This oceanfront dream house was designed for a couple as both a personal escape and a gathering place by The Ranch Mine, bringing together craft, climate, and culture in San Pedro, the colorful capital of Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye. A retired inventor and an interior designer approached the architects to design a coastal home that could accommodate family and friends for extended stays.
Their vision combined indoor-outdoor living, local craft, and comfort with resilience, all rooted in their deep connection to Belize. The half-acre site sits just down the beach of downtown San Pedro, with dense planting at the rear and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The narrow, deep lot required a design that maintained ocean views and natural airflow while withstanding the challenges of coastal weather and remote construction. Continue below to see the rest of this fabulous island retreat…
DESIGN DETAILS: HOUSE DESIGN The Ranch Mine BUILDER Alfaros Construction & Design INTERIOR DESIGN Designs by MB INTERIOR FURNISHINGS/DECOR Designs by MB
The layout features a modern compound comprising a main house, two guest casitas, a caretaker suite, and a boathouse. The living spaces are oriented to the water, with large pocketing doors that open fully to the pool and patios. One of the rear casitas is positioned to offer a direct view through the house to the sea, creating a moment of framed openness across the property.
To increase durability in a hurricane-prone climate, the entire structure is built from concrete. Texture and warmth come from local materials, including Chukum plaster, native Sam wood cabinetry, handmade banana fiber lighting, and palm frond ceilings. These details connect the home to Belize’s cultural and environmental context.
The boathouse was the first structure built, serving both functional and leisure purposes. It includes storage for diving and fishing gear, a covered dock, and a shaded platform for relaxing above the water. The landscape transitions from jungle flora to soft sand, guiding visitors through a series of layered moments of retreat and arrival.
The finished result is the culmination of a dream. A place where design becomes a lifestyle, where every detail reflects a story, and where people and place are deeply, intentionally connected. For the designers, it’s a reminder that bold design doesn’t need to shout. It can simply invite you in, hand you a drink, and ask you to stay awhile.
What We Love: This oceanfront dream house offers its owners a fabulous escape to share with family and friends. The beautiful architecture, complemented by the gorgeous surroundings, makes this home a haven of relaxation. We’re loving the indoor-outdoor vibe, the exquisite material palette, and the sumptuous swimming pool for those days when you want to soak up the sun and unwind in style. Overall, we find this beautiful island retreat very idyllic, a relaxing paradise in a fantastic location.
Tell Us: Would this island retreat be your idea of the ultimate coastal getaway home? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign that are located on an island: Escape to a tropical paradise in this breezy Hawaii Island home and Luxury villa provides a stunning oasis on the island of Formentera.
PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Ryan Studio
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