Live in the Bird Canopy and Connect to the World. for Sale and Rent in Paxanax, Solola, Guatemala

Atitlan Artevista, Magical Artist Retreat Estate & Business

* Would trade for comparable value property in USA, Canada, UK, Spain, France.
High in the Mayan Highlands of Guatemala is majestic Lake Atitlan. This superbly situated retreat estate is accessible by boat or helicopter. A series of Mayan villages, each with its own unique dress, color and customs, circle the lake. The Bay of Santa Cruz La Laguna with its mayan pueblo has no roads but is easily accessible by boat in 20 minutes from the market town of Panajachel . Walking trails weave through the stunning nature. At one end of the bay is the Paxanax valley with a famous retreat center, a luxury eco-hotel and higher up with bird-songs and great views is Atitlan ArteVista. This is an area of the lake that is rapidly developing into one of the most exclusive on the lake, the rapid development over the last 10 years is a testament to its exclusive and unique nature.
The whole valley is now virtually built out and yet it still maintains its place as an oasis of silence peacefulness and tranquility which are priceless in todays modern world.
Atitlan ArteVista is architect owned, built and designed. The properties are very well functioning with drinkable water systems, internet access, grid electricity and now with the Tesla batteries the real possibility of adding solar electric.
The build, started in 2000, took 10 years to complete. You could not build for the sales price these days giving the cost of building materials and the fact that everything for the construction and furnishing has to brought in by boat and carried to the site. The main construction is concrete frame and cement block infill with a lot of cypress wood finishing.

Atitlan Artevista is best sold as one estate, but is in fact two separate properties, independently surveyed and titled. Interested parties could sell one of the properties to friends .

The properties with their own website have a proven income stream returning more than 5% per annum after expenses at the selling price with long term renters. This is the most conservative rental return compared to more managed short term rentals, Air B&B or an Artist Retreat rental business which definitely has room for growth as Lake Atitlan is a magnetic for creative artists of all types.
In the valley we have internationally recognised yoga retreat centre Villa Sumaya, and a world class eco-lodge Laguna Lodge.
Both houses are currently advertised on AirB&B and the monthly rental reflects these rates. Long term rates all year round are $1400 per month. The estate is also used as an group retreat when both houses are rented together. The estate is a wonderful opportunity for an on site living and business adventure for a younger couple.
The house on the top lot we call Casa del Artista and the house on the lot below is called Villa Colores. The first 10 images below are Casa del Artista and then are the images of Villa Colores. In all between the two properties there are 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms and 8 seperate rooms of varying sizes and uses.
For a full description of the property see below.

Firstly the Artist Studio House, Casa del Artista. The top floor is a large painting studio with incredible views of Lake Atitlan it is plumbed and could be converted into a large separate studio apartment.We have this year added outside porch area. On the floor below is the “Dream Suite” because when you sleep there you feel as if you are in the canopy with the birds. Its the perfect bird watching retreat . In fact more than 100 species have been sighted. The suite is above it all and has a comfy living room with TV, that is cool when its hot outside, a double bedroom with an attached studio for writing or media work, both with outstanding views and a separate bathroom. There is a kitchen and dining on the floor below.

In the garden between the two houses is the *Hummingbird Tree house* with its bathroom, small kitchen outdoor studio and sleeping spaces. Below are work and storage areas,and the terrace that has the solar hot tub.

The "Lotus Suite” is the complete main floor of Villa Colores with it's own private patio. Its has a very large work table, a double bed, some day beds, beautiful woodwork,stain-glass and furnishings . Its a quiet studio zone, very good for writers, composers,etc. It has direct access to the large kitchen below and two bathrooms.

The floor below has a very well equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a double bedroom, a media studio with bunk beds and a bathroom.

All bathrooms have separate septics. There is a mains electric supply to each house. Two neighbors together make a small water co-op. The water is pumped to gravity tanks and the distributed to each house which has its own water treatment systems using reverse osmosis, UV bulbs and ozonation. We are in the process of developing a rainwater collection system. There is an excellent internet connection that is good for e-mail and Skype.

Property taxes are paid to the Municipality and are $250 dollars per year for the upper properties and $80 for the lower lot. Utilities are between $70-$100 per month for the Villa and Casita. You could easily install solar electric and in fact the electric company now allow you to grid tie a solar system and run back your meter. Cooking and some of the hot water heaters use propane gas which costs about $30 per month.

Because there are no roads to the estate everything including all the building materials had to be carried to the sites and all the construction is totally "hand-built". Carrying everything including food makes the owners very aware of what they consume and throw away and the sustainability is an important theme. The gardens are gradually becoming food producers. We have extensive avocado orchards around. Our hard working local staff are excellent gardeners, skilled craftsman; have a good hearts and a warm sense of humor. They also are very affordable; a gardener with annual bonuses costs around $250 per month. A good housekeeper around $2 per hour.

Why sell? The owner is an architect/artist and after more than 10 years is ready for the next project and is less mobile these days.