Photos and Details
The house is built of Nispero, an extremely hard wood (so
dense it doesn't float), on concrete stilts. The vast
majority of houses in Bocas are built over water like this
as, in this part of the world, rather like in Venice, it is
access to the water that matters, rather than land.
There is a large tiled deck, which leads through to the
open plan living room and kitchen. Behind this are the two
lower bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms.
Stairs to the left will take you up to the mezzanine
sitting area, and then to the large master bedroom, which
opens up onto the upper deck.
To the left side of the house is the covered boat dock.
Water is supplied by rainwater, and power by diesel
generator. Conversion to solar power is easily done.
The island covers about 3,500m2 but the
mangrove extends way beyond that in all directions. Mangrove
is, of course, an important ecological resource that helps
to keep the water clean, and is protected in most countries.
Usable shoreline extends for about 400 metres along the
front, easily allowing space for the construction for 6, 8
or more tourist cabins.
The land behind the house is very low lying, but could
easily be filled-in to provide additional space for
landscaping and more cabins. However, as a private family
you probably would not bother, since all your activities
would take place on the water.
Directly across from the front of the house, about 2-3
minutes by boat, is a small restaurant that will cook you a
nice local dish of fish or chicken (but not in a hurry!).
There are other private dwellings scattered around the bay -
though none with as clear water or live coral as here.
Legal Status Unlike most of the mainland and Isla
Colon, it is not possible to get a title to the land on the
islands in Bocas del Toro. Instead, the land is held
by Right of Possession (ROP). In practice, provided
the paperwork has been done correctly, the only real
difference is that you cannot obtain a mortgage on ROP land.
Also it is a requirement that ROP can only be held by a
Panamanian citizen. Fortunately, a corporation formed in
Panama counts as such, so normal practice is for the land to
be held by a corporation. That is exactly the case here. The
island is owned by Xanadu Panama, Inc, and, instead of
buying the land itself, you simply buy the whole
corporation. Which makes the whole transaction much easier
and quicker. It also means there are no monthly or
yearly fees except the simple maintenance of the corporation
(about $700 per year).
All the correct paperwork is in place, including all
building permits and marine permits. Please feel free
to contact my lawyer for more details on all this.
Please note, these photos were taken at various
stages of the house's construction, so please excuse the
builder's debris lying around!
The approach by water. Notice the total privacy and
lack of neighbours!
The approach is deep water right up to the landing. Live
coral fringes the shoreline in both directions from the
house.
The main tiled deck and boat dock. Great for barbeques
or for a restaurant.
The front deck, with the main front doors and kitchen
windows on the left. Note that the kitchen is not yet completed - it still needs kitchen cabinets to be installed.
Looking left from inside the front door.
Take the stairs up, and look down from the
mezzanine and out through the front door. The kitchen is on
the left downstairs.
With your back to the stairs, you are now looking
along the mezzanine into the master bedroom. The passageway
to the right takes you to the upper deck.
Walk along that passage onto the deck, turn around
with your back to the sea, and you are now looking at the
master bedroom with its French doors onto the deck.
Turn a bit more to your left and you can look across
to the mezzanine. A great spot for a study, or a quiet nook
in which to eat, read, or play chess.
Dolphin Bay is, of course, where the dolphins live.
Most tourists will take a boat trip out to the bay to watch
them. Look out from your window one morning, and they might
be playing right in front of you.
Living in Bocas is about getting away from the rat race. You
will find many other ex-patriots here, so you won't be
lonely. But when you want your peace and solitude, or when
you want to commune with nature, you are in the right place,
whether you use it as your primary residence, or as a
holiday home.
And Panama as a country has a LOT of benefits for foreign
investors and retirees.
Other Places
Bocas town as seen from the south-west, looking along the
shoreline to the open Caribbean sea.
The waterfront in Bocas town
Downtown Bocas
Just 100 metres across the water from Bocas town is
Caranero island
Bird Island, at the north tip of Isla Colon, is a popular
destination for a day's boat tour.
Red Frog Beach is almost always deserted.
Apart from in-town, most locals live in very simple
accommodation.
One of the most up-scale resorts, and the one featured
most often on magazine covers, is Punta Coracol. This
consists of a number of simple cabins connected by a
walkway. Accommodation is very simple, with no mains
electricity provided. They do offer a restaurant. There is no
live coral, and it too is about 10 minutes by boat from
Bocas town. It would be very easy to emulate this business.
Panama City
Just one hour away by airplane, Panama City is a very
cosmopolitan city with all western amenities including
high-class hotels, casinos, shopping malls and, of course,
the famous canal.
Western style shopping, but without the western price
tags! Albrook mall is right by the local airport that
flies to Bocas
David
David is a city located up in the mountains. As such, its
climate is cooler. It has long been a popular destination
for retirees but, unfortunately, along with that comes well
developed prices too. Being closer and smaller than
Panama, it is a popular destination for Bocas residents who
want to do some big-city shopping.
When you visit there, (just 20 minutes by plane from Bocas),
be sure to visit this gentleman's private gardens, which he
has made open to the public. It is quite outstanding!
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