Casita Naranja - Belize

2006-12-25T07:20:00.016-06:00

from the Spanish
La Casita Naranja - The Little Orange House
(La' Ca-see-ta' Nah-ran-ha')

For your time in Belize consider renting our unique creekside jungle lodge located near San Ignacio in the Cayo district.

Combining exclusivity and charm, The Little Orange House presents a memorable opportunity to experience a part of the Belizean jungle.

Its original design and character creates an ambiance that separates it from the norm while offering a welcome that is both warm and inviting.

Intended for a single person or couple, the property is furnished with many original handmade items and set amongst the numerous trees and palms of a lovely creekside location on the private Villa Macal estate.

Being self-contained and as the only accommodation available for rent on this 16.6 acre riverside reserve, The Little Orange House offers an escape from mass-market tourism and an opportunity to enjoy the splendors of Belize at your own pace and schedule.

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Despite its secluded location, The Little Orange House is still conveniently located to all the amenities the area has to offer.

Within a 20 minute walking distance (or 5 minute drive) to the bustling market town of San Ignacio and its twin Santa Elena, a 30 minute drive to the capital city Belmopan and 90 minutes from the International airport, privacy and seclusion is not at the expense of accessibility.

Explore the links under the adjacent CONTENTS and in our FAQ's to discover more about this unique lodging option.

2006-12-05T17:15:00.032-06:00

... About Us ...

The motivation behind The Little Orange House was to provide a refreshing and alternative way to experience tropical Belize while blending architecturally and philosophically into the Villa Macal property of which it is part.

Like Villa Macal, which makes a distinctive statement through its cohesive design and attention to detail, we also wanted The Little Orange House to be unique and inspiring.

To achieve this we decided against creating the conditions to match the preconceived idea of life in the jungle. We also decided to tailor our facilities for just two people and not try to incorporate the special requirements that families, children and larger groups often require.

For people like ourselves who prefer the accommodation option to be a destination in itself and not just a place to overnight, we wanted to provide the opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy the simple things in life that can be so hard to do during a busy everyday schedule.

We also wanted to provide this without the pressure to incur the additional costs of tours, meals and service charges which can often covertly increase the overall cost substantially.

This alternative approach also extends to our marketing strategy for The Little Orange House. We are not looking to appeal to everybody so our advertising is very specific. If you are reading this you will have almost certainly found us via a personal referral or an online search concerning an important aspect associated with us. We prefer to attract people that already know what they want and both recognize and appreciate something a little special when they see it.

For independent, self-reliant people who want to come and "live" in Belize - if only for a few days, who prefer to set their own schedule and don't need to be pampered, The Little Orange House may well be the ideal choice to unwind and enjoy the nature of Belize.

Nature in its unadulterated form however, can sometimes be less than comfortable and a fine line exists, between experiencing what nature has to offer and being insulated from it. Rather than enforce our will over this inherent aspect of Belize and the tropics, we believe in a policy of mitigation rather than obliteration.

Through careful design of the structure which included consideration of airflow, shading and drainage, we have naturally improved cooling and reduced the prevalence of insects in the living areas without the need for air-conditioning or chemical insecticides, thereby becoming more a part of the nature that surrounds us and not merely an intrusion upon it.

If you share our outlook and philosophy, we invite you to come and experience it in person

2006-12-01T17:25:00.000-06:00

link list

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http://www.belizerealestatepropertyforsale.com belize real estate property for sale
http://www.homesites.villamacal.com homesite property for sale
http://www.littleorangehouse.com accomodation for short or long term rental

2006-11-25T20:06:00.013-06:00

... Living Space ...

The Little Orange House has been designed to suit a single person or a couple and includes everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

click plan to enlarge

Focusing on practicality rather than luxury, a stay at The Little Orange House is not so much about being pampered by excess as it is about being comfortable and close to the natural environment.

While compact in size, the interior space appears much larger due to a 12' high "vaulted" ceiling that also helps to keep the space cool and ventilated.

Large louver windows permit good cross ventilation, ambient light and views outside to the landscaped gardens.

The interior is trimmed with Cabbage Bark hardwood, locally known as Manchich. The furniture and doors, also made from Manchich, were exclusively designed and handmade on-site. In fact, not only were all the items made from the same species of wood but they all came from the same tree; an aspect that enhances the cohesiveness of the overall design. Wireless internet access is available throughout.

