Expats in Panama featured on House Hunters Internationals

Paul, 35 and Tara, 34 moved to Panama from Alberta, Canada last year with their son Linden, 2 and daughter Taya, 5. Looking to get out of the cold and break free from the rat race, they decided to move to Panama. With their children in mind, Paul and Tara chose the Coronado area. “Coming to Panama with kids definitely restricts where you can live,” explains Paul. “We needed to be near quality schools and health care, the Pacific beach area was our best option, apart from the city.” 

Leaving behind corporate jobs to open a small bed and breakfast, the move would offer the young couple and their children a change of lifestyle.

After finding the perfect house to renovate with space to build additional villas, Paul and Tara were contacted by House Hunters International. The popular reality-style TV show was seeking a couple under the age of 55 in the process of renovations to feature on the show. House Hunters International is a spinoff of House Hunters, following a person or family who has recently relocated. 

House Hunters International has filmed in Panama a handful of times, exploring highly sought after real estate in locations like Panama’s Pacific beach community, Boquete, Casco Viejo, and Bocas Del Toro. Recent episodes have been following young families and tackling topics like finding schools and work.

Tara spoke with us about her reservations. “When we chose to move to Panama we were worried how our kids would adjust to the heat, if we would be able to find good schools, and of course the language barrier” says Tara. After speaking with several young families in the area, we found Tara’s uncertainties to be common among many young families who have chosen to relocate to Panama. Families living in the Coronado area put school, work, and a sense of community at the top of their needs. 

We met up with the young family and Steve Japp of Paradise Construction on set during day 3 of filming. Despite having chosen the final property, Paul and Tara have already looked at two properties with Real Estate Agent Beth McGuyton of Try Panama. The final day of filming took place on the construction of what would soon be a lush tropical paradise for their primary residence and soon-to-be bed and breakfast.  With Steve’s help on the construction front, the 3000 m2 property over-looking the Pacific Ocean will be totally transformed in 3 months. 
Steve walked us through the master plans. “We’re doing a full renovation of the existing 10002 ft. house, a master bed and bath add-on, constructing two 40 m2 guest cabins, a large infinity pool, deck, bohio and bar.” The property will also be gated and landscaped with a wide variety of national plants, and have several pathways connecting each area.  Steve expects the project will be complete by January of 2015. Upon completion House Hunters International will return to film the “final reveal.” 

Paul and Tara are settled in Coronado while they their property is being completed. They have found a quality school, the International School for their children. Paul told us “they have both adapted very well though and really love it here.” Just over six months after settling in, Paul and Tara have made a large network of friends. They look forward to moving into their new home and opening their doors to guests. 

Check Playacommunity.com for a follow-up article and photos of the complete project. 

If you are buying a house in Panama and are interested in being featured on House Hunters International email househunterscasting@leopardfilms.com with your name, phone number, photo and location attached.

If you need help building the house of your dreams, connect with Steve, of Paradise construction by calling 507-6724-9559.