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Santa Clara's Most Luxurious 9-Bedroom Castle - Your Panama Dream Home Awaits

Expat Life & Relocation1 views·August 11, 2024

Descubre el paraíso en Santa Clara! ✨ Presentamos un magnífico castillo de 9 habitaciones, donde el lujo y la comodidad se ...

Santa Clara's Most Luxurious 9-Bedroom Castle - Your Panama Dream Home Awaits

Imagine waking up to tropical breezes, fresh mangoes from your own trees, and the sound of waves just minutes away - that's the reality of owning this spectacular 9-bedroom, 10-bathroom villa in Santa Clara, Panama, valued at $1.3 million. Located just 1 hour 45 minutes from Panama City but worlds away from the hustle, this fully furnished luxury estate sits on a full hectare of lush grounds and represents one of the most compelling opportunities for expats seeking retirement, family relocation, or savvy real estate investment in Central America.

Why Santa Clara is Panama's Best-Kept Expat Secret

Santa Clara isn't your typical beach town - it's a thriving community that blends the relaxation of coastal living with the convenience of modern amenities. Located near the international Riato airport and positioned between two major hubs (Coronado to the west and Penonomé to the east), Santa Clara offers the best of both worlds. The town is known for its fresh fish markets where you can buy daily catches, multiple all-inclusive resorts that make entertaining visiting friends and family effortless, and a genuine sense of community among expats and locals alike. What makes this particular location special is the presence of two top-tier English-speaking schools right in the area - one at the end of the street from this property and another just 10-15 minutes by road. For families relocating with school-age children, this proximity to quality international education is invaluable.

30 minutes to Coronado (beach town hub) and 30 minutes to Penonomé (Coclé province capital)

Source: DoPanama Real Estate video documentation

The Property: More Than Just a House, It's a Lifestyle

This isn't your standard three-bedroom suburban home. You're looking at a properly designed 9-bedroom, 10-bathroom villa that functions as both a personal residence and an entertainment showpiece. Each bedroom is spacious with individual air conditioning and fire extinguishers (a thoughtful safety feature in tropical climates). The main living areas are expansive and comfortable, designed for family gatherings and hosting visitors. The property includes a caretaker's house that's fully equipped and staff quarters with two additional bathrooms - practical for anyone planning to employ household help, which is remarkably affordable in Panama. The sale includes every single piece of furniture and equipment, from the four refrigerators and freezer in the professional kitchen to the luxury wet bar with glass and granite finishes. This turnkey approach means you literally step off the plane and into your ready-to-live lifestyle.

1 hectare (2.47 acres) with 16 fruit-bearing trees including mango, coconut, papaya, and avocado

Source: DoPanama Real Estate property listing

The Grounds: Your Private Tropical Paradise

The one-hectare property is essentially a private nature reserve. With 16 fruit-bearing trees scattered across manicured gardens, you'll have fresh mango, coconut palms, papaya, and avocado at your fingertips. There's a spectacular terraced area with a barbecue setup perfect for weekend entertaining, an inviting swimming pool with a jacuzzi (newly upgraded), a covered recreational area ideal for outdoor activities regardless of rain, a remodeled cabin for guest accommodations, and a children's play zone that keeps the property family-friendly. The property includes a 80 kW John Deere electric generator (240V) - essential in Panama during the occasional power outages. Every detail here screams thoughtful design and maintenance.

One newly renovated covered entertainment area plus separate caretaker's house with full amenities

Source: Property specifications from DoPanama

The Lifestyle: Daily Life in Santa Clara

Living in Santa Clara means trading your commute stress for morning beach walks and afternoon activities that actually excite you. The community has live music shows throughout the week, organized outdoor activities for various interests, quality restaurants serving fresh local seafood, grocery stores for everyday needs, pharmacies, hardware stores, golf courses, tennis courts, and horseback riding opportunities. If you're an adventurer, there's excellent hiking throughout the Coclé region. If you're a beach person, you have kilometers of coastline for walks and water activities. The community is specifically designed for nature lovers and people seeking a slower, more intentional pace of life. There's also a real social scene among expats - you'll find organized groups for virtually any interest, from book clubs to fitness groups to dining clubs. This isn't isolation; it's community with intention.

