Hey, just wanted to pin this to give some more info. The land where Alegria is being built used to be a cattle ranch, which was deforested many years ago for grazing, and our mission as a community is to restore the biodiversity here so that all life can thrive. All the bigger trees are protected and thousands more have already been planted. Over 20% of the lots in Alegria are now owned by local Costa Ricans, and half of the board are Costa Ricans including the president of the board, who is indigenous Costa Rican. We are learning from the teachings of the original people of this region, the Huetar, who were displaced long ago by the Spanish. Huetar leaders have been visiting Alegría to share wisdom of native plants & building techniques, so that this may be our foundation for living in harmony with the land. The founding team has had strong relationships with the local community around Alegria for over a decade and a percentage of money generated through the project is being donated back to the area to collaborate on projects, spearheaded by local leaders. We support a local nonprofit that focuses on deep community listening and engagement and we have had round table discussions with locals for over a year to better understand the needs and context of our area and to form relationships. Personally, Raya and I are taking Spanish lessons daily and working on learning about the local culture as much as we can. We’re so excited to truly integrate into this beautiful community and country. It is very important to us to be a positive impact on the whole area and build true and deep relationships with the local community. And, we are always learning. Especially when it comes to sustainable building, we have so so much to learn. We are nowhere near experts at any of this and are not claiming to be, we're just excited to bring you along on our journey ❤️

As a costa-rican, remember that all building are attained to strict earthquake-prevention protocols. So dont be surprised if actually they might need to dig deeper, so that you house can have the needed pillars and sustain multiple earthquakes in the coming years and not come crashing down, as it has unfortunately happened in this particular area where you are living. Take care and enjoy this beautiful time in your life!

Keep in mind aging, children, and different life stages and accessibility as you build! I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Just a small suggestion along the lines of future kiddos rooms being away from the road for safety and quiet during nap time. Also not building until you experience full rainy season to know what unseen issues you may have to work around. The only other thing I would add would be to make sure the architect and builders are familiar with the area and all the little issues that come with every build site in it's own special way. It's beautiful and I am so happy for y'all.

25 years ago we brought a block of land in Margaret River Western Australia. We saved enough to buy block out right and we had an acre. We only removed one tree to build our 2 bedroom wooden cabin. We brought wood from wherever we could cheaply. We had never built or planned a home like you guys. I fell pregnant wasn’t in the plan but we were thrilled. So we lived on the land whilst building. We had no electricity but had a power box at the start of property no water yet either. It was winter freezing cold but by the time baby was born we had a room and verandah to shelter and live in. The one tree we knocked over became our feature in our kitchen. Our toilet overlooked the kangaroos grazing. The home to build material cost $20000 And we did all labour and bartered with friends who were plumbers or electricians. We had a local community garden close by and i cooked meals there once a week for anyone that needed a meal. And to get to know the locals. These were the best years of my life we showered in a solar shower till bathroom was done. Our daughter was 18 months old when we finished and it was adorable. We were so proud. I’m telling you all this guys because keep your dream stay together on your beliefs communicate well what you both want and have fun. It’s stressful but so rewarding. Sending you both so much love and keep loving on each other and always communicate how your feeling. It’s going to be truly amazing and Thankyou for sharing with us. Love Leisa xxxxx

As a Costa Rican I would like to say a pair things that you should consider, mostly weather-related. The first one is that you should think about how you would like the property to look in dry and rainy season and somewhat of the level of water consumption. The Pacific area is usually affected by droughts with different intensity, so consider that. That way you can mitigate the effects of the drought and be responsible of the water consumption in dry season. Second, consider checking the effects of past tropical storms and hurricanes in the area. Recent ones like Hurricane Otto and Nate, both caused a lot of damages in the country. That way you can build a building that is resilient to strong climatic events. The creek can disappear in dry season and depending in the strength of the rainy season it can become strong water stream, so ask experts for their opinion. I hope and wish you both the best in this project!

Wouw great to see plans are being made! One bit of advice: if you have the money...and it is available...buy an other plot of land that is in any way next to yours...neighbors land only comes for sale once...and 3000 sq meters looks like a lot, it really isn’t if I see all your great plans! with double the square meters...you can have so much more “green space” in between structures... so that would be my advice to you guys ☺️

You two seem to communicate with each other really well. I wish my husband and I could plan anything as calmly as you are planning your new home.

