Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Stann Creek District

Discover a rare opportunity to own a thriving farm and hospitality business nestled along Belize's scenic Hummingbird Highway in the Maya Mountains. This expansive property is also home to the Toucan Cafe, a popular restaurant convenient for local communities and individuals traveling through the Maya mountains. The property is home to an educational nonprofit, Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S), welcoming global students, educators, and researchers interested in ecology, conservation, birding, and the region's natural beauty. T.R.E.E.S was founded in 2012 and has established a professional reputation as a popular hub for tropical wildlife research and educational tourism for global citizens of all ages. This property is suited for buyers or investors who will maintain this long-standing partnership with the educational nonprofit, advancing long-term conservation efforts, hosting educational programming and community development initiatives, and promoting collaborative, educational programs in Belize for years to come. Given the unique nature of the property and collaboration with the NGO on site leading the educational programming, the seller is seeking to attract universities, researchers, conservation-focused NGOs, and private conservationists who find this property ideal for research, education, and conservation efforts. The seller is willing to entertain an ownership proposal comprised of multiple owners/entities involved in a partnership agreement to advance the current efforts of the property and programming. The advancement of the on-site programming is of utmost importance in this sale. Property Highlights & Key Features: Prime Location for Ecological Studies: Situated along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor and nestled amongst the Southern Block of protected areas bordering the Sibun Forest Reserve, the property boasts high wildlife biodiversity, waterfalls, and creeks, providing an ideal setting for field research and environmental studies. Accommodations Infrastructure: Operations: The upper campus facilities include a main building (2, 250 square feet) comprised of a fully functioning commercial kitchen, office with A/C, large lab, outdoor and indoor dining areas, a presentation hall, 3 bathrooms, a well-appointed concrete Directors home (with A/C), laundry room, and a 1, 200 square foot shed for tool storage, vehicle parking, and lower facility laundry room and linens storage. An additional concrete mostly underground bunker is used as a secondary power tool and small machine storage area. Hospitality for Guests: The property has been thoughtfully designed with future educational programming, hospitality, and guests in mind. The property features a variety of accommodations, including a charming 20 by 30 wood main fully furnished home, 2 double cabins (4 rooms) and 2 single cabins, 2 small two-room cabins with indoor kitchenettes and ensuite full bathrooms, 2 dorm-style bunk-bed cabins, as well as 4 tent-roofed tent platforms and an off-grid screenhouse with ensuite bathroom in the orchard for more adventurous guests. A staff house, toilets, a shower building, and a spacious 20 by 20 screen yoga platform/outdoor classroom are also located near the guest housing. Currently, the property can sleep up to 60 clients at once. Extensive Research Infrastructure: Dedicated ecological research station Approximately 8 km of trails for field studies Two walkable swimming holes for aquatic research 11 acres of farmland available for agricultural studies Educational Facilities: Spacious dining hall for lectures and group discussions 20' x 20' yoga platform adaptable for outdoor classes 20 x 15 laboratory used as the NGO program staff work space and lab equipment storage as well as space for student experimental projects 1, 200 sq ft shed for vehicle parking, tools, and linen storage. Special Features: Spanning across the lush landscape are approximately 8 km of trails that lead to discoveries around every corner. Enhancing the experience are 2 walkable swimming holes with clean fast-flowing mountain water for guests and staff to enjoy and utilize for research. Utilities:A robust water system ensures reliable supply with a combination of potable well-water pumped to a concrete reservoir, treated with sediment and UV filtration, and fed to all upper facilities and some lower facilities via a pressure tank as well as a combo of untreated well-water and rain-water catchment offering gravity-fed distribution to all lower buildings. This set-up has been functioning through 6-week droughts with housing at full capacity without a risk of the well drying up. All of the upper and lower facilities are connected to the grid and powered by Belize Electricity Ltd. and recent electrical upgrades for the whole property have been completed. Many appliances and hot water heating is powered by butane. Property & Research Potential: The 20 acres of property bordering the highway provides ample space for expanding accommodation facilities or other structural developments with easy access and increased visibility for students, staff or programming. 11 acres of farmland currently set as an experimental farm is available for future sustainable agricultural development projects. Established local community connections offering opportunities for community-engaged research and outreach programs. A Unique Business Opportunity: A Collaborative Partnership with T.R.E.E.S Currently, this property thrives as a hub for educational tours and retreats. The established business maintains significant potential for growth in eco-tourism and hospitality. A new restaurant on-site is currently gaining popularity and is an important source of revenue in the low season (August through October). The on-site nonprofit, the Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (T.R.E.E.S), and the hosting center and property have a long-term, collaborative business partnership. While the list of local partners and organizations can be provided, the international partners and organizations are Ecorana clients and not included in the sale. Potential buyers must agree to maintain the integrity of T.R.E.E.S over time, including its educational programming, educators, research developments, educational partnerships, etc. Existing hosting staff including cooks, housekeepers, groundskeepers, sales coordinators, hosts, and farm and property maintenance staff are high quality employees, mostly from our local communities, and have been highly trained to do their current positions. Potential buyers must also agree to maintain the integrity of the research station staffing with only a change in operational and/or guest services management. This presents a unique opportunity for Universities, independent conservationists, and NGOs to: Support and advance a permanent tropical research station Develop unique study-abroad programs for global citizens of all ages Conduct long-term ecological and conservation research Engage in community-based learning and research initiatives Conclusion: This exceptional property presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the right buyer or investor to acquire property that is home to a multifaceted business venture in one of Belize's most picturesque locations. The seller is seeking to attract Universities and other education institutes and Conservation NGOs who will find this property ideal for research, ...