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- Bedroom ...

The Little Orange House has a studio-style sleeping arrangement with the bed located in an alcoved section of the main internal area. Cozy and comfortable, it looks out onto the garden and provides the perfect means to start the day to the tune of birdsong and the sight of the first rays of sunlight streaking over the latest ornamentals in bloom.

A solid handmade hardwood bed with a double mattress should help you sleep soundly as you fall asleep to the sounds of the creek and it's amphibian dwellers.

2006-10-25T14:49:00.005-06:00

- Bathroom ...

Statistically, while we may well spend more actual hours in bed than we do elsewhere the reverse is probably true for our waking hours. As a result we have devoted 80% of the available floorspace to "waking hours" activity and of that, the Bathroom consumes approximately 25%.

With the heat and humidity in the tropics a good shower is often much appreciated, so we have installed a large showering area with a powerful shower offering hot and cold water and everything in between.

2006-10-25T14:46:00.005-06:00

- Kitchen ...

Providing additional flexibility and independence during your stay, The Little Orange House has a kitchen where you can prepare your own snacks, drinks, meals or packed lunches.

A four-burner stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and refrigerator are available together with cutlery, crockery and ancillary items.

An extraction fan installed over the stove keeps the interior free of residual cooking smells.

2006-10-25T02:00:00.003-06:00

... Gazebo ...

The arrangement of the property seeks to blur the distinction between internal and external space since here in the tropics the climate allows for extended outdoor recreation.

Because of this, it is common to spend more time outside either relaxing, dining or enjoying the fresh air and cooling breezes. With this in mind a semi-detached Gazebo is provided to create a focus for this rather pleasant activity.

The Gazebo itself is connected to the main structure by a decked walkway passing between planted ornamentals linking the two and providing easy access.

As an extension of the internal space, lighting, tables and benches are provided for dining, relaxing or working (wireless internet access is available in the Gazebo)

2006-09-25T19:26:00.014-06:00

Villa Macal is a stunning riverfront property, located in the Belize, Central America. Come with us on a 3 minute journey into the 'Wild Jungle' for a glimpse of what this spectacular property represents

(turn sound ON before clicking play)

The Little Orange House is located within the grounds of the 16.6 acre Villa Macal private estate and therefore benefits from all the advantages of the main property.

click plan to enlarge

These include wonderful landscaped gardens, a myriad of jungle trails, a beautiful cascading creek, 20ft waterfall and access to the Macal river. Other advantages are a municipal electric and potable water supply, access to a centralized laundry facility and wireless internet access.

Villa Macal itself consists of three separate houses Casa Roja, Casa Azul, the smaller Casita Naranja (The Little Orange House) A central utility facility, Casita Amarilla consisting of a worshop and laundry is also available.

All have been designed and painstakingly crafted to complement each other via a cohesive styling yet still be distinctive in their own right.

None of the other properties are available for rent so exclusivity is guaranteed in renting The Little Orange House - few alternative accommodation options can boast a single rented cottage with a 16.6 acre garden!

2006-08-25T19:31:00.007-06:00

... Rates and Reservations ...

A set rental rate applies for one or two people throughout the year.

$165 USD + 9% Hotel Tax

per night with a three night minimum stay

Contact us for a quotation for longer term rates.

including:-

Complimentary use of Laundry facilities

Complimentary Wireless internet

Complimentary Airport Pickup for stays of 5 nights or more including a visit to the Belize Zoo en route

Complimentary Airport Pickup and Drop off for stays of 10 nights or more including a visit to the Belize Zoo en route

2006-08-20T19:50:00.008-06:00

- Reservations ...

If you would like to make a reservation please contact us by email to inquire about availability for the dates you wish to reserve.

If your dates are available we will require a 30% deposit to reserve them with the remainder being payable prior to 45 days of your arrival.

Payment can be made securely from your credit card via PayPal (even if you do not have a PayPal account) or by direct transfer into either our US or UK bank account.

- Cancellation policy ...

If you should need to cancel your reservation more than 45 days prior to your arrival we will refund all monies less a $75 administration fee.

If you need to cancel within 45 days of your arrival no refund will be made however, we will gladly refund all monies less a $75 administration fee should we subsequently rent out your reserved dates.

2006-08-18T07:14:00.002-06:00

Casita Naranja (The Little Orange House) is registered with the Belize Tourism Board for the provision of Tourist Accommodation and the collection of Government Hotel Tax.