I'm so invested in this journey! Enjoying the videos from you both! 🤍

Food for Louis!!! I remember your videos 10 years ago! Now I’m looking to move to Costa Rica and stumbled across your content once again ! Thank u ! Lol I’m thrilled to see all of your new videos with your beautiful family !

I recently purchased an abandoned coffee farm in Puerto Rico. It came with two houses. 9 acres with a private river and waterfalls. I uncovered many surprises. Oranges, avocados tons of bananas. All this for a ridiculously low price. A gift from the Gods. Paradise. And I am planting more. Cacao, Jaboticaba, jackfruit, sapote, etc.

One thing I SO appreciate about your videos (amongst many haha) is your honesty. You show us the highs and lows of life and it's just so relatable. So many people on youtube just paint a beautiful picture of van life or tiny home life without showing the true struggles of making a conscious choice to live differently. I know everything will work out for you two because you have so much positivity and love to give, and I also appreciate you showing the struggles as well.

Louis, it's so heartwarming and insightful to hear your reflection (talking) about the situation of miscommunication. And also thanks for sharing your lows and would be cool to learn how do get out of them. A little tip on vegetation if I may. When you are deciding where to plant your food garden think of the sun movement and how the buildings are affecting it (making shade or not etc)

There is going to be zero control over the other lots , roads and common spaces. But having all the road debris plopped on your land and everything scraped to bare earth is NOT okay

Thanks for deciding to share the moments at 11-13 minutes. Seeing both the highs and lows helps me (and others) relate to my own projects/journeys

I love how transparent and open you are about your experience. It’s so important and so appreciated. Much love to you all! ❤️🐶

It's being graded so that when the time comes they can run water main lines and sewer lines effectively. They can't run certain things through hills and rocks, plus your house has to be on a leveled foundation. I know you guys are new to it but you can't be mad per se because it's going to save you the money that you'd have to pay to get it done if you told them leave it alone. It'll also aid in water run off as you did mention your plot had a vally so naturally water will pool there in rain fall, as well and your road access. It's ok, but you should have asked before getting all mad lol that's fine you're all human but suggest to leave certain areas untouched and just do the areas you plan on building the house, because now it would cost you to go fill areas to add contour and land structure.... why did they not discuss this with the residents during that H.O.A meeting????

It would be interesting to find ways to integrate the natural river/creek into either (a) your future garden planning almost as a natural irrigation system, or (b) a natural water source for drinking/showering etc. Would depend on the natural sustainability of the creek and where its source is from as a reliable source long term. Would be a fun video to walk along it to find more originating sources! One thing to avoid would be to make a design that doesn't take into consideration the pollution of the source as well, assuming it carries off beyond the land.

Ohhhh - I see potential with that water drainage to the side of your property. Maybe have a little drainage system built off of it to your land ( with a dam so you can open and close it ) so you can have a pond or a water feature. Or collect it for storage for future use like watering your garden and plants in dry season ( I don't know the rules about collecting rain water over there - maybe a bit different to the UK where we have water butts ).

Lovely! As someone who lives in a big wooden treehouse in the Tropics, be wary of mould. The humidity guarantees that mould ends up everywhere - wood, obviously, but also clothes and leather furniture. Something to consider, especially if you'll be bringing up a family - you don't want to breathe that stuff in!

I wish you all the best! I have friends who moved to CS with the whole family looking for an easier and sunnier life and after 2 years they came back to Iceland as CS turned out to be too tough. So yeah, it's not a paradise, just another place on earth that you will be turning into your home, with all ups and lows as everywhere else. Enjoy the process and get the best out of it!

I love that I feel like I am growing with you both. When I first started watching Louis it was about travel and complete yolo... and now though partly it is still travel but more on... chill and finding a place you'd like to root which currently I am searching also. I am excited to witness this part of your lives.

I did NOT like when Raya was crying, that was not cool to tare up your land like that without talking to you. Something about hearing the heartache of her grieving the loss of her dreams....its the empath in me. 🤗 That said, Louis, your positivity is commendable. And that is exactly what she needed....much respect brother. I hope to get there soon, selling my house and buying a bus! ❤

Omg the lot leveling … I can’t even imagine how that felt! I totally felt Raya’s tears … on the edge of my seat!

Hey when you were talking about what kind of design you want for your house it totally reminded me of earth ships. Generally earth ships are self sustained homes that function completely off the grid. The systems and technology built into the homes help with things like plumbing water humidity temperature etc. While the style and look of most earth homes is a little different, some of the methods and systems they’ve come up with might be helpful to you guys, it would definitely be worth checking out. Best of luck with your new home!

