A Happier House Update

Happier House Bedroom

 Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Black and Decker Toaster Oven—$65 (normally $30 in the US)

We’ve been busy guys, but it’s a good kind of busy. Our house is almost finished, although one would never know by the amount of workers still around. One morning I’m sure they will all be gone, but for now, there are a dozen men staring through my window in the morning waiting for Rob and I to wake up.

Unfortunately for them, I am not a pretty sleeper. I am what the medical community would call a mouth breather: my jaw so gravely unhinged it looks like I’m trapping Japanese Beetles. This, combined with eight hours of drool, has the capacity to frighten even the most macho of construction men.

I open one eye and scan the crowd: the tile workers are here to finish grouting, the gutter guys are waiting for drool lady to get the ladder she unwisely locked inside the pool house, and there is always some random man to assist any of these crews. It’s an assorted bunch, but one I’ve grown to love.

The actual building of this house—the steel beams and concrete—was fun to watch, but it’s the finishing touches that make a home, and it’s here that Rob takes special care to get it right. We want rooms that sparkle, where the golden Costa Rican light bounces off every surface. We wish for a place to watch sunsets, a spot for others to feel inspired like we were when we first visited this beautiful country. This dream, one we had for eight years, is finally coming true and we have been blessed to be able to share it with all of you through my books.

The Happier House Pool

Heavens, I could never have predicted this moment when I stepped off that plane all those years ago. I could never have imagined that I would have these life-changing experiences, or get a chance to meet so many of you who have followed our journey from the very beginning. I know I’m lucky, and I am more than grateful for this incredible opportunity.

I’m pleased to say The Happier House will be opening soon for business, and I’ll share more pictures shortly. For now, I have to find that ladder in the pool house and open the second-floor bedroom for the tile workers. It’s the very best kind of busy day, and it’s one that sparkles with the very best kind of Costa Rican light.

(Please email me at puravida@happierthanabillionaire (at) com for rates and more information)

 

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:15-04:00 April 19th, 2016|Categories: Bed and Breakfast|Tags: , , |24 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

24 Comments

  1. B65 July 26, 2016 at 9:48 pm - Reply

    I just finished your first 2 books, the last one ended while you were still in the rental and had your land . Is this the house on that land? Do you live there and rent some of it out ? We have just come back from CR and we will be visiting again !

  2. Rachelle June 9, 2016 at 12:30 pm - Reply

    I’m so excited to hear about the updates on the house. I just got back from Costa Rica yesterday. I’ve spent 6 months of this past year in Monteverde and am thinking of building a small house there. Reading your blog helps reinforce the idea. When I do go back, I’ll be sure to stay at the Happier House. Can’t wait to read more and see more photos!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani July 19, 2016 at 10:41 am - Reply

      You are more than welcome here Rachelle. It’s been such an amazing journey so far, and looking forward to what’s next!

  3. Erin Morris May 14, 2016 at 7:09 pm - Reply

    Awesome, congrats! That sunset photo is ridiculous (in a good way). How long does it take to get down to the beach from your new house?

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 5, 2016 at 8:51 pm - Reply

      Hi Erin! Can’t beat a Costa Rican sunset. The beach is only a couple minutes by car, but fifteen to twenty if you walk.

  4. Gail Gursky April 27, 2016 at 8:25 pm - Reply

    Congrats to you both! I hope to stay with you in the near future 🙂

    • Nadine Hays Pisani June 5, 2016 at 8:53 pm - Reply

      Thanks Gail, I’ll be updating my website and there will be more information and pictures on The Happier House.

  5. Marianne April 23, 2016 at 12:31 am - Reply

    Hi Nadine. My husband and I came across your video with Samantha Buffet a while back and I just now got around to buying your CR Manual. Should a gotten it sooner as we already mahave plane tix in hand for 3 months from now when he, I and our 4 year old son will be leaving everything behind in Denver for Uvita indefinitely. We are so excited and I am just loving your stories and advice.

    The rat race and rising cost of living has completely fried me and I don’t see us surviving another year here. We are getting out just in time.

    Anyway I wanted to tell you that even though we’ve planned this for 5 years, I have had a lot of nervousness and anxiety but reading your book has really made me much more excited than anxious so I just wanted to thank you for that.

    So excited for your new adventure and we would love to come visit and stay at your B&B someday.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani April 25, 2016 at 8:38 pm - Reply

      Hi Marianne. You sound like me when we started this adventure. I was full of nerves, but also full of excitement. It was all so new, and I learned so much about myself in the process. I realized how short life is, and how easy it is to stay in one place the rest of your life. We should appreciate each day and look forward to new things. Maybe that’s how we stay young, always looking to learn and be inspired by others.

  6. Willow April 19, 2016 at 6:14 pm - Reply

    Jody and I would love to stay at your place in October 2016! I will be visiting Costa Rica in Grecia for one month and one half, visiting friends and going to Spanish classes
    before traveling to your side of the country. Hope to see you then!

  7. Sandra April 19, 2016 at 4:46 pm - Reply

    Nadine, I’ve said this from the very beginning, I am sooooooo happy for you two. That pool is absolutely breathtaking! I have always dreamt of having a view like that (one day–one day). You inspire me. Take care and may God continue to pour out blessings until there is no more want.

    • Nadine Hays Pisani April 25, 2016 at 8:34 pm - Reply

      You are the best Sandra. This view takes my breath away every single day. I don’t take any of this for granted, and are grateful that I get to share it with others.

  8. Linda Beasley April 19, 2016 at 4:28 pm - Reply

    The two people who deserve the best. we hope to visit you soon, I still have a quilt for you I made.

    Linda b

  9. Pat weber April 19, 2016 at 2:10 pm - Reply

    We are about 1 1/2 months from the completion of our home in Tamarindo. Luckily so far no surprises! Let’s see how it all goes with the container coming from the states and the furniture we ordered from here comes together. In the meantime we have rented a condo in town and enjoying all the restaurants! Pura vida!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani April 25, 2016 at 8:31 pm - Reply

      How wonderful! Let’s cross our fingers and hope that container shows up on time. And “on time” is relative in Costa Rica!

  10. Rich Cotton April 19, 2016 at 11:46 am - Reply

    You two are an inspiration to many many people. My wife and I look forward to our July visit with you and Rob.

  11. livingrichonthecheap April 19, 2016 at 11:18 am - Reply

    Oooh I am so happy for you and Rob! Your new home is beautiful!! You never know, we might make it back to the Happier House one day for another round of cocktails. Tammy & Dave on Vancouver Island

  12. Ashley Breanna April 19, 2016 at 11:15 am - Reply

    What a very exciting time of your life!

    • Nadine Hays Pisani April 25, 2016 at 8:28 pm - Reply

      You can say that again Ashley. This has been a crazy adventure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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