2006-06-25T06:28:00.004-06:00

... San Ignacio & Cayo ...

The main town of Western Belize and of the Cayo district is San Ignacio. Twinned directly across the Macal river with its sister town Santa Elena via the 563' long Hawksworth suspension bridge (1949), it is the central hub of most activity in the area.

With an approximate population of 14000 people, San Ignacio offers a wide variety of medical facilities, schools, restaurants, supermarkets, hardware stores, churches, accommodations and entertainment venues. Most items of necessity are available locally while choice and variety are increasing all the time.

The town itself is an interesting mix of the old and new. Remnants of an interesting and colorful past are to be found at virtually every turn. However, development is occurring and with it greater opportunity and choice for those who live in the area.

Each Saturday, Belize's most colorful and diverse farmer's market takes place where people from all over the area and beyond come to socialize and sell their produce. These include the private and reclusive Mennonite residents who even to this day come from their residents who even to this day come from their nearby settlements to sell their nearby settlements to sell their produce via horse and buggy.

Located close to the main square, the whole town becomes a hive of activity with many people from the outlying areas making their weekly visit

Traveling fairs and circuses often visit the town while the local community regularly stage events particularly during the holiday periods, that are open to one and all.

The transport hub of Western Belize, San Ignacio lies about 70 miles west of Belize City (1-1/2 hours drive) 20 miles west of the Capital Belmopan (1/2 hour drive) or about 12 miles east of the border crossing into Guatemala (15 mins drive).

The Philip Goldson International Airport is located some 75 miles west near Belize City and takes approximately 1-1/2 hours by road. From there the USA is but a 2 hour flight away.

A regular bus service operates from the town center to most places of note or alternatively Taxis are numerous.

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San Ignacio is also the cultural and adventure hub of Western Belize. Numerous Maya archaeological sites (restored to differing degrees) are in the area such as Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and El Pilar with the spectacular ruins at Tikal a mere 2 hours away by road across the border in Guatemala.

Adventure is available with trips to any one of a number of cave systems that exist locally. Barton Creek Cave can be explored by canoe while perhaps the most popular, is the challenging Actun Tunichil Muknal a limestone cave system, 5km+ long, previously used by the Maya and still containing numerous artifacts. Less visited is the Chiquibul National Park and Forest Reserve accessed via the Mountain Pine Ridge area which amongst the vast array of wildlife and birds to be found there, is home to the nearly 100km Chiquibul Cave System Central America's longest!

Horse riding has risen in popularity in recent years with many local operators offering trips into the jungle, while the ubiquitous "Tubing" - floating down a river on an inflated truck tyre inner tube - is a hot weather activity enjoyed by many. Canoing on the Macal, Mopan or Belize rivers are a more leisurely and drier alternative.

All this together with hiking on the numerous jungles trails affords a wide variety of choices to experience the area fully.

2006-06-18T05:05:00.006-06:00

... FAQ ...

K.STAUFFER

Below is a list of questions and answers that we feel may be of interest to you. If you have others please let us know.

L.MOULTON

M.MOULTON

2006-05-25T06:31:00.006-06:00

... Contact Us ...

Hopefully, we have conveyed the uniqueness of this particular property and the advantages it holds.

Whether you require a short stay on your travels around Belize, a base for enjoying a tropical vacation, or a retreat from a hectic world, The Little Orange House can potentially meet your requirements.

However, if there are any aspects of particular interest to you that have not been covered on the website or in the FAQ's, please contact us by email and we shall do our best to provide the information as soon as possible.

Quotations for longer stays can be forwarded upon request as can availability for specific dates.

info@LittleOrangeHouse.com

PO Box 216, San Ignacio, BELIZE, Central America

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All images on this site are original and taken by us with the exception of the aerial photography and may not be reproduced without our express permission.

Additionally, apart from those taken in San Ignacio town and its environs, ALL photographs were taken ON the actual Villa Macal property.

zibeel

2006-05-15T13:00:00.007-06:00

... Guest Art ...

The creation of The Little Orange House much like Villa Macal, of which it is part, has been a journey of expression against a wonderful backdrop of nature at its best.

L.MOULTON

Currently, at this point in time, we are excited not only to have the opportunity to share the result with you but to invite you to become an inherent part of the whole.

K.STAUFFER

While staying at The Little Orange House, we encourage those who so wish, to create an original work of personal expression in a format of your choice.

