There’s no need for a pool with the healing waters of the Laguna de Apoyo in your front yard.

To stay at Quinta Lee is to experience the richness of nature and the feel of Nicaragua.

Nicaragua's weather invites outdoor living. The open aired living space and and large covered terrace make this home a unique getaway. The beachfront patio will allow you to relax and dine in the shade as you take in the view of Volcan Mombacho. You can enjoy a hammock and nap to your heart’s content, or simply step into the warm waters of the Laguna for a swim. This beautiful paradise is surrounded by the lush Laguna de Apoyo Ecological Reserve. Don’t be surprised to hear the roar of a howler monkey or the sweet singing of a mot-mot.

This 4 bedroom and 5.5 bathroom home is made up of two separate buildings, both facing the pristine waters of the Laguna. Quinta Lee is constructed with local hardwoods and the locally hand made furniture gives it a true Nicaraguan flavour. The spacious main house has a fully equipped kitchen which looks upon the huge palm roof patio. This open concept kitchen is decorated with hand painted tiles, hardwood cabinets, and a large rustic wooden island. There is an outdoor barbecue, two dining areas, powder room, and a bedroom with private bath, all of which are equipped with fans to keep you cool and comfortable.

In the second house there are three bright bedrooms each with private tiled baths. All of the bedrooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans. The front two rooms open onto the stunning front garden and Laguna, and the rear room opens onto the back garden.

The well tended gardens are bursting with bouganvilla, gardenia and hibiscus flowers. Palm trees sway in the breeze, dappling the shade over the lake front patio. The large back yard is complete with organic mango, papaya, lime, orange and banana trees along with a small herb garden.

Everyone who stays at Quinta Lee falls in love with Wilmer & Estella, our delightful caretakers. Spanish speaking, they have a vast knowledge of the area and Nicaraguan culture. They are willing and very happy to help with anything you need. Wilmer and Estella live in their home at the rear of the property, out of sight of the main house. They are always close at hand, and always respectful of our guests’ privacy.

The Laguna de Apoyo is a perfect jumping off point for all sorts of activities. Granada is only a 25 minute drive away so it is easy to head into town for some fine dining or market shopping. Alternatively, there are some lovely local restaurants that surround the Laguna, or simply ask Estela to cook you up one of her deliciously authentic Nicaraguan meals.

You can also take a day trip to the Pacific coastal beaches, which are a 2-3 hour drive from the Laguna, go for nature walks up the Mombacho Volcano, or rent kayaks to explore the Laguna.

A note to the wise... as in much of Nicaragua, the last half km of road into Quinta Lee is a bit rough. Although a normal car is sufficient (a taxi will take you there), we prefer a 4WD vehicle.

Taken from Moon Handbook 2010 edition:

'You will find few places on earth quite like this charming, isolated community.'

Keywords: waterfront, Laguna de Apoyo, house, beach, home, view, open area, gardens, ecological reserve, birdwatching