Thank you for your honesty and transparency - I'm looking for an intentional community in Central America and all you share is gold to me 🙏You transmute challenges into miracles and I have no doubt you´ll do it again 😉 Listen to Nature, help will come your way..It is important to clarify things with the community. Don't leave staff unspoken. Emotional health!!! Much love 🪴🌳🌺

I love seeing this change, this next chapter, whatever you wanna call it! It makes me reflect too on all the changes that have also happened in my life the last couple of years! I hope to one day join in on the adventure and be there at the retreat! *manifestation is real*

When you are one of the first in a new neighborhood you have to be aware that you will be living through the noise and dirt of everyone else’s construction. I’ve done it twice. You need patience and a place to escape to if it’s too loud. Try to enjoy the process. I loved the designing process the most. It’s the little things that make a house a home. I wish you the best experience possible. ❤

I once lived on the side of a mountain with significant rainfall. You should consider yourself lucky that the developer is taking the proper steps to prevent future problems with drainage.

Love the building plan. I’d recommend shifting the house just a little further from the road and then wedging the bathrooms between the main house and the road. You might not really want the bathrooms in front of the house as that’s your view, so hiding them away might be better.

People are so creative I can't wait to see what you have thought of in your minds and what other people will do with the resources you have given them. I would love to live in some sort of community (much smaller than yours) through my future. We have become so individualised and it's making so many things a lot harder than they need to be.

What a wild adventure! You two are really trying something that so many people are curious about. Stoked to see the journey!

I think you guys are great! You are so honest , real and vulnerable in your vids and I appreciate that so much about you both..That can't always be easy. You guys are so likeable and caring and I so hope all this decision making ect works out the way you envision..Thanks for including us on this journey. Always can't wait for the next vids to come..Rooting for you guys ! Stay safe. oxo

Stoked for you two. This is going to be such a cool project. As for the design, have a look into Permaculture Principles. I am a Permaculture designer (PDC), and have designed my house and land (4.3ac) in Western Australia as a Permaculture Food Forest and interactive sensory/ playground for our kids and friends kids. One idea for the creek/ spring. Permaculture calls for creating more edge. You could re-direct the creek, make it more windy. Creating more edge, for growing more food, more homes for bugs and critters, slowing the water down and keeping it on your land for longer. As for the design of the food forest, think of the sun, and heights. Compost, and how the produce flows through the landscape. How you bring the plants in, where they go to be grown enough to plant, then ease to plant, and of cause compost. Building soil, growing soil is more important than growing plants. Smaller dwellings = less impact on the land. Are easier to maintain and cost less. We built a very small home. Solar power rainwater and water. I would love to help out with your designs and even construction. I'm not an architect, but I am an electrician who works at a wind farm, and a Permaculture designer. One Life, One Search, Shane

It concerns me that the water way on your land has warranted that digging and land excavation . I personally would live a year/ rainy season out in the van. Before building anything else. And situate your van accordingly 🙏🤗

Having lived in Mexico and Paraguay and having looked into many Projects of this Kind I would Just Like to advice you to take much Care to what is going on and Check the Overall Plans for the entire Terrain. Much luck for you

This is so exciting! I've always imagined communities like these and how wonderful they wud be but I didnt think they actually existed!

I love seeing you finally getting to this point! You’ve been talking about this for so long!!

Thank you for taking us along on your journey. I am so happy and excited for you both and cannot wait to tag along on this amazing chapter of your lives!

The net positive of the pre-grading is this: a useful (and aesthetically charming) drain was added to your site. Since your lot is a gentle slope, effective drainage will be key, especially if you're adding structures like glamping tents that need dry ground. When a heavy rain hits (and the howler monkeys start howling), take a tour around the perimeter and look at how the land drains itself of water. You've got a lot of heavy equipment in use nearby and it would be easy to add to or expand on your drainage system with trenches. (Eventually, you can make these subterranean with PVC pipes to conserve land). If absolutely necessary, you can elevate your structures a little with pillars which will also give rigidity during earthquakes as previously mentioned. Solid drainage will save your structures (and studio equipment) from heavy rains and flooding. With drainage, there's no such thing as "overbuilding."

