Oceanfront living in Manglaralto, Ecuador
This page walks you through what it’s like to live in this oceanfront apartment in Manglaralto, Ecuador, including the layout, amenities, and lifestyle it supports.
Open the doors and the Pacific is right there — palm trees, beach, ocean. This is what you see from the bed.
Sunsets in Manglaralto are consistently stunning and wildly varied. Every evening is different. Every day brings the energy of the sea, birds skimming low over the water, and the call of the waves…
An open layout shaped around warmth and flow — terracotta tile, cedar details, and the kind of air and light that feels different when you live in front of the sea.
The apartment entry is one level up from the street, with the pool in front of you and the ocean just beyond.
The dining table sits right by the window, with the pool in front and the ocean just beyond.
Morning coffee here. Evening wine in the pergola. It really is a great way to live!
A hybrid of local craft and modern design — quartz countertops, wood drawers and doors sealed with marine-grade finish, and durable frames throughout.
Living this close to the ocean is hard on everything — so we built accordingly. This setup holds up better over time, and makes repairs or replacements simpler when something inevitably needs attention.
The double sink sits directly in front of the kitchen window, looking out over the pool and toward the ocean beyond. There is hot and cold water at every tap and the laundry area.
It turns a daily task into something quieter — a few minutes of sea, light, and horizon instead of just another chore.
A built-in couch/daybed with a cedar backboard and integrated end tables. Outlets for lamps are tucked away so you can have gentle light for reading without cords running everywhere.
And speaking of cords — the wall-mounted TV above the built-in entertainment center has power and ethernet in the wall. And if you're like me and like to watch TV while eating dinner, this is the place.
Upstairs is cool and calm, with high-speed fiber that's been surprisingly reliable. Ethernet is hardwired to the desk and living area TV for extra stability when it matters.
Close the curtains when you want focus or privacy. Open them when you're feeling more expansive.
From the desk, the view opens out over the pool and the ocean beyond — but work doesn't have to stay inside. The pergola, poolside, or anywhere on the property works just as well.
Some days you want structure. Some days you want air, light, and distance. Both are easy here.
Upstairs shifts into cooler tones — sea-foam tile, cream walls, cedar headboard, and soft light from locally-made-basket fixtures. The sound of the Pacific as you drift to sleep.
Outlets on both sides for charging, space to move, and doors that open to breeze and sound make it easy to settle in without thinking much about it.
Bathrooms are just hard to photograph — this is combined photo — but the bathroom is simple, solid, and comfortable to use. Same cabinet style as downstairs, paired with white quartz countertops and Briggs fixtures throughout. A large shower with clean lines and white mosaic tile underfoot.
Plenty of storage, good light at the mirror, and everything laid out comfortably for two people.
A mix of glass, cedar, and warm natural tones gives a clean but earthy character.
The exterior kitchen wall uses a custom brick pattern that adds texture and depth without feeling decorative — simple, solid, and built to last.
The upstairs deck will need handrails added. Some people prefer modern glass, others classic caña — this leaves the choice open to you.
The pool sits between the apartment and the ocean and is one of the larger ones in town — recently filled and ready to use.
The filter head and sand will need professional attention at some point. See the "Real Deal / Disclosures" link below the pricing section for a full breakdown.
The pergola is a great place to relax, entertain with guests, work, or nap in the hammock. It has a built in chiminea for a fire or burning palo santo.
The layout below shows how the living, dining, and kitchen spaces connect — open where it matters, and easy to live in day to day.
This apartment was rebuilt from structure outward — not cosmetic, but complete — including a new roof, fresh enlucido, Sherwin-Williams paints throughout, and literally every inch of wiring replaced in the last three years.
Grounded outlets everywhere, modern breakers, GFCIs in wet areas, and small but meaningful details like three-way switches for stairs and bedside lighting. Little things that make daily life easier and safer.
Upstairs connects the bedroom, bath, and workspace into a calm, functional zone — cool tones, good airflow, and everything where you'd expect it to be.
The electrical panel and tankless water heater are installed indoors, the main breaker sits in a weather-resistant box, and the plumbing layout makes it easy to add a whole-apartment water filtration system if desired. Practical details that save time, money, and headaches later.
| Lot Size | 760.82 m² (~8,190 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Property Taxes | Less than $100 per year currently |
| Apartment | ~90 m² — 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath, fully finished |
| Pool | ~90 m² — one of the largest in town |
| Covered Pergola | ~65 m² with fireplace |
| Garage | 2-car, street level |
| Storage | ~53 m² total (bodegas + utility) |
| Beach | Steps from the sand |
Oceanfront lot, finished apartment, oversized pool, and outdoor living —
in a family-friendly coastal town where daily life still feels real.
Real Deal / Disclosures