A sustainable Costa Rican home featured in Zac Efron’s hit Netflix docuseries Down to Earth has entered the market for $1.095 million. Located within the environmentally focused La EcoVilla community in San Mateo, the tropical retreat blends eco-conscious architecture, breathtaking jungle views, and a lifestyle centered on sustainability.
Originally showcased in the 2020 Netflix series, the property reflects the vision of developer Stephen Brooks, who created La EcoVilla as one of Costa Rica’s pioneering regenerative residential communities.
A Netflix-Famous Home Built Around Sustainability
Completed as the first residence in La EcoVilla following the community’s founding in 2012, the approximately 3,391-square-foot home was designed using responsibly sourced tropical hardwoods and traditional bahareque (wattle-and-daub) construction, an environmentally friendly building technique that combines natural clay, bamboo, branches, and timber.
According to listing agent Dawn Wolfe of Engel & Völkers Samara, the home served as the model for the community’s sustainable philosophy and was prominently featured during Zac Efron’s visit in Down to Earth, highlighting renewable living, responsible construction, and harmony with nature.
The listing team shared with californialuxuryhouses that the property continues to attract international buyers seeking a healthier, low-impact lifestyle without sacrificing modern comfort.
Warm Contemporary Design Meets Tropical Living
Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, the residence enjoys panoramic mountain and jungle views while benefiting from year-round cooling breezes.
The main level features an open-concept living room, dining area, and kitchen that flow seamlessly onto a spacious terrace overlooking the surrounding rainforest. Natural hardwood beams, exposed organic materials, and incorporated rock elements create a warm, rustic-contemporary atmosphere throughout the interiors.
The home offers four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including a primary suite with a private terrace and an en-suite bathroom featuring a soaking tub—a relatively uncommon luxury in many Costa Rican homes.
A separate 1,300-square-foot guest casita provides additional accommodations with its own bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, making the property ideal for extended family, guests, or rental opportunities.
Furniture is included with the sale, allowing the next owner to enjoy the home immediately.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Nature
Set on approximately 0.61 acres, the grounds resemble a private tropical orchard with mature mango, papaya, banana, plantain, and water apple trees.
A large pond offers additional agricultural potential, while residents of La EcoVilla receive fresh fruits and vegetables each week from the community’s volunteer-operated organic garden.
According to Dawn Wolfe, the neighborhood fosters a collaborative environment where residents embrace sustainable living, community gardening, and environmentally responsible practices.
Representatives familiar with the property told californialuxuryhouses that buyers are increasingly drawn to communities like La EcoVilla, where wellness, sustainability, and meaningful social connections are central to everyday life.
Living in San Mateo, Costa Rica
Located roughly 45 minutes from both Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches, San Mateo has become one of the country’s most attractive destinations for expatriates seeking a quieter mountain climate.
La EcoVilla is home to residents from more than 25 countries and includes the Real World School, an educational institution emphasizing sustainability and practical life skills. Nearby eco-communities such as Serena and Alegría Village further reinforce the region’s reputation as one of Costa Rica’s leading centers for regenerative living.
A Unique Opportunity for Eco-Conscious Buyers
With its appearance in a globally streamed Netflix series, environmentally responsible construction, and location within one of Costa Rica’s best-known sustainable communities, this distinctive residence offers far more than a traditional luxury home.
While californialuxuryhouses reached out for additional information regarding future development plans within La EcoVilla, no further comments were available before publication.
For buyers seeking a home that balances luxury, environmental stewardship, and an exceptional sense of community, this San Mateo retreat represents one of Costa Rica’s most compelling lifestyle opportunities currently on the market.