We are proud to introduce you to our friend, Jan Hart, who lives in San Isidro de el General in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. Jan and her late husband Frank Thompson openly shared their lives, their delicious food, and their souls with us during our 2012 trip to Costa Rica. Our time with them was magical and inspirational. Jan and Frank got married in a surprise (for the guests) wedding at Jan’s 70th birthday event in 2012, and they started a business together called “Simply Living in Costa Rica”. Sadly, Frank passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on March 10, 2013. Our hearts are broken as we so looked forward to connecting with Frank again. We can’t even begin to fathom what Jan has been going through. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with her every day. To connect with Jan, please use her contact form so she will know that we introduced you. After submitting the form, you’ll be redirected to her website. Be sure to save us to your favorites or use your back button to visit us again. We will update the information below as we learn more about Jan’s journey and plans.
Frank Thompson and Jan Hart in their outdoor kitchen
Jan Hart and Frank Thompson
San Isidro de el General, Southern Zone, Costa Rica
Frank Thompson is a retired Canadian geologist who came with his wife, Sue, to Costa Rica in 1995 where they founded an organic farm from unused pastureland near San Isidro. Sue passed away in August of 2009, and Frank continued working the 12-acre farm known as Finca La Puebla. He hosts volunteers from all over the world who come to learn about organic gardening in the tropics.
Jan Hart is a semi-retired watercolor artist, teacher and published author who came to Costa Rica from New Mexico after losing her home and livelihood in the 2008 financial crisis. In the five years she has been in Costa Rica, she has transformed the run down Tico house on a hill over the city of San Isidro into a rebuilt, comfortable home with an open air studio and outdoor kitchen, two cabinas for visiting students, an aviary for her birds and an outdoor shower. She and Frank are now building a casita for Frank at Jan’s place where they can continue their LAT (Living Alone Together) life choice.
Frank and Jan complement each other in so many ways. Both are very practical former scientists (F-geology and J-biology) with a love for Costa Rica’s animals, people and Pura Vida simple life. Together they are endlessly curious about life and how to simplify and find lasting joy in the day to day. In addition to their Simply Living in Costa Rica business, they are co-writing a book called “The Scarlet and Jade House”.
After working his farm for almost 20 years, Frank is ready to be more retired, and he has put his beautiful organic farm up for sale. If we had the money and the desire to continue working, we would buy his farm in a heartbeat. It is one of the true treasures we discovered in Costa Rica.