After lunch we'll take you on a tour of the environmental estate lots at Arriba Verde. Feel free to hike the property and take in the sweeping views. Sunset drinks at Arriba Verde will round off the day before your transfer to San Juan del Sur where we'll check you into charming La Posada Azul followed by dinner at Pelican Eyes...Piedras y Olas Hotel and Resort.

The next day a fresh breakfast (and optional dip in the pool) will set you up for a tour of El Encanto del Sur. Once you've had a feel for the whole property, we'll focus in on "Living Life Green" with a tour of the eco-phase and a presentation on choices and approaches. The next stop is Balcones de Majagual and its stunning eco-home designs. Here you'll see a selection of finished houses and learn how the project is harvesting sustainable wood supplies for future building.

We'll finish the day with a relaxing dinner at the luxury Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge so that you can ask questions and ensure you have covered all the details. This is your opportunity to fully understand the remarkable vision and logic of living green in Nicaragua.

We have added an optional fourth day to the tour dedicated to hands on volunteer work surrounding your property preference. This is your opportunity to give back to the earth and connect with local communities. You can choose to offset your carbon footprint by planting trees in a dedicated national reserve, partake in a local restoration project or learn about community sustainability initiatives.

Going green and giving back...

For every real estate purchase on tour, Coldwell Banker Nicaragua is committed to make a 1% donation to the innovative social fund - Community REfund. We're also encouraging guests to offset the carbon cost of their flight by planting trees within the 450 acre preserve at Las Fincas.

And remember, we're so excited by what we have on offer, that we're covering all of your in-country expenses for three days*. All you have to do is decide which tour dates work best for you, purchase your ticket and send us your arrival time. We'll do the rest.

There's one more thing, and it's only available to tour participants:

In order to ensure that you're getting the best possible green deal, the developers are offering a special discount available only to tour participants. We think that sounds good for anyone's environment!

We hope you'll join us...

If you're thinking about incorporating bright green thinking into your life in any way then start a Nicaraguan journey with us. It could change your life. But remember this is a limited time offer so act now and book to reserve your place. Our August 2008 tour runs on Thursday August 28 to Sunday Aug 31. Contact us for additional dates in 2008.