L.MOULTON

Our goal is not to try and compete with the natural world but to accentuate the possibilities of what can be created whilst working in cooperation with nature rather than against it.

M.MOULTON

The completed piece which does not need to be permanent, can either be displayed on the property itself or photographed for this website, whichever is the most appropriate in the circumstances - of course you may also take your piece with you if you prefer.

Through the myriad of accommodation options available today, we believe those who manage to find and choose to stay at The Little Orange House will have already established an empathic connection with what we have attempted to create. As a result, we would like to invite all of our guests to become more than just a name in our guest book but instead become a tangible part of what makes this place so special.

2005-12-31T06:33:00.003-06:00

... FAQ ...

- What do I need to bring? ...

Packing light has consistently proved to offer many advantages over being burdened with too much luggage. The climate is consistently pleasant with only a slight possibility that chilly mornings or evenings would require a light sweater or fleece. For the rest of the time, lightweight, fast-drying, layerable clothing options will offer the greatest flexibility.

Comfortable footwear for walking the trails around the property is recommended.

Linens, towels and soap are provided as are some basic foodstuffs to get you started. Insect repellent and high-factor sunscreen may be useful additions as would a hat and sunglasses to offer some protection against the sun.

While Pharmacies are available in town, any medications that you have been prescribed should be brought with you in sufficient quantities to last your whole trip. A simple travelers medical kit containing plasters and perhaps some anti-histamine may also prove useful.

Click here to return to the FAQ Index

2005-12-29T17:43:00.003-06:00

... FAQ ...

- Do you offer tours? ...

We do not directly offer tours but can put you in contact with operators that do.

Many cultural sites of interest can be enhanced by an official guided tour, however, most sites can be visited independently either via your own or public transport.

Day trips to Tikal in Guatemala are regularly available locally.

Click here to return to the FAQ Index

2005-12-27T19:04:00.004-06:00

... FAQ ...

- How hot and humid will it be? ...

Click here to see the average weather conditions to be expected for the time when you may be visiting.

Regardless of the weather, flexibility in planning can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your time. For instance, avoid excessive physical exertion at the hotter times of the day and try and keep shaded from the sun whilst it is overhead and at its strongest.

Additionally, the importance of drinking plenty of water cannot be over-emphasized during your acclimatization to Belize.

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2005-12-25T06:23:00.003-06:00

... FAQ ...

- What are the insects like? ...

In a word - amazing! Like the rest of the flora and fauna that live here, the variety is huge with a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Belize is full of life in all shapes and sizes which of course is a significant appeal for many. However, in amongst this array there are some species that are less welcome.

For many, biting insects can cause the most irritation, however, a few simple precautions can reduce the occurrence significantly.

Malaria is understandably a concern for travelers to the tropics. In this area of Belize and in most of the other main areas, malaria is not prevalent. We of course suggest you check with your doctor and follow whatever advice he suggests.

Avoidance is of course the best strategy and wearing lighter-colored clothes can help as can covering up in dark shaded areas or when the sun has set. Drinking plenty of water can also help to keep you cooler and less attractive to insects as can refraining from the use of fragrant toiletries. Using a reputable insect repellent on exposed skin areas can also help.

If you know you are prone to reactions from insect bites perhaps consider bringing along an anti-histamine as a precautionary measure to reduce the effect or an ammonia-based itch reliever.

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2005-12-23T10:41:00.003-06:00

... FAQ ...

- Is my favorite drink/food available? ...

While the choice and variety of products available in Belize has increased several-fold over the last few years there are still many everyday items particularly specific branded ones that are not available.

However, if there is a particular item that makes your day that much brighter, rather than load your luggage unnecessarily, drop us a line and we will tell you if it is available locally and for what price.

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2005-12-21T10:45:00.003-06:00

... FAQ ...

- Where can I buy food/drink? ...

The closest place to The Little Orange House for provisions is Santa Elena town about a 5 minute drive away or a 20 minute walk. Here, a wide range of goods are available from fresh fruit, seafood, to dry goods and a multitude of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

We will ensure the refrigerator in The Little Orange House has some chilled water available for you on your arrival but let us know in advance any other preferences and we will make sure a few bottles are chilling with our compliments.

Additionally, we will make sure you have a few supplies in place for a snack and some breakfast until you get a chance to make your own arrangements.

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