So excited to see this unfold! Congratulations on your marriage and this wonderful new chapter of life. It will come with ups and downs but I know it will be beautiful! 💕

Excited to follow your journey to create your home. So very excited for you both. You seem so very happy and very excited💕

I’ve only watched a few of your videos here and there, but I’m so excited to follow this new journey of yours!

I was today years old when I finally subscribed to this channel and i can't believe haven't already before today. I have watched on Kate and Nates and I usually always follow who they connect with but I missed connecting with you. I look forward to binge watching all your videos. Because you are awesome! Best wishes and good luck!

Wow, this is really a beautiful dream and I am so curious how everything will unfold in the future! I love your cute new family member!🥰

Guys we absolutely LOVE the style of this video! ❤ It's so cool to see you on this journey, taking a dream and creating reality. We're so inspired by you! This is what true manifestation looks like. 😍

Liking this now omw from work so inkow il have somthing super kice too wat hwhen i get home, u guys are ltterally helping me manifest the same lifestyle and its making so happy to see the both of u fully emerging into this adventure, really hope to meet u both once im there ❤❤❤❤

Since you guys will likely want an organic garden, make sure the public works aren't going to be coming around every month to spray pesticides in the ditch and creek. You can put signs outside saying "organic farm, please no pesticides". Mosquitoes might be a concern with the ditch and creek but the terrain can by changed to prevent that. You could certainly use it for irrigation. If you're in a flood zone or in the path of a potential mud slide, be sure to have insurance for that and channels to direct water away from the house. I hope this isn't all too obvious. Good luck to you on such an exciting endeavor!

So exciting

I love, love, love how you share your story. It's so inspiring and also grounding to see that there is no picture perfect and no there there. Thank you for sharing life as life is, not either or, both and more.

Just moved into my house in the last Week! It's been the most exciting, stressful, crazy process I've been through. Excited for you two 🎉

Good luck we lived in Costa Rica 14 years great place great people. But building in cr forget about it. Ticos don't have schedule's or watches and you will be financially drained by you developer, builder and local politicians. Live in your bus in the land for at least 2 years before you build or rent. If you paid more than $1500 for that undeveloped small piece of dirt you got ripped off. Be careful guys.

Oh this is amazing, I would love to live in a community like this ! All the best for the process.

Loved this. Your plans look stunning. Good luck , I’ll enjoy following your progress, what an amazing way to live. Beautiful 😍 And I Love the puppy. X

Have fun with the build, we've been down that road here in Costa Rica and now build container houses for people moving here. It can have it's ups and downs but it is a lot of fun. looking forward to your progress. Pura Vida!

This is absolutely amazing ❤ I’m soooo excited for this project

How does the Eco village help the CR ecosystem and people? Just wondering

Yayy! I got so afraid there wasn't an upload today, excited to see this one!

Sorry it's been a tough process. But honestly i was stressing for you because it would've been a nightmare to build on such an uneven plot. You also would need to dig it up for plumbing if you were planning on having it. But you definitely should have been told what was happening, to what extent & when.

Grateful for you and your uplifting videos. I always look forward to enjoying your journey as you lovingly take care of one another as you plan your magical future. Your light and love inspire us. Congratulations on your promise to one another and your latest addition to your beautiful family. So happy for you! Best wishes...XO :)

I understand your disappointment…hopefully the vegetation will spring back in short order. Your preliminary plans are amazing!

Can not wait to see your journey!

So exciting to finally see this happen oh my!✨

So cool! We did 2.5 months in Costa Rica the beginning of the year and definitely need to get back there! 🤞

Absolutely live for your videos!! Love this land too. Wish you all the best

The best content these last few months, can't wait for more!

I’ve been so excited to see your plans for the new home! (And Cali! Please, more of Cali!)

Loving all of it! Love your journey, love the land, love your outloud thinking and planning. It’s so delicious and love your very sweet dog 🐕💕😁 Alsi you may wish to consult a local ‘geomancer’ who can douse your property for you and see where the higher energy is flowing and maybe areas that can be improved with certain Feng Shui elements. They are also very good at seeing where the water actually flows under ground, which might be very beneficial. Usually not good to build a house over running water. The rule of thumb is, where the cows sleep, is where you build, because they know 😉🐄 but in this case a geomancer might be best 😁👍💕

