[See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat Vacation home with kitchen, a short walk to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32570000/32564500/32564439/8f70698c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32570000/32564500/32564439/68d1fc2a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Books](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32570000/32564500/32564439/f9a9d9b9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32570000/32564500/32564439/3c8f9da1.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/33000000/32570000/32564500/32564439/c4a87d71.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Nestled on 40 acres of private property bordering the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, this unique home offers a tranquil retreat amidst primary cloud forest and abundant wildlife. With dramatic views of the Gulf of Nicoya, unwind in front of a wood-burning stove or sit on the long front porch taking in nature's sounds. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 81200 sq ft ## Popular amenities - - - Dryer - Washer - Kitchen - Free WiFi ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat Our house is located on 40 acres of private property that abuts the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and is one of the last private homes before the Reserve. More than half our land is in primary cloud forest, but we also have a large clearing below our house that is perfect for viewing wildlife. In fact, because our place is contiguous to more than 110,000 acres of protected forest, you’re likely to see many more animals here than in most other places in the Monteverde zone. White-faced monkeys, coatis, and agoutis are all commonly seen on our land, and several cloud forest specialists, including resplendent quetzals and black guans are also often seen near the house. Even brocket deer, which are very uncommon, are occasionally seen here. Fred Morrison built the house in the mid-1980s. He first visited Monteverde in 1981 and during his stay, he and two other biologists had a picnic on the property, taking in the spectacular view of the forest and the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. A week later, his friends called to tell him that the parcel was for sale and asked if he would like to become a part owner. The three of them purchased the property later that year from one of the original Quaker farmers. Since then, each shareholder has built a house or cabin on the land. None of the dwellings are in sight of the others, which gives you a very private experience. The house itself is located on a hillside at the end of a 500-foot driveway. It was designed with lots of large, picture windows to bring in plenty of natural light and is oriented toward the southwest with dramatic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the forest canopy below. The downstairs includes a living room with a wood burning stove, a dining room, kitchen, two box seats, a large bathroom and a small utility room with a washer and dryer. There’s also a long front porch on the first floor and upstairs, a roofed balcony, where you can sit looking out at the Gulf of Nicoya and watch up to nine species of hummingbirds visit the feeders. The second floor has two good-sized bedrooms, one with a queen-sized bed and the other with two full beds. At our place, you will be well away from the bustle of Santa Elena and the main road. You will be able to go to sleep to the sounds of katydids, cicadas, frogs and wake up to chorusing black-bellied wood quail and dueting gray-breasted wood wrens. A public bus passes by at the bottom of the driveway several times each day and taxis are available at any time. Several good restaurants, a small grocery store and a few gift/coffee shops are located within 2 miles and many more are available in nearby Santa Elena. The entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is just a ten minute walk from our house. But, of course, the walk could take much longer if you're looking at wildlife or plants! If you’d like a home-cooked Costa Rican meal, we can arrange to have a talented local cook come before you arrive (or during your stay) and prepare one. She can also deliver groceries upon request. If you're interested in hiring a private naturalist guide or taking a tour, please be in touch with us and we can make arrangements. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the house: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Blender - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Electric kettle - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Stovetop - Toaster ### Dining - Breakfast available for a fee ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Living room - Wood stove ### Entertainment - Books - Games ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Garden - Outdoor furniture ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Work spaces - Desk ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Services and conveniences - Housekeeping (on request) - Phone - Safe ### Location highlights - In a rural location ### Things to do - Birdwatching nearby - Ecotours nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Horseback riding nearby - Wildlife walks nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - Fire extinguisher - Deadbolt lock ### General - Garden - Housekeeping (on request) - Unit size: 1,200 square feet ## Similar properties ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111370000/111361000/111360998/0904d0dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Villa El Nido Monteverde Monteverde - Kitchen - Laundry - Outdoor space - Breakfast available 9.0 Wonderful 9 reviews CA $188 CA $250 total includes taxes & fees Oct 4 - Oct 5 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-04&endDate=2025-10-05&selected=111360998&PinnedHotelID=111360998&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27480000/27476400/27476310/e108b62f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Above the Gulf House: Spectacular Ocean View! 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You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### Property is also known as Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat House Monteverde Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat House Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat Monteverde Naturalist's Cloud Forest Ret Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat Monteverde Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat Private vacation home ## About the area Located in Monteverde, this vacation home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Arenal Volcano National Park. The Bat Jungle and Monteverde Butterfly Gardens are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. [Visit our Monteverde travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/Monteverde.dx6046749) [View more Vacation homes in Monteverde](https://www.expedia.ca/Monteverde-Private-Vacation-Homes.d6046749-aaPrivateVacationHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C10.30110%2C-84.79860&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=LqQM5kjG9bWvwlcbJHJZmLar-yY=) Monteverde, Puntarenas ### What's nearby - Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.5 km - Curi-Cancha Reserve - 4 min drive - 2.2 km - Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - 7 min drive - 3.6 km - Monteverde Orchid Garden - 7 min drive - 3.9 km - Monteverde Butterfly Gardens - 7 min drive - 3.6 km ### Getting around - Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 157 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪Cafe Colibrí - ‬8 min walk - ‪Laggus - ‬9 min drive - ‪The Green - ‬8 min drive - ‪Choco Café - ‬7 min drive - ‪Raíces Restaurante - ‬8 min walk ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is Naturalist's Cloud Forest Retreat located? > Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Monteverde Friends School - Escuela de los Amigos, and Friends Meeting House. Curi-Cancha Reserve and The Bat Jungle are also within 2 mi (3 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. 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