Casco Viejo Special Homes

Casco Viejo Real Estate Blog

Having a 400 mt2 home in a historic city (any historic city) is quite a unique thing. Those are truly special opportunities,  each one is irreplaceable.  At this time you will be able to find in  Casco Viejo two properties under this parameter:  Casa Vidal and Benedetti Penthouse Central.

Very different from each other, they share certain features such as water views, access to a pool and the ability to have three bedrooms.  But they are diametrically opposed in style and form, one being more of a colonial townhouse and the other, a penthouse so unique it is said to be among the finest in Panama City.

$860,000 Casa Vidal Townhouse:  At the best address in town: 1st street, a few steps from the well known French Embassy and French Plaza.  The house runs on four levels, with double height ceilings and a roof terrace  with a nice bar and pool area from where you can enjoy views to Panama City and the bay.  It is a very private home, where you can have an office or use the groundfloor as a guest bedroom.  Why we personally like it? of course there is the pool and the views, but  it is perfect for pet owners since it has a patio at the ground level and no neighbors to discuss whether you are allowed or not up to a 25 pound dog.   Casa Vidal also gives you a feeling of privacy and coziness, which we very much enjoy.

The house is being sold without finishes, which means the owner is free to create whichever style is closest to his or her heart.  The property features original colonial walls, which are amazing for both modern or more classical interior designs.

More about Casa Vidal

$1,250,000 Benedetti Penthouse C:  One of Panama`s most beautiful penthouses,  not only because of its fine design and finishes but also because of its stunning views.  The building has one of the few social areas with gardens and swimming pool.  Add the elevator and the parking, and you have not only a spectacular home but also an incredibly comfortable one. Why we like it? clean modern floorplan, all  in one level, with a terrace towards the front perfect for entertaining.  And if you don´t feel like going to the pool, there is always the private jacuzzi!

More on Penthouse C

Casco Viejo Properties Under $400K

Casco Viejo Real Estate Blog

This is probably the most diverse real estate category in Casco Viejo, Panama.  You can find anything from one bedrooms to two bedrooms, with views and sometimes if you are lucky even parking.

$329,000 Casa Ruigar No.7 : This one bedroom is loft style and makes for both an easy investment or easy place to live. Why we like it? the building has elevator and a water view roof terrace with swimming pool.  It also has a private roof terrace with views.

More info on Ruigar No7.

$335,000  Montefiori No.1: Probably the best priced two bedroom apartment in Casco Viejo.  Why we like it? great price point and floorplan in one level.  Also has a very comfortable, large kitchen and a large master bedroom.   Nice wrap around balcony. Note it is located on top of a restaurant. A really good one, so you might add a few pounds while living there!

More about Montefiori No1

$345,000  Legacion No. 5:  Beautiful one bedroom, furnished, rented and with parking! Why we like it? is Casco Viejo in a nutshell: colonial stone walls, water views from the roof terrace, interesting floorplan with a small private semi- open terrace that serves as a breakfast area off from the kitchen.  And parking!

More on Legacion 5

$385,000  Ruigar No. 3:  Two bedrooms, corner location.  Why we like it? great location, building has amenities such as pool and elevator. You might even attempt buying a parking space from a neighbor.  We also like that is on top of Casco`s best wine bars, which happens to be in front of our office. Has enough of a side water view to be featured as “water view property” but we rather leave it as a surprise when you visit.

More on Ruigar No. 3

Casco Viejo Properties Under $300K

From time to time we like to present a snapshot of what`s on the market in Casco Viejo. This is the first of three postings: real estate property under $300K, under $500K and Special Homes.

On the “perfect for singles” category or “easy investments” (meaning already income producing) here are our picks and why:

$150,000 at  Marqués de Portago:  small pied a terre, well located and rented. Why we like it? We like the tenant and the fact that is 30 seconds or less away from parks. Ideal if you like outdoors activities like jogging or bicycle.  It is also 10 seconds away from the Presidential Palace, in case you want to hear the gossip before it hits the local newspapers!

More Info on Marqués de Portago

$230,000 at Casa Mendez:  cute one bedroom, groundfloor, rented.  Why we like it? we have a soft spot for gardens and this one has a small garden connecting with both the living room and bedroom.  It is also an internal apartment, which makes it quiet.  Drawback: a hotel is under construction right next door, so forget about the “quiet” for another year.  Positive plus: once the hotel is finished, the apartment will probably appreciate, and the location is very good.

More Info on Casa Mendez

$260 – $270K at Montefiori:  very different apartments, but both are easy investments. One with water views, the other one with wrap around balconies. Both rented with good tenants.  Why we like them? good price point, responsible tenants, views are always a plus.  The unit at $270K is the lowest price you will find for good water views. Ah… and there is always the outdoors shower!

More Info on:  Montefiori Unit No. 3  , Montefiori Unit No. 4

Pro History Campaign by Panamanian Celebrities

Casco Viejo, Panama, Casco Antiguo

For the first time ever, a group of Panamanian celebrities have joined hands to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our history.   From Panama`s former Miss Universe, to writers, painters, journalists and TV presenters, they explain not only the importance history plays in shaping the country`s identity but also talk about the specific importance of Casco Viejo as a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.

This video has sprouted out of the controversy of a government plan to build a road around Casco Viejo, destroying its natural beaches and endangering its status as an international history jewel. UNESCO has already issued a strong report regarding the road project,  which would take Casco Viejo out of the World Heritage Site list.

This alarm has created a grassroots movement between conservationists, members of the Casco Viejo community, artists and more.  Casco Viejo`s community has been known for its love for its neighborhood and has fought several times against actions that have attempted against its integrity.

Because of Panama`s role as a natural and economic hub since way before the Spanish conquest, the country has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any of its regional peers.  With the road around Casco Viejo, Panama would loose the designation for two out of three important sites: Panama La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

Around the World, Heritage Sites become not only the source of pride and identity of the countries they belong to, but also economic engines and important cultural and touristic trademarks that help the country differentiate itself in the crowded international market.  Each one is unique and irreplaceable, once lost, just as it happens with endangered species that are part of the chain of life on Earth… it will be forever.

We would like to congratulate all of the participants in this video and at the same time, would like to invite you to spread the word and support this cause:

Here is the youtube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydeRkDz-HO0&feature=related