luxury real estate for sale Azuay, Ecuador

This extraordinary private, gated estate—with three independent residences, a versatile freestanding structure, a river, waterfall, and magnificent forest sanctuary—is located just minutes from Cuenca. Properties combining this degree of privacy, natural beauty, existing infrastructure, and future potential rarely become available anywhere near the city. Beyond its appeal as a remarkable private residential compound, a recent professional appraisal indicates that the property meets the applicable planning conditions for subdivision, subject to confirmation and approval by the appropriate municipal authorities. Hidden within approximately 9,878 square meters (2.44 acres) of mature eucalyptus forest in the highly desirable community of San Joaquín, the estate offers three independent residences and an additional freestanding building, encompassing approximately 520 square meters (5,597 square feet) of total existing construction. A river, picturesque waterfall, and covered riverside pergola complete this remarkable natural sanctuary—all just fifteen minutes from Cuenca’s historic center. Accessed through a small, private, gated enclave just off the main highway, the estate feels wonderfully secluded yet remains remarkably close to Cuenca’s celebrated restaurants, cafés, shopping, medical facilities, museums, and vibrant cultural life. It is a property that offers the luxury of complete tranquility without sacrificing convenience. Behind the entrance gates, winding pathways meander beneath towering eucalyptus trees, across expansive lawns, and through beautifully landscaped grounds, while the soothing sound of flowing water accompanies daily life. A charming thatched-roof cabana near the river overlooks the valley below, creating an unforgettable setting for outdoor dining, entertaining, quiet reflection, yoga, meditation, or simply enjoying one of the estate’s most captivating natural features. Unlike most luxury properties, this one-of-a-kind offering is far more than a single residence. It is a private residential compound with multiple homes thoughtfully positioned throughout the grounds, providing tremendous flexibility for multi-generational living, private guest accommodations, long-term rentals, vacation rentals, or a future wellness or hospitality concept. The Primary Residence The primary residence encompasses approximately 220 square meters (2,368 square feet) and combines timeless craftsmanship with warm, inviting architecture. Constructed of brick, with rich hardwood ceilings and expansive windows framing the surrounding forest, the home blends beautifully into its natural surroundings. According to the recent appraisal, the residence features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a guest half-bath, along with a generous living room, dining area, kitchen, and additional rooms that can serve as a music room, studio, family room, or home office. A separate laundry area adds everyday convenience. One of the home’s defining features is its spectacular glass-enclosed terrace overlooking the forest, gardens, and river valley. Designed as a seamless extension of the interior living space, it offers an exceptional setting for entertaining, morning coffee, reading, or simply watching the changing light move across the trees and mountains. The primary bedroom also features its own fireplace and tranquil garden views. The Additional Residences Two additional independent residences significantly enhance the estate’s flexibility, income potential, and long-term value. The second residence encompasses approximately 140 square meters (1,507 square feet) and offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a guest half-bath, living and dining areas, and a kitchen. The third residence is a charming 60-square-meter (646-square-foot) cabin with one bedroom, one full bathroom, and a guest half-bath. Both residences are currently occupied, offering immediate income potential while preserving the privacy of their occupants. Private viewings are available for qualified buyers. Together, the estate’s three residences provide six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three guest half-baths. This unusual configuration makes the property exceptionally well suited for an extended family, private guests, individual rental accommodations, staff housing, or the beginning of a thoughtfully designed hospitality or wellness destination. The Former Distillery A separate 100-square-meter (1,076-square-foot) building was previously used as a distillery, and the original distillery equipment is included in the sale. This freestanding structure introduces yet another layer of possibility. Subject to applicable municipal permissions, it could potentially be transformed into a wellness or treatment space, massage studio, yoga or fitness center, artist’s atelier, creative workshop, professional office, reception area, entertainment pavilion, or shared amenity for a future retreat or boutique hospitality project. Its history as a working distillery also gives the building a distinctive character and story that could be thoughtfully incorporated into the property’s next chapter. A Natural Sanctuary Perhaps the estate’s greatest luxury is one that simply cannot be recreated. A beautiful river winds through the property before cascading into a picturesque waterfall, creating an extraordinary natural environment rarely found so close to the city. Towering eucalyptus trees, open green spaces, established gardens, walking paths, and secluded gathering areas create an atmosphere that feels more like a private nature preserve than a traditional residential property. The grounds appear almost purpose-built for a wellness or nature-centered destination. Guests could wake to the sounds of the river, walk beneath the forest canopy, practice yoga among the trees, receive spa or therapeutic treatments in a private setting, gather for meals overlooking the valley, and retreat at the end of the day to their own