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Building a home in Nicaragua from the ground up is both rewarding and challenging. We experienced this firsthand when designing and constructing our 2-bedroom, 2 ½-bathroom house in San Juan del Sur.
We collaborated with local architect Herman Gallegos to create a stylish and functional home within our budget. Our contractor Wesley Tiffer, completed the construction in just seven months!
Our Neighborhood: A Taste of Nicaraguan Life
We live in a barrio that is 90% Nicaraguan. It has simple homes and a local atmosphere that’s sometimes noisy, but always full of life. Roosters, barking dogs, and children playing in the streets form part of daily life here. One thing we love most about our home is its location. We’re just minutes away from the beach, restaurants, and our favorite happy hour spots. This proximity helps us stay connected to the community. Living in a local neighborhood has also given us a deeper understanding of Nicaraguan culture and the simple, fulfilling lifestyle here. It’s been one of the most enriching parts of building a home in Nicaragua. Not just the physical space, but the cultural immersion that comes with it.
Open Spaces: Designing a Home that Blends Indoors and Out
The first thing that catches your eye as you approach our property is the bougainvillea growing along the wall by the driveway. It adds a nice pop of color to the front. Just beyond, the entrance features a striking over-sized pivot door crafted from solid coyote rosewood. It’s so heavy it took four people to install.
At 1400 square feet, our home was designed to maximize space while keeping things open and airy. The mirrored glass windows we chose help filter out harsh sunlight while still letting in plenty of natural light.
We designed our living room to flow seamlessly into the outdoor space. Large windows and an open layout connect the indoors with the patio and pool area, making it feel like one continuous space. Whether we’re relaxing inside or hanging out by the pool, the open flow makes it easy to enjoy both.
One of our first furniture purchases in Nicaragua was our tiger wood dining table. It played a role in the design process—we made sure the space was built around it. The table features a built-in ice box, perfect for larger gatherings.
The kitchen is one of our favorite spaces in the house. Its angled design creates a natural flow. The layout allows us to prep and cook together without getting in each other’s way. Open shelving, handleless cabinets, and white quartz counter tops create a functional space. We chose LG stainless steel appliances for their durability and modern design.
Minimalist Bedrooms and Baths on the Upper Level
Upstairs, there are two bedrooms. Each has a private bathroom with modern features. These include floating vanities and round mirrors for a minimalist style. The polished concrete floors and handcrafted tiles are consistent throughout the home.
We have a small terrace off our bedroom. It’s a great spot to wind down in the evening and take in sunset views over the bay.
Landscaping and Outdoor Living
While our neighborhood isn’t the most picturesque, our landscaping creates a lush, tropical retreat. Palms and bougainvillea surround the property, adding privacy and greenery. Outdoor living is a huge part of life here.
The Building Journey
One of the best things about building a home in Nicaragua is that you can have exactly what you want. But with that freedom comes a never-ending list of decisions. How deep should the pool be? What style of windows do we want? What height should the privacy wall be?
Luckily, Gordon was on-site almost every day, making sure everything was done to our specifications. And knowing I sometimes struggled with decision-making, he even made a few choices on my behalf—ones he knew I’d be happy with—just to keep things moving smoothly.
Curious what the process looked like? We documented it all—from the raw piece of land to those early days settling in. You can check out our full construction timeline with photos in this Facebook album.
Furnishing and Decorating Our Home
After finishing construction, we focused on furnishing and decorating. With no easy access to Amazon or large stores, we had to be inventive. Thanks to talented local carpenters, we’ve had high-quality, custom wood pieces made from nothing more than inspiration photos. This is something that would have been totally out of reach back in Canada.
We focused on pieces that feel personal and meaningful. Our home features a custom-built credenza, bedroom furniture inspired by West Elm, and artwork by local artist Maria Delgado. Much of our decor is handmade by local artisans, gifted, or the result of DIY projects.
The Road to Home Ownership in Nicaragua
It’s ironic that we sold everything to move to Nicaragua, but after seven years of renting different places, having a home to truly call our own again feels amazing.
Those years of renting taught us so much about what we wanted and needed in a space—things we never considered when living in Canada. For example, we now appreciate the importance of airflow, shaded outdoor areas, and open living spaces that make a tropical living much more comfortable.
Lessons to Building a Home in Nicaragua
We were lucky to have a smooth building experience—something that isn’t always the case in Nicaragua. Finding the right team made all the difference, and we’re grateful for their expertise. Six years later, our home is still evolving, but we’re thankful to have a space of our own. One that reflects our journey and the life we’ve built in San Juan del Sur.
Building this home in Nicaragua gave us more than a permanent place to live. It also gave us a deeper connection to this country we now call home. For that, we are truly grateful!
We’d love to hear about your experiences! Whether you’re building a home, living in San Juan del Sur, or simply enjoying life in Nicaragua feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below.