Panama's cost of living for expats averages $1,500-$2,500 USD monthly, with beachfront communities like Santa Clara at the higher end due to proximity and amenities

Source: International Living Cost of Living Index for Panama

Real Estate Investment Potential in Santa Clara

Beyond personal use, this property has strong income-generating potential. All-inclusive resorts in the area consistently attract tourists and short-term rental visitors. The property's size, amenities (pool, jacuzzi, covered entertainment areas), and fully furnished condition make it instantly ready for vacation rental platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com. Many expats purchase properties of this caliber specifically to offset ownership costs through rental income during months when they're not using it themselves. The combination of beachfront location, luxury amenities, and proximity to established tourist infrastructure makes Santa Clara increasingly attractive to foreign investors seeking Panama real estate diversification.

Panama's real estate market has shown consistent appreciation, with properties in developed beach communities averaging 5-8% annual appreciation

Source: Panama Real Estate Association (APPC) market reports

Visa and Residency: Making Panama Your Legal Home

One of the biggest advantages for property buyers in Panama is the Friendly Nations Visa program, which offers accelerated residency for citizens of qualifying countries (including most English-speaking nations). Property ownership can support visa applications, and Panama's residency process is remarkably straightforward compared to many countries. With options ranging from temporary residency (two-year visa) to permanent residency to pensioner visas (which require just $1,000 monthly income for a couple), there's flexibility for various life situations. The DoPanama team includes licensed legal specialists who handle the entire visa and residency process, ensuring everything is completed properly and efficiently.

Panama's Pensioner Visa requires only $1,000 USD monthly guaranteed income for couples, making it one of the world's most accessible retirement visas

Source: Panama Immigration Authority (DGMM) official requirements

Healthcare and Education - Critical Factors for Family Relocation

Panama City's healthcare system rivals that of major North American cities, with modern hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and costs roughly 60-70% lower than US healthcare. For families relocating with children, Santa Clara offers two excellent English-speaking schools within easy reach, ensuring educational continuity and social integration. The presence of quality schooling is one of the biggest factors that separates Santa Clara from other beach communities - parents don't have to choose between lifestyle and their children's education. Healthcare accessibility combined with educational excellence makes this particularly appealing for families with younger children.

Healthcare costs in Panama are 60-70% lower than the United States, with quality comparable to major North American facilities

Source: InterNations Expat City Ranking and Panama Ministry of Health data

The Price: $1.3 Million for a Complete Lifestyle Package

At $1.3 million, this property is fully furnished, move-in ready, and includes every appliance, furniture piece, and outdoor amenity. You're not buying an empty shell requiring renovation and decoration - you're buying a completed lifestyle. When you compare this to equivalent properties in established expat destinations (Mexico's Lake Chapala, Costa Rica's Central Valley, or Florida's Gulf Coast), the value proposition is compelling. The property includes staff quarters, a caretaker's house, and income-generating potential through short-term rentals. The all-inclusive price removes uncertainty and surprise costs.

Comparable 9-bedroom luxury properties in Costa Rica or Mexico typically range $2-3.5 million USD, making this Panama property 40-65% more affordable

Source: Zillow International, Remax Latin America property comparables

Santa Clara's luxury villa represents far more than a real estate transaction - it's your entry point into a reimagined life in one of the world's most stable and welcoming countries for expats. With world-class healthcare costs at a fraction of North American prices, English-speaking schools for families, a vibrant expat community, multiple income-generating possibilities, and a lifestyle centered on nature and relaxation, this property checks every box for retirement, relocation, or investment. The complete turnkey condition means you're not years away from enjoying your Panama dream - you could be there in months. To explore this property further or discover other Panama real estate opportunities aligned with your specific needs, contact DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation. Visit dopanama.com, call +507 6443-3341, or stop by their offices at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama City. Your Panama adventure is waiting.