independent accommodations. Whether enjoying morning coffee above the river, hosting family gatherings beneath the trees, reading in the riverside cabana, or entertaining guests on the expansive terrace, every corner of the estate celebrates its remarkable connection to nature. Exceptional Future Potential What makes this estate particularly unusual is its combination of natural beauty, multiple existing residences, established services, immediate income potential, and documented planning possibilities. A recent professional appraisal states that the property meets the applicable conditions for subdivision under the informational IPRUS, subject to confirmation of current regulations and final municipal approval. The report also identifies portions of the property within low-density rural residential, commercial and service, and ecological-protection land-use categories. For the right buyer, this may open the door to an array of compelling possibilities. The estate could potentially become an intimate spa and wellness destination, holistic health or therapeutic center, executive retreat, boutique nature lodge, collection of luxury vacation or Airbnb accommodations, creative residency, or carefully planned residential enclave, subject to all required municipal reviews and approvals. The ecological-protection portion of the property adds another meaningful dimension. Rather than simply representing undeveloped land, it helps preserve the river, forest, and natural environment that give the estate its unique identity. A thoughtful owner could build an entire residential or hospitality concept around conservation, privacy, wellness, and an authentic connection to nature. The subdivision potential may also appeal to an investor or extended family interested in creating separate parcels while retaining the estate’s overall character. With three residences already in place, a substantial freestanding building, vehicle access, electricity, piped water, internet, individual utility meters, garbage collection, and a septic system, much of the essential infrastructure is already established. An Estate for Many Different Lives This property could serve beautifully as a private luxury estate, multi-generational family compound, executive or corporate retreat, writer’s or artist’s sanctuary, wellness destination, boutique hospitality project, or income-producing collection of individual residences. It is equally compelling for someone who simply wants privacy, land, and the freedom to live surrounded by nature without leaving the conveniences of Cuenca behind. The existing residences allow family members, guests, tenants, or retreat participants to enjoy independent accommodations, while the grounds provide abundant shared spaces for gathering, relaxing, creating, and exploring. Few properties offer this much flexibility within such a beautiful and established natural setting. A Rare Opportunity Large private estates of this scale seldom become available so close to Cuenca. Combining seclusion, three residences, immediate income potential, substantial existing infrastructure, extraordinary natural surroundings, and reported subdivision potential, this property represents far more than a traditional real estate investment. It offers the foundation for a family legacy estate, an exceptional nature retreat, or an imaginative residential, wellness, or hospitality concept in one of the region’s most beautiful settings. Some properties are purchased for their architecture. Others for their location or future potential. This remarkable estate offers all three—along with something that cannot simply be constructed or replicated: an established private forest sanctuary shaped by water, landscape, and time, only minutes from one of South America’s most beloved and culturally rich cities. This extraordinary private, gated estate—with three independent residences, a versatile freestanding structure, river, waterfall, and private forest sanctuary—is being offered at [NEW LISTING PRICE], negotiable. FACEBOOK Imagine owning a private forest sanctuary—with three residences, a river, waterfall, and extraordinary future potential—just fifteen minutes from Cuenca’s historic center. Hidden within approximately 9,878 m² (2.44 acres) of mature eucalyptus forest in desirable San Joaquín, this gated estate offers three independent residences and a versatile former distillery building, with approximately 520 m² (5,597 sq ft) of total construction. Winding paths lead through expansive lawns and established gardens to a charming thatched- roof riverside cabana. The sound of flowing water follows you throughout the property, creating a setting that feels wonderfully removed from the city while remaining close to Cuenca’s restaurants, shopping, medical facilities, and cultural life. The three residences offer a total of six bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three half-baths, making the estate ideal for multi-generational living, private guests, or income-producing accommodations. Two residences are currently occupied, providing immediate income potential. And there is another exciting dimension: a recent professional appraisal indicates that the property meets the applicable planning conditions for subdivision, subject to municipal confirmation and approval. The report also identifies rural residential, commercial and service, and ecological-protection land-use categories. For the right buyer, this extraordinary setting could potentially become an intimate spa or wellness destination, nature retreat, holistic health center, boutique lodge, collection of luxury Airbnb accommodations, creative residency, or private residential enclave—all subject to the appropriate municipal approvals. Properties combining this degree of privacy, natural beauty, established infrastructure, and future potential are rarely available so close to Cuenca. Offered at 1,990,000, negotiable. Contact Ecuador At Your Service for additional information or to arrange a private showing for qualified buyers.