Designed by The Ranch Mine with interiors by Designs by MB, this oceanfront home in San Pedro, Belize was created for connection. Built for a retired inventor and an interior designer, the house was planned as a place to gather, cook, swim, and stay for weeks at a time. Every decision centers on openness, durability, and a deep relationship with the sea.
Set on a narrow half acre lot, the home is arranged as a compound rather than a single structure. The main house is joined by two guest casitas, a caretaker suite, and a boathouse, all positioned between dense jungle planting and the turquoise sea.
The structure is entirely concrete, a practical response to the coastal climate and hurricane exposure. Native woods, palm fronds, and handmade elements soften the exterior and connect the architecture to its island setting.
A solid wood door welcomes visitors to the home and sits within smooth pale walls, which are paired with vertical wood screening that filters views and casts shifting shadows throughout the day. Simple steps lead up through planted greenery, slowing the approach and reinforcing a sense of arrival. Overhead, a woven pendant adds a subtle handmade note, while the surrounding landscape softens the architecture and ties the entry directly to its tropical setting.
The entryway sets a calm, tactile tone from the moment you step inside. Soft Chukum plaster walls rise to a high ceiling where a cluster of handcrafted woven pendants creates a warm, sculptural canopy of light. Underfoot, a textured stone and pebble path draws the eye toward the solid wood front door, while low narrow windows and planted greenery along the wall keep the space grounded and cool.
The living room was designed to dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Large pocketing doors slide fully open, allowing ocean breezes to pass through the space and connect it directly to the pool and patios.
The kitchen is positioned as part of the main living zone, supporting daily use as well as larger gatherings. Its location keeps it visually and physically connected to the outdoor areas. White concrete countertops and local Sam wood cabinetry balance durability with warmth, while custom reeded detailing adds texture to the space.
Outdoor cooking plays a central role in how the home functions. The outdoor kitchen includes a wood fired pizza oven, smoker, and grill, turning meals into shared events, while the dining area is furnished with an oversized wood table and stools.
The adjacent outdoor lounge is arranged as a natural gathering point, sheltered beneath a wood lined ceiling and open on all sides to the landscape beyond. Curved seating wraps around a circular fire pit, creating a relaxed setting for conversation that continues into the evening. Stone paving grounds the space, while woven furniture and soft cushions add warmth and comfort.
The pool anchors the main living areas and acts as a visual and social connector between the structures. It sits just beyond the living room, reinforcing the idea that outdoor spaces are part of everyday life. Movement between swimming, dining, and lounging happens without separation, keeping everyone within view.
The boathouse was the first structure completed, reflecting the homeowners’ connection to the sea. Built directly over the water, it provides covered boat storage and space for fishing and diving gear. When the boat is docked, the platform becomes a place for watching sunrises, fishing, and cleaning fresh catches just steps from the kitchen.
Two guest casitas allow friends and family to stay comfortably while maintaining privacy. Their placement supports the compound layout, with shared outdoor spaces acting as the social center. This arrangement makes long visits possible without crowding the main house.
The bedrooms continues the home’s calm, material focused approach, combining openness with a sense of ease. Low timber beds and integrated wood headboards anchor the space, while soft textiles and neutral tones keep the atmosphere relaxed. Above, thatched ceilings and exposed beams add texture and warmth, reinforcing the connection to local craft. Large sliding doors open the rooms to surrounding greenery, allowing light and breezes to shape the experience throughout the day.
Soft, sandy neutrals and tactile finishes give the bathroom a serene, spa-like feel. Traditional Mayan Chukum plaster adds natural texture and helps regulate temperature, while pale tile walls curve into a sculptural shower, with warm brass fixtures adding a subtle glow. The shower blurs indoor and outdoor living, with a clear glass wall and a door that opens to an outdoor shower featuring rough-cut stone, black pebbles, and matte black fixtures for a calm, resort-like moment at home.
In a second bathroom, a carved stone basin sits on a concrete vanity with warm wood drawers, and is paired with simple black fixtures. Vertical timber slats filter light and views toward greenery, while the stone floor and open shower keep the space connected to the outdoors. Textured surfaces and restrained detailing create a bathroom that feels calm, grounded, and closely tied to its tropical setting.
Built on an island with limited access to materials and equipment, the project leaned heavily on local collaboration and regional sourcing. The result is a home shaped by place, people, and purpose.