Welcome to the joys of community living. Other people making decision about your lot. Some leader that thinks he knows better. Been there. Done that bought the T shirt. Rather you than me in communal garden. Trust me. It will only get more frustrating. Love you guys and hate to see you suffer. Trust you are strong. Nothing beats having your own place that only you guys give an opinion how you want it

We're near the end of building our new house. It's taken about 4 1/2 years, but that's with only myself and sometimes a helper. To be clear, I hired out virtually nothing. Good luck. It will cost more then you think and it will take longer then you expect. Expect kids to change everything....and two kids don't equate to double the effort of one. It's 4X...But well worth it.

welcome ..!!!! to COSTA RICA ***PURA VIDA ***

Good afternoon on monday (sunday) Love the caption of your adventure of costa rica

Oh I’m so excited for you guys 💛 I’m sure the journey may be rough around the edges but the destination is your motivation! P.s - im ready to sign up for the glamping experience 🙋🏻‍♀️🤣☺️ can’t wait to see what’s next.

Louis, let me say...I'm impressed with the investment the community developers have made in the property. Those look like properly engineered roads...and the community building/pool/spa look to be very nice. They really haven't spared any expense in bringing in heavy equipment to develop the infrastructure. I would give it some time. Even though it appears they have modified your lot...plants and trees can be replanted and will thrive over time.

First build the small house. Thanks for sharing the highs and lows

Love it! So excited for the both of you!! 👍💞💞💝💞💞👍

Just got back from a 12 day trip to Costa Rica. Love the concept of an outdoor shower, but some of those thunderstorms and spiders are no joke! Also realized how privileged we are to have such a great septic system. The wildlife is absolutely stunning though! I miss all the birds

life grows back in costa rica really fast!!

Love the natural spring. It looks like the guest house would be very close to it. I would wonder how much potential water so it did not flood into your house. Excited to watch thus journey.

Homes can be an emotional roller coaster. I pray that everything works how it is supposed to.

This is sooooo exciting!!!! You’re both sooo so inspiring 💛

Raya and Louis, I LOVE what you’re doing and how you’re documenting it all! For sure I’ll be by for a visit sometime and will be subscribing to your channel and following your journey! Good luck, and keep up the great work!!!!

Watching you talk with so much love about this whole idea, I am getting inspired to at least visit Costa Rica and your community. Give me a call, if you are willing to catch up with a fan from Bulgaria, if you are visiting this year :) Hugs, Milena :)

Im so excited for you guys! ♥️ this is awesome

This seems like will be a goo series. You guys are so involved in the process. Its quite amazing! In Malawi, where im from, the norm is to buy land and build yourself, its very rare to purchase houses. My dad bought me a plot, but I am too overwhelmed to do anything at the moment, and also don't have the money ha! Once you have your floor plan down, start planting them trees back and it will look great!

I was watching your plans, are you going to be able to build and actual tree house am excited to see your dreams coming true I have wacth you right from the beginning in NY with (Lily?)I new when you were in the kitchen making smoothie it was on love it then loving it even more now.Congrats🤗

Unless building by hand with no machinery, there's going to be a LOT of clearing the land. And leveling.

As a builder here in Costa Rica, I would strongly suggest involving a local architect in these early stages of designing. They will help you guide your dreams to stay practical and cost effective within the CR context. They will also help you understand the type of materials and building methods that are more readily available in the country and that follow the local regulations. You will need a local architect to get your building permits, so might as well start that conversation earlier. Sorry for the ramble, I build houses for a living so these are the things that come to mind. Welcome to Costa Rica 🤙 pura vida

Wow this is amazing! I’ve just found you guys from your collaboration with eamon and Bec and we are kinging it! So happy to follow your guys journey now! 🙌🏻

SO excited for you guys!!! Christina Hamilton, Ontario Canada

wow just amazing

I am so excited to see how your home progresses. Hugs.

This is incredibly cute! Thank you

This is SO EXCITING!

I just saw this documentary called the biggest little farm and seeing you on this land just makes me want to go do the same thing.

This is so exciting! Very happy for you!

You are dear sweet human beings. Sending you light and love ❤️

Looks so beautiful!

A crescent or V shaped house with trees around the perimeter to reduce noise and provide a barrier would be perfect. You could also connect the elevated pointy ends with a rope bridge of sorts that could hang over the pool.

I have worked construction for 20 years all over the US, Mexico, Central America, and South America. It’s not going to be smooth. The wealthiest of people have problems getting houses built in all of those places. Endless delays, red tape, and payments to local officials.