While exploring Costa Rica for the first time in 2009, I visited a small farm along a dirt road to no-where in the middle of Costa Rica. The owner was from Chicago and his vision was to create a modest bed and breakfast while employing several locals to milk cows, restore old barns and tend to a garden. The simplicity of his life-choices and the opportunity he was creating for the local community was undeniable, and that visit planted a seed that I simply couldn't shake.
So in 2022, emboldened by an experience that wouldn‘t subside, I decided to do something about the itch that could only be scratched thru action and purchased what has now become the El Durancho ranch from the Billy Graham Foundation.
Fast forward 18 months and we are full steam ahead restoring every structure on the property with three different construction crews, six full time employees, six horses, seven dogs and 243 cattle.
Often times big dreams start small. This is a small dream that started big. But we believe the end result will be the same - magical.
Work hard. Be kind. Do good.
"I was intrigued by the possibility of a different sort of life surrounded by nature. A place where one could explore, restore and give back.
There‘a no master plan per say, only a general direction of better every day."
While restoring the ranch is our responsibility, improving the lives of the community and our future generations is our greater purpose. Everything we do will serve that ultimate goal.
Along the way, we hope to sprinkle opportunity where it didn't exist before. Leveraging our creativity imagine something into existence.
We're building base camp near the lower corral. It will be comprised of a common area surrounded by several villas. Many of our workshops will be located here.
Once base camp is complete (2026), we hope to explore our imagination through craftsmanship and architecture by planning and building one magical structure a year, starting with a hobbit home. Why a hobbit home you ask? The answer, because we can.
There are several magical locations on El Durancho, but one of the best sits right in the middle of the property between upper and lower ranch. Sitting at just over 700’, this location will serve as our destination for the Lookout Mountain Camp and retreat.
We plan to run a lot of master classes from this location.
We plan to build one heck of a workshop at Base Camp in 2025. Here we'll stretch our skills and learn everything from wood working to welding to glass blowing. We'll also train up our staff and the local community.
El Durancho is the canvas, our work and imagination the brush.
We plan to make it a place to remember.
We normally rent a 4x4 from Sixt Rental Car near the San Jose Airport but you can also take a shuttle to Manuel Antonio and then a taxi to the ranch, which is 13 miles away.
Weather is very consistent year around and feels between 65F at night and 80-85F during the day. The rainy season is May through November.
Stay on the beach in Parrita (9 miles away) at the Cocomar Beachfront or if you want a bit more touristy destination, we recommend the Tulemar Resort in Manuel Antonio.
GM
Ranch Guardian
Main Rancher
Rancher
Rancher
Rancher
Rancher
We’re looking for a few of people who have the time, skills and desire to create something special. We'll provide the place, you provide the passion.
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