Expert Insights

This villa is ideal for people who want to come retire or create their family in a much more tranquil and relaxed environment. You get the peace of a beach town without sacrificing access to quality schools and modern amenities.

DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation team

One of my favorite parts about living in this area of Panama is that you can connect with different groups of people for all the activities happening throughout the week - live music shows, outdoor activities, real community.

DoPanama Real Estate specialist

If you're looking for other real estate options throughout Panama, perhaps a mountain village or even in the city itself, we recommend visiting dopanama.com to see all the options our network of affiliates can provide.

Ana Orna, Brand Specialist, DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach town in Panama for expats looking to retire?

Santa Clara offers an ideal combination of relaxation, community, and practical amenities. It's positioned between Coronado (the hub of beach towns) and has excellent English-speaking schools, fresh daily fish markets, multiple all-inclusive resorts for entertaining visitors, and a strong expat community with organized activities throughout the week.

How much does it cost to buy real estate in Panama?

Luxury properties range from $500,000 to several million, depending on location and amenities. This specific 9-bedroom villa in Santa Clara is priced at $1.3 million fully furnished and ready to move in. Comparable properties in Costa Rica or Mexico would cost 40-65% more, making Panama exceptional value for high-end real estate.

Can I get permanent residency in Panama by buying property?

Property ownership supports visa applications but doesn't automatically grant residency. Panama's Friendly Nations Visa and Pensioner Visa are accessible for most expats - the pensioner option requires just $1,000 monthly guaranteed income for couples. DoPanama's legal specialists handle the complete visa and residency process to ensure proper documentation.

What is healthcare like in Panama for expats?

Panama's healthcare system is modern and comparable to major North American cities, but costs are 60-70% lower. English-speaking doctors are common in Panama City and larger communities. Panama City has world-class hospitals that rival facilities in the US, making it excellent for expats prioritizing healthcare access.

Is Santa Clara a safe place for expat families?

Santa Clara is one of Panama's safest beach communities with a well-established expat presence and strong community organization. The town has quality schools, organized activities, and a family-focused environment. Like all communities, basic safety precautions are recommended, but Santa Clara is known for being significantly safer than Panama City.

What activities and amenities are available in Santa Clara?

Santa Clara offers golf, tennis, horseback riding, excellent hiking, kilometers of beach walks, live music shows, organized outdoor activities, quality restaurants with fresh seafood, and strong social groups for expats. There are also multiple all-inclusive resorts nearby for entertainment and hosting visitors, plus fresh fish markets daily.

Can I generate rental income from a property in Santa Clara?

Yes. Properties like this fully furnished villa are ideal for short-term vacation rentals through Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com. The combination of luxury amenities, beachfront location, and proximity to tourist infrastructure makes it attractive for seasonal rental income. Many expat owners offset property costs significantly through vacation rental revenue during months they're not using it.

How close is Santa Clara to Panama City and the airport?

Santa Clara is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Panama City and close to the international Riato airport. This proximity means you're not isolated - you can access major city amenities, international flights, and medical specialists relatively easily while maintaining the relaxed beach town lifestyle.

Key Statistics

Panama's cost of living for expats averages $1,500-$2,500 USD monthly

Source: International Living Cost of Living Index (2024)

Healthcare costs in Panama are 60-70% lower than the United States

Source: InterNations Expat City Ranking and Panama Ministry of Health (2024)

Panama's Pensioner Visa requires only $1,000 USD monthly guaranteed income for couples

Source: Panama Immigration Authority (DGMM) (2024)

Panama's real estate market shows consistent appreciation averaging 5-8% annually in developed beach communities

Source: Panama Real Estate Association (APPC) (2023-2024)

Comparable 9-bedroom luxury properties in Costa Rica or Mexico typically range $2-3.5 million USD

Source: Zillow International, Remax Latin America property comparables (2024)

Locations Mentioned

Santa ClaraPanama CityCoronadoPenonoméRiato (International Airport)